Play Therapy Psychologists and Therapists in Cranbourne, VIC

Photo of Fiona Dickie - Perpetual Wellness Counselling Service , Social Worker, AMHSW
I am a Medicare Registered Mental Health Clinician and Registered EMDR therapist, with more than 20 years of clinical experience, offering integrative mind-body psychotherapy, play therapy, incorporating a humanistic trauma-informed and attachment focused approach to facilitate your trauma recovery and relational growth.
Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist utilising attachment-based interventions for couples. Certified family trauma therapist utilising effective techniques to treat traumatized children, adolescents and families. I incorporate EMDR therapy to help individuals process traumatic experiences by processing in a safe and structured way.
I am a Medicare Registered Mental Health Clinician and Registered EMDR therapist, with more than 20 years of clinical experience, offering integrative mind-body psychotherapy, play therapy, incorporating a humanistic trauma-informed and attachment focused approach to facilitate your trauma recovery and relational growth.
Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist utilising attachment-based interventions for couples. Certified family trauma therapist utilising effective techniques to treat traumatized children, adolescents and families. I incorporate EMDR therapy to help individuals process traumatic experiences by processing in a safe and structured way.
(03) 5905 7894 View (03) 5905 7894
Photo of Anita Fiona Khalil - Veritas Art Therapy & Counselling, Psychotherapist, MA
Veritas Art Therapy & Counselling
Psychotherapist, MA
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
My gift and desire to help others use creative expression is what has me leaping out of bed each day. I want to help others use creative expression to explore what's going on for them, helping them delve into their inner worlds. I grew up in an intensely creative and neurodiverse family, highly attuned to the beauty of nature, music, art and words. I've always loved the opportunities these forms of expression provide to express myself, and to feel deeply—beyond words.
My gift and desire to help others use creative expression is what has me leaping out of bed each day. I want to help others use creative expression to explore what's going on for them, helping them delve into their inner worlds. I grew up in an intensely creative and neurodiverse family, highly attuned to the beauty of nature, music, art and words. I've always loved the opportunities these forms of expression provide to express myself, and to feel deeply—beyond words.
(03) 5910 5006 View (03) 5910 5006
Photo of Fiona Tully, MA
Fiona Tully
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Fiona is a Play Therapist with a passion for working with children and families.
In addition to being a Masters qualified and registered Child Play Therapist, Fiona holds a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood and has worked as a Kindergarten Director, and the Child Development Officer at a welfare agency working with families seeking support.
Fiona is a Play Therapist with a passion for working with children and families.
In addition to being a Masters qualified and registered Child Play Therapist, Fiona holds a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood and has worked as a Kindergarten Director, and the Child Development Officer at a welfare agency working with families seeking support.
(03) 5907 5402 View (03) 5907 5402
Photo of Jen Rushani - Nature plus Nurture , Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Nature plus Nurture
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Serves Area
The founder and Director 'Jen Rushani' is a qualified Child Play Therapist (Master of Child Play Therapy) with a background in Psychology and extensive career in Early Childhood Education and early intervention.
Play Therapy harnesses the unique therapeutic powers of play to help children heal and bring about changes in behaviour, social, emotional, language, and physical development. It is suitable for a variety of presentations such as trauma, loss, parental separation/divorce, behavioural problems, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, ADHD, ASD, GDD, Cerebral Palsy
The founder and Director 'Jen Rushani' is a qualified Child Play Therapist (Master of Child Play Therapy) with a background in Psychology and extensive career in Early Childhood Education and early intervention.
Play Therapy harnesses the unique therapeutic powers of play to help children heal and bring about changes in behaviour, social, emotional, language, and physical development. It is suitable for a variety of presentations such as trauma, loss, parental separation/divorce, behavioural problems, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, ADHD, ASD, GDD, Cerebral Palsy
(03) 5608 9727 View (03) 5608 9727
Photo of Suzanne Margaret Lee - Cardinia Equine Assisted Counselling and Learning , Counsellor, ACA-L2
Cardinia Equine Assisted Counselling and Learning
Counsellor, ACA-L2
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Equine and Animal Assisted Psychotherapy is an innovative approach to clinical practice and psychotherapy where clients are invited into safe relational experiences with horses and animals to address therapeutic goals. This is engaging and effective for diverse clients including adults, children, adolescents, organisations, and specialist client groups.
Equine and Animal Assisted Psychotherapy is an innovative approach to clinical practice and psychotherapy where clients are invited into safe relational experiences with horses and animals to address therapeutic goals. This is engaging and effective for diverse clients including adults, children, adolescents, organisations, and specialist client groups.
(03) 5907 5795 View (03) 5907 5795
Photo of Winnie Lau - Bayside Counselling and Consultation (Seaford), Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Bayside Counselling and Consultation (Seaford)
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Serves Area
Bayside Counselling and Consultation provides psychological support to private and government organisations through Employment Assistance Programs. Our team includes Psychologists and Mental Health Social Worker experienced in the provision of work-based mediation, critical incident debriefing, trauma-focused therapy, the effects of substance abuse in the workplace, anger management, and increasing work attendance and satisfaction. Private counselling is also available in our practice.
Bayside Counselling and Consultation provides psychological support to private and government organisations through Employment Assistance Programs. Our team includes Psychologists and Mental Health Social Worker experienced in the provision of work-based mediation, critical incident debriefing, trauma-focused therapy, the effects of substance abuse in the workplace, anger management, and increasing work attendance and satisfaction. Private counselling is also available in our practice.
(03) 5907 5890 View (03) 5907 5890
Photo of Edita Manak, Psychologist, MPsych
Edita Manak
Psychologist, MPsych
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Edita has a special interest in supporting young people experiencing a range of difficulties, ranging from trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, bullying to explosive behaviour. Edita works from a neurodiversity affirming framework recognizing the importance of valuing differences in how our brains work. Edita recognizes that early support from a therapist can lead to long lasting changes in child’s life. Edita is passionate about helping children (and their families) achieve their best in terms of mental health and emotional well-being, and also creating supportive social networks. She feels strong about building positive partners
Edita has a special interest in supporting young people experiencing a range of difficulties, ranging from trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, bullying to explosive behaviour. Edita works from a neurodiversity affirming framework recognizing the importance of valuing differences in how our brains work. Edita recognizes that early support from a therapist can lead to long lasting changes in child’s life. Edita is passionate about helping children (and their families) achieve their best in terms of mental health and emotional well-being, and also creating supportive social networks. She feels strong about building positive partners
(08) 8514 9930 View (08) 8514 9930
Photo of Kay Wise, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Kay Wise
Counsellor, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I'm passionate about Counselling and supporting people who are experiencing challenging times with their mental health, family violence, trauma related issues, sexual abuse and childhood trauma, healthy/unhealthy relationships, anger management, addictions, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, grief and loss, life challenges, disabilities ,work or carer challenges, and parenting skills, . Building on their strengths and teaching strategies such as EFT, Breathwork & grounding to build confidence and improve coping skills, giving clients a voice to feel heard and walking alongside them through their healing journey to reach their goals.
I'm passionate about Counselling and supporting people who are experiencing challenging times with their mental health, family violence, trauma related issues, sexual abuse and childhood trauma, healthy/unhealthy relationships, anger management, addictions, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, grief and loss, life challenges, disabilities ,work or carer challenges, and parenting skills, . Building on their strengths and teaching strategies such as EFT, Breathwork & grounding to build confidence and improve coping skills, giving clients a voice to feel heard and walking alongside them through their healing journey to reach their goals.
(03) 5907 5000 View (03) 5907 5000
Photo of Mel Sahin, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Mel Sahin
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I draw on a variety of evidence-based approaches, including CBT, ACT, Play Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, behavioural Interventions, and Mindfulness.
You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck in your thoughts, or having trouble switching off. Perhaps anxiety is feeling big, your mood feels low, or everyday tasks feel more difficult than they should. You might also feel like your mind is always busy, scattered, or working against you rather than with you. I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and those with ADHD or autism who want to better understand themselves and feel more in control of their lives. Together, we can understand your experiences— whether it's managing emotions, reducing overthinking, building confidence, or navigating daily life.
I draw on a variety of evidence-based approaches, including CBT, ACT, Play Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, behavioural Interventions, and Mindfulness.
You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck in your thoughts, or having trouble switching off. Perhaps anxiety is feeling big, your mood feels low, or everyday tasks feel more difficult than they should. You might also feel like your mind is always busy, scattered, or working against you rather than with you. I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and those with ADHD or autism who want to better understand themselves and feel more in control of their lives. Together, we can understand your experiences— whether it's managing emotions, reducing overthinking, building confidence, or navigating daily life.
(03) 8771 5920 View (03) 8771 5920

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Peter James Casdorff, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Peter James Casdorff
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
1 Endorsed
Ashwood, VIC 3147
Cut through the noise. Build a life that fits. I am a registered psychologist with a grounded, practical style. If life feels crowded by smokescreens and constant noise, we will slow things down and get clear on what is true for you. We will name what matters, and turn that clarity into small steps that stick. I work with anxiety, mood, ADHD and autism related needs, stress, identity and life transitions, and relationship patterns. Sessions are collaborative and focused on real change. Reality based, open to deciphering philosophical meaning from spirituality to simulation and helping you thrive in your perceived reality.
Cut through the noise. Build a life that fits. I am a registered psychologist with a grounded, practical style. If life feels crowded by smokescreens and constant noise, we will slow things down and get clear on what is true for you. We will name what matters, and turn that clarity into small steps that stick. I work with anxiety, mood, ADHD and autism related needs, stress, identity and life transitions, and relationship patterns. Sessions are collaborative and focused on real change. Reality based, open to deciphering philosophical meaning from spirituality to simulation and helping you thrive in your perceived reality.
(03) 8771 5478 View (03) 8771 5478
Photo of Amrita Arvind, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Amrita Arvind
Psychologist, PsyBA General
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I believe that trust is the highest form of human motivation and tricky situations challenge it in ourselves. We can have strengths that are as salient and unique as the barriers we face. My clients can have a good insight into themselves or their situation. They may have qualities that set them up for life or have achievements and yet experience significant setbacks that impact their mental health. I work largely with women navigating their pregnancy, parents with young children (up to 4 yrs), immigrants or people of a multi-racial background navigating change in a personal or professional context.
I believe that trust is the highest form of human motivation and tricky situations challenge it in ourselves. We can have strengths that are as salient and unique as the barriers we face. My clients can have a good insight into themselves or their situation. They may have qualities that set them up for life or have achievements and yet experience significant setbacks that impact their mental health. I work largely with women navigating their pregnancy, parents with young children (up to 4 yrs), immigrants or people of a multi-racial background navigating change in a personal or professional context.
(02) 4307 5406 View (02) 4307 5406
Devoted Counselling & Support Services
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
Mornington, VIC 3931
My approach creates a safe and supportive environment to: : Express emotions and develop healthy coping strategies : Navigate behavioural and social challenges : Address emotional distress, depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation with care and sensitivity : Strengthen communication, resilience, and emotional well-being : Support emotional, behavioural, and social development : Support children and young people experiencing school can't/refusal : Provide support for individuals diagnosed with Autism or ADHD, or those showing behaviours or characteristics commonly associated with these neurodivergent profiles
My approach creates a safe and supportive environment to: : Express emotions and develop healthy coping strategies : Navigate behavioural and social challenges : Address emotional distress, depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation with care and sensitivity : Strengthen communication, resilience, and emotional well-being : Support emotional, behavioural, and social development : Support children and young people experiencing school can't/refusal : Provide support for individuals diagnosed with Autism or ADHD, or those showing behaviours or characteristics commonly associated with these neurodivergent profiles
(03) 5906 7377 View (03) 5906 7377
Photo of Nathan Gilbert, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Nathan Gilbert
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Newport, VIC 3015
When working with children and teens I utilise my own inner-child and play therapy components to make my office an inviting and enjoyable place, when appropriate.
I am passionate about supporting children and adolescents in developing effective ways of managing their emotions and thoughts, and in turn, their behaviours. Along with learning therapeutic self-regulation skills, clients learn more about their internal processes and why they can have the feelings and thoughts they do. This helps reinforce the theory and motivations behind self-regulation skills, and how they can help each client with their own unique difficulties and strengths!
When working with children and teens I utilise my own inner-child and play therapy components to make my office an inviting and enjoyable place, when appropriate.
I am passionate about supporting children and adolescents in developing effective ways of managing their emotions and thoughts, and in turn, their behaviours. Along with learning therapeutic self-regulation skills, clients learn more about their internal processes and why they can have the feelings and thoughts they do. This helps reinforce the theory and motivations behind self-regulation skills, and how they can help each client with their own unique difficulties and strengths!
(03) 8657 0192 View (03) 8657 0192
Photo of Adriana Vlamis, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Adriana Vlamis
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Heidelberg West, VIC 3081
I help people who are struggling with anxiety, burnout, trauma-related experiences, neurodivergence, and feeling overwhelmed or stuck. If you're constantly trying to "keep up," feeling misunderstood, or wondering why things seem harder than they should, you're not alone. I support individuals in building emotional regulation, confidence, and practical coping skills so they can feel more in control and better equipped to navigate everyday life. I use evidence-based approaches, including CBT and DBT, while recognising that no two people are the same.
I help people who are struggling with anxiety, burnout, trauma-related experiences, neurodivergence, and feeling overwhelmed or stuck. If you're constantly trying to "keep up," feeling misunderstood, or wondering why things seem harder than they should, you're not alone. I support individuals in building emotional regulation, confidence, and practical coping skills so they can feel more in control and better equipped to navigate everyday life. I use evidence-based approaches, including CBT and DBT, while recognising that no two people are the same.
(03) 8771 5380 View (03) 8771 5380
Photo of Ceara Nelson, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Ceara Nelson
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
1 Endorsed
Donvale, VIC 3111
I provide personalised evidence-based assessment and psychotherapy in a warm, collaborative and compassionate environment. I firmly believe that everyone has different goals for therapy and I tailor my approach to individual needs and preferences. I work with a wide range of mental health concerns such as anxiety and anxiety related disorders, depression, trauma, emotion regulation issues, relationship issues, grief and life transitions. I am experienced working with specific issues and mood disturbances that occur in the context of ASD and ADHD.
I provide personalised evidence-based assessment and psychotherapy in a warm, collaborative and compassionate environment. I firmly believe that everyone has different goals for therapy and I tailor my approach to individual needs and preferences. I work with a wide range of mental health concerns such as anxiety and anxiety related disorders, depression, trauma, emotion regulation issues, relationship issues, grief and life transitions. I am experienced working with specific issues and mood disturbances that occur in the context of ASD and ADHD.
(03) 7500 5332 View (03) 7500 5332
Photo of Kat Aycardo, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Kat Aycardo
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Mitcham, VIC 3132
Kat has been passionate about supporting adults and children with neurodiversity since 2007. She has specialized in assessment and intervention for individuals with ASD, ADHD, Specific Learning Disability, Intellectual Disability, giftedness, and developmental differences. She is a warm and collaborative clinician with an evidence based and neurodiverse affirming approach to supporting children, adolescents, and adults to reach their individual goals.
Kat has been passionate about supporting adults and children with neurodiversity since 2007. She has specialized in assessment and intervention for individuals with ASD, ADHD, Specific Learning Disability, Intellectual Disability, giftedness, and developmental differences. She is a warm and collaborative clinician with an evidence based and neurodiverse affirming approach to supporting children, adolescents, and adults to reach their individual goals.
(03) 8203 5767 View (03) 8203 5767
Photo of Kayla Cutajar, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Kayla Cutajar
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Kayla is a Registered Psychologist and Director of Open Minds Studios. She has experience in working with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and parenting issues. Kayla enjoys helping people understand themselves and their environments better and to feel more empowered in their lives. She finds joy in seeing clients feel more comfortable in themselves and their relationships. Clients who work with Kayla receive an integrated approach to therapeutic care tailored to their needs and interests.
Kayla is a Registered Psychologist and Director of Open Minds Studios. She has experience in working with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and parenting issues. Kayla enjoys helping people understand themselves and their environments better and to feel more empowered in their lives. She finds joy in seeing clients feel more comfortable in themselves and their relationships. Clients who work with Kayla receive an integrated approach to therapeutic care tailored to their needs and interests.
(03) 8104 9965 View (03) 8104 9965
Photo of Jane Parkinson - Kind Connections Counselling , Counsellor, PACFA
Kind Connections Counselling
Counsellor, PACFA
Saint Kilda, VIC 3182
Waitlist for new clients
As a Registered Play Therapist & Supervisor (APTA) & PACFA Clinical Counsellor, Kind Connections supports children aged 3 - 10 years with a range of neurodevelopmental challenges & difficulties.
Kind Connections offers trauma-informed & neuro-affirming counselling to young people & adults. As a PACFA Reg. Clinical Counsellor, I can also work directly with a victim-survivor of FV (in person or via Telehealth), when consent cannot be obtained for a child to receive therapy. Referrals directly from agency's are welcome.
As a Registered Play Therapist & Supervisor (APTA) & PACFA Clinical Counsellor, Kind Connections supports children aged 3 - 10 years with a range of neurodevelopmental challenges & difficulties.
Kind Connections offers trauma-informed & neuro-affirming counselling to young people & adults. As a PACFA Reg. Clinical Counsellor, I can also work directly with a victim-survivor of FV (in person or via Telehealth), when consent cannot be obtained for a child to receive therapy. Referrals directly from agency's are welcome.
(03) 7003 2207 View (03) 7003 2207
Photo of Kyla Edinburg, Psychologist, MA, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Kyla Edinburg
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Caulfield South, VIC 3162
I have over 10 years experience in working with complex issues. I like to work with all types of people and all types of difficulties. I offer an opportunity to explore your life and yourself and for you gain insight into your behaviour in a non-judgmental and safe space. I am comfortable with short-term or long term therapy.
I have over 10 years experience in working with complex issues. I like to work with all types of people and all types of difficulties. I offer an opportunity to explore your life and yourself and for you gain insight into your behaviour in a non-judgmental and safe space. I am comfortable with short-term or long term therapy.
(02) 9100 0409 View (02) 9100 0409
Photo of Jade Stubbs - Wonderings Counselling, Counsellor, ACA-L3
Wonderings Counselling
Counsellor, ACA-L3
Frankston, VIC 3199
I work with clients experiencing a range of difficulties, I recognise that all clients are unique and therefore approach each and every session with genuineness, curiosity and a range of therapeutic interventions that I can draw on to support my clients. My specialty is working with Children, Adolescents, Mums and Bubs and Families. This client group can benefit from attachment-based interventions, relationship and communication skills as well as emotion regulation and psychoeducation.
I work with clients experiencing a range of difficulties, I recognise that all clients are unique and therefore approach each and every session with genuineness, curiosity and a range of therapeutic interventions that I can draw on to support my clients. My specialty is working with Children, Adolescents, Mums and Bubs and Families. This client group can benefit from attachment-based interventions, relationship and communication skills as well as emotion regulation and psychoeducation.
(03) 5907 5923 View (03) 5907 5923
Play Therapy
Who is play therapy for?
Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioural difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.

Why do people need play therapy?
Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behaviour and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.

What happens in play therapy?
A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.

What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?
Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.

How long does play therapy last?
Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behaviour.