Play Therapy Counselling in Footscray, VIC
My work with children incorporates play and considers their developmental age.
I am experienced working on a range of mental health problems including; behavioural disorders, oppositional defiance disorder, neuro-diversity, eating disorders, anxiety, depression and trauma. I also enjoy working with people who need support due to; life stressors, relationship problems, life stage transition, parent burnout and family discord/conflict.
My work with children incorporates play and considers their developmental age.
I am experienced working on a range of mental health problems including; behavioural disorders, oppositional defiance disorder, neuro-diversity, eating disorders, anxiety, depression and trauma. I also enjoy working with people who need support due to; life stressors, relationship problems, life stage transition, parent burnout and family discord/conflict.
I also facilitate Dungeons and Dragons Group Therapy sessions for clients wanting to use play and roleplay therapy toward their healing.
I often work from a pluralistic approach that draws from Gestalt, Person-Centred, Narrative, CBT, DBT, and Solution Focussed therapies. I have experience and interest in supporting clients with AOD issues, trauma, and auditory, visual, and somatic hallucinations.
I also facilitate Dungeons and Dragons Group Therapy sessions for clients wanting to use play and roleplay therapy toward their healing.
I often work from a pluralistic approach that draws from Gestalt, Person-Centred, Narrative, CBT, DBT, and Solution Focussed therapies. I have experience and interest in supporting clients with AOD issues, trauma, and auditory, visual, and somatic hallucinations.
Depending on the client Maree utilises developmentally appropriate and evidenced based approaches such as interpersonal, psychodynamic, behavioural and play therapy as required.
As a Clinical Psychologist with additional specialist training in Family Therapy Maree has undergone extensive training to help her understand, prevent and relieve distress. She has over 15yrs experience in the private & public mental health care industry where she has provided individual, couple and family therapy to clients aged 6–80yrs. Her approach respects that the needs of each client will be unique and can't be simplified by a generic diagnosis or treated in a generic way. Therefore, every client will be afforded the opportunity to be listened to deeply at their own pace and following an assessment offered tailored treatment.
Depending on the client Maree utilises developmentally appropriate and evidenced based approaches such as interpersonal, psychodynamic, behavioural and play therapy as required.
As a Clinical Psychologist with additional specialist training in Family Therapy Maree has undergone extensive training to help her understand, prevent and relieve distress. She has over 15yrs experience in the private & public mental health care industry where she has provided individual, couple and family therapy to clients aged 6–80yrs. Her approach respects that the needs of each client will be unique and can't be simplified by a generic diagnosis or treated in a generic way. Therefore, every client will be afforded the opportunity to be listened to deeply at their own pace and following an assessment offered tailored treatment.
I draw on evidence-based techniques including CBT, DBT, family therapy techniques, and play-based therapy, adapting them to the needs of whoever is in the room including parents/carers.
Hi, I'm Linda, the owner of The Galaxy Clinic. I work with children and teenagers who might be experiencing anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, and issues with their self-esteem or relationships with other people, their bodies, and themselves. I have a special interest and experience in working with functional neurological disorders, young people with brain injuries, and young people with disabilities or chronic illnesses. I also work with neurodiverse young people, such as those with autism or ADHD, experiencing mental health difficulties. I work with young people (and their families) to build on their personal strengths.
I draw on evidence-based techniques including CBT, DBT, family therapy techniques, and play-based therapy, adapting them to the needs of whoever is in the room including parents/carers.
Hi, I'm Linda, the owner of The Galaxy Clinic. I work with children and teenagers who might be experiencing anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, and issues with their self-esteem or relationships with other people, their bodies, and themselves. I have a special interest and experience in working with functional neurological disorders, young people with brain injuries, and young people with disabilities or chronic illnesses. I also work with neurodiverse young people, such as those with autism or ADHD, experiencing mental health difficulties. I work with young people (and their families) to build on their personal strengths.
I'm an Educational and Developmental Psychologist who's passionate about working with you in an engaging, collaborative, and compassionate way. Using evidence-based practices, I support individuals (aged 10 years and above) for a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, burnout, stress, trauma, grief and loss, life transitions, and relationship issues - among other issues listed below.
I'm an Educational and Developmental Psychologist who's passionate about working with you in an engaging, collaborative, and compassionate way. Using evidence-based practices, I support individuals (aged 10 years and above) for a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, burnout, stress, trauma, grief and loss, life transitions, and relationship issues - among other issues listed below.
Understanding that human experience is complex and individualised, my therapeutic approach revolves around person-centred counselling. This can be achieved through a range of therapeutic modalities designed to engage with individuals during therapeutic sessions. Interested in helping support people in being able to have the best possible meaningful individual life journey that is important to them.
Understanding that human experience is complex and individualised, my therapeutic approach revolves around person-centred counselling. This can be achieved through a range of therapeutic modalities designed to engage with individuals during therapeutic sessions. Interested in helping support people in being able to have the best possible meaningful individual life journey that is important to them.
I would love to work who is open to personal growth an introspection. I love diving deep and seeing people discover new things about themselves. I enjoy working with people that can engage openly with difficult topics. I also love ensuring that sessions can be fun, engaging and light-hearted from time to time. Seeing people grow, change and learn about themselves is the driving force behind why i do what i do.
I would love to work who is open to personal growth an introspection. I love diving deep and seeing people discover new things about themselves. I enjoy working with people that can engage openly with difficult topics. I also love ensuring that sessions can be fun, engaging and light-hearted from time to time. Seeing people grow, change and learn about themselves is the driving force behind why i do what i do.
As children of migrant parents, we know what it’s like to feel unheard, caught between cultures, and unsure of where to turn. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to be the kind of therapists we once needed—ones who understand the weight of culture, faith, and identity. We offer a safe, supportive space that’s both culturally and spiritually sensitive. Our approach is person-centred and trauma-informed, tailored to your story. With empathy and practical tools, we’ll support you to heal, grow, and reconnect with your sense of self.
As children of migrant parents, we know what it’s like to feel unheard, caught between cultures, and unsure of where to turn. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to be the kind of therapists we once needed—ones who understand the weight of culture, faith, and identity. We offer a safe, supportive space that’s both culturally and spiritually sensitive. Our approach is person-centred and trauma-informed, tailored to your story. With empathy and practical tools, we’ll support you to heal, grow, and reconnect with your sense of self.
Life can be very tough and stressful and sometimes we need some professional help. I am committed to the care of clients ranging from adolescents, adults, the elderly and couples. I strongly believe in the importance of a well-matched client-therapist relationship. I counsel people with a range of problems which includes depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, interpersonal relationships, personal skills development and self-esteem. I have experience in conducting assessments and preparing reports for the courts and migration issues. I am also fluent in Vietnamese. I offer Telehealth and face to face counselling.
Life can be very tough and stressful and sometimes we need some professional help. I am committed to the care of clients ranging from adolescents, adults, the elderly and couples. I strongly believe in the importance of a well-matched client-therapist relationship. I counsel people with a range of problems which includes depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, interpersonal relationships, personal skills development and self-esteem. I have experience in conducting assessments and preparing reports for the courts and migration issues. I am also fluent in Vietnamese. I offer Telehealth and face to face counselling.
More Therapists Nearby
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!
I support people to access their inherent strength, creativity and wisdom through music, art, movement, writing, play and story.
I work with children and adults who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, major life transitions or may be needing a safe space to address the challenges of life. Using somatic, art and music therapies we will work together to understand existing coping strategies and look at ways to create the positive changes needed to support growth. Together we will engage in creative practices and counselling that focus on strengths, enjoyment and are tailored to your unique needs.
I support people to access their inherent strength, creativity and wisdom through music, art, movement, writing, play and story.
I work with children and adults who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, major life transitions or may be needing a safe space to address the challenges of life. Using somatic, art and music therapies we will work together to understand existing coping strategies and look at ways to create the positive changes needed to support growth. Together we will engage in creative practices and counselling that focus on strengths, enjoyment and are tailored to your unique needs.
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
This includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, Art/ Play Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Hi all, I'm a registered counsellor based in Melbourne, Victoria, bringing over 13 years of diverse cultural and creative background to my counselling practice. I provide both in-person and online counselling services to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. In my counselling sessions, I provide a safe and supportive space where individuals can freely share their stories and embark on their personal journeys with me. Whether grappling with trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship dynamics, life transitions, family issues or life challenges, I am here to offer support and guidance.
This includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, Art/ Play Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Hi all, I'm a registered counsellor based in Melbourne, Victoria, bringing over 13 years of diverse cultural and creative background to my counselling practice. I provide both in-person and online counselling services to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. In my counselling sessions, I provide a safe and supportive space where individuals can freely share their stories and embark on their personal journeys with me. Whether grappling with trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship dynamics, life transitions, family issues or life challenges, I am here to offer support and guidance.
I integrate narrative, somatic, play-based, and nature-based principles within community art therapy to promote holistic wellbeing and connection.
Hi, I’m Kiki (she/her), a professionally registered Art Therapist offering Art Therapy for all ages. I provide face-to-face and online sessions using evidence-based, trauma-informed techniques for private and NDIS clients. My approach to Art Therapy celebrates each person’s unique connection to identity, community, storytelling, and the natural world. My Art Therapy practice holds a unique focus on the use of therapeutic comics and storytelling and is inspired by narrative and community art therapy practice.
I integrate narrative, somatic, play-based, and nature-based principles within community art therapy to promote holistic wellbeing and connection.
Hi, I’m Kiki (she/her), a professionally registered Art Therapist offering Art Therapy for all ages. I provide face-to-face and online sessions using evidence-based, trauma-informed techniques for private and NDIS clients. My approach to Art Therapy celebrates each person’s unique connection to identity, community, storytelling, and the natural world. My Art Therapy practice holds a unique focus on the use of therapeutic comics and storytelling and is inspired by narrative and community art therapy practice.
Tend Mental Health - Dr Jessica Laird
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Heathmont, VIC 3135
My therapeutic toolkit includes EMDR, Schema Therapy, CBT for Eating Disorders, DBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Play Therapy, and family therapy.
Hi there, I'm Dr. Jessica Laird, director of Tend Mental Health & a dedicated, compassionate clinical psychologist committed to supporting children, young people, & women navigating the complexities of trauma, neurodivergence, anxiety/mood challenges, & eating disorders. I also support those who have endured sexual exploitation, abuse, & family violence. I offer neuroaffirming therapy & assessments (ADHD, Autism) & a gender-affirming space for people of all cultures & faiths. It is my privilege to walk alongside those seeking care.
My therapeutic toolkit includes EMDR, Schema Therapy, CBT for Eating Disorders, DBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Play Therapy, and family therapy.
Hi there, I'm Dr. Jessica Laird, director of Tend Mental Health & a dedicated, compassionate clinical psychologist committed to supporting children, young people, & women navigating the complexities of trauma, neurodivergence, anxiety/mood challenges, & eating disorders. I also support those who have endured sexual exploitation, abuse, & family violence. I offer neuroaffirming therapy & assessments (ADHD, Autism) & a gender-affirming space for people of all cultures & faiths. It is my privilege to walk alongside those seeking care.
Mind Body Heart Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
South Yarra, VIC 3141
Rachel is a psychodynamic therapist and uses play therapy with children.
Our practitioners: Chenhong Xu (Clinical Psychologist), Summer Guo (Clinical Psychologist), Rachel Du (Counsellor). Some clients present with psychological symptoms while others seek supportive counselling. We all speak fluent English and Mandarin, and are culturally sensitive in our treatment approaches. Chen and Summer work with adolescents and adults. Rachel works across all age groups including children. Chen has 9 years of clinical experience and is a Board-registered supervisor. She oversees the management of the practice and provides regular clinical supervision for the practitioners, ensuring quality care for the clients.
Rachel is a psychodynamic therapist and uses play therapy with children.
Our practitioners: Chenhong Xu (Clinical Psychologist), Summer Guo (Clinical Psychologist), Rachel Du (Counsellor). Some clients present with psychological symptoms while others seek supportive counselling. We all speak fluent English and Mandarin, and are culturally sensitive in our treatment approaches. Chen and Summer work with adolescents and adults. Rachel works across all age groups including children. Chen has 9 years of clinical experience and is a Board-registered supervisor. She oversees the management of the practice and provides regular clinical supervision for the practitioners, ensuring quality care for the clients.
I work with various modalities to fit the needs of the clients including Family Therapy, Art/ Play Therapies, Sandplay Therapy, Meditation and Mindfulness.
I am a registered clinical counsellor and art therapist with over 15 years in public and private practice in Melbourne. I have a passion for working with children and families, where I create a healing space and where I can enable clients to explore and understand the experience or events that are troubling them. I can help clients to feel empowered and improve their wellbeing.
I work with various modalities to fit the needs of the clients including Family Therapy, Art/ Play Therapies, Sandplay Therapy, Meditation and Mindfulness.
I am a registered clinical counsellor and art therapist with over 15 years in public and private practice in Melbourne. I have a passion for working with children and families, where I create a healing space and where I can enable clients to explore and understand the experience or events that are troubling them. I can help clients to feel empowered and improve their wellbeing.
Using art, play or inviting my golden retriever for support is also possible.
Need help and support? Together we can relax, reflect and collaborate to achieve your goals. My counselling, leadership and early years qualifications, 30+ years of experience working with families and children, as a mother with 3 (now mature) children, living and working in a richly diverse community, across multiple countries all helps. I am experienced with customers, families and children with complex needs, anxiety, grief and here to listen, support and take time to help you as an individual become that confident expert in your own life.
Using art, play or inviting my golden retriever for support is also possible.
Need help and support? Together we can relax, reflect and collaborate to achieve your goals. My counselling, leadership and early years qualifications, 30+ years of experience working with families and children, as a mother with 3 (now mature) children, living and working in a richly diverse community, across multiple countries all helps. I am experienced with customers, families and children with complex needs, anxiety, grief and here to listen, support and take time to help you as an individual become that confident expert in your own life.
Through play therapy, creative intervention, and evidence-based strategies, I help children process, emotions, develop self-regulation skills and build resilience.
Some children feel overwhelmed by anxiety, grief or parental separation struggling to regulate their emotions. Others navigate the world with ADHD or ASD finding social connection, and self-expression challenging. They may experience meltdowns, withdrawals or difficulties in school and relationships. Their goal is to feel safe, understood, and capable of managing their emotion. They want to feel more in control, develop confidence and build stronger connections with their caregivers and peers.
Through play therapy, creative intervention, and evidence-based strategies, I help children process, emotions, develop self-regulation skills and build resilience.
Some children feel overwhelmed by anxiety, grief or parental separation struggling to regulate their emotions. Others navigate the world with ADHD or ASD finding social connection, and self-expression challenging. They may experience meltdowns, withdrawals or difficulties in school and relationships. Their goal is to feel safe, understood, and capable of managing their emotion. They want to feel more in control, develop confidence and build stronger connections with their caregivers and peers.
Empowered Children Play Therapy
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
MacLeod, VIC 3085
Waitlist for new clients
I am a registered child-centered play therapist (PTPA) and registered Early Childhood Teacher (VIT).
Play Therapy is an evidence-based approach that provides children with the opportunity to express their emotions safely through play and work towards resolving difficulties. The benefits of play therapy include enhanced emotional expression; improved behaviour; trauma healing; development of coping skills and increased self-esteem.
I am a registered child-centered play therapist (PTPA) and registered Early Childhood Teacher (VIT).
Play Therapy is an evidence-based approach that provides children with the opportunity to express their emotions safely through play and work towards resolving difficulties. The benefits of play therapy include enhanced emotional expression; improved behaviour; trauma healing; development of coping skills and increased self-esteem.
See more therapy options for Footscray
Nearby Play Therapy Counsellors Searches for Footscray
- Ascot Vale
- Carlton
- Essendon
- Moonee Ponds
- Newport
- North Melbourne
- Port Melbourne
- Seddon
- South Melbourne
- Sunshine
- Williamstown
- Yarraville
Play Therapy Counsellors
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.