Play Therapy Psychologists and Therapists in Footscray, VIC
I'm a Clinical / 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 a Clinical / 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.
Children learn through play which is the cornerstone of my evidence based therapeutic interventions.
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.
Children learn through play which is the cornerstone of my evidence based therapeutic interventions.
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.
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 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.
Hi, I'm Cody! I am a Clinical Psychologist who provides psychological support for exclusively for children, adolescents and their families. I am experienced in providing assessment, treatment and parenting advice for a range of mental health issues of issues including anxiety, depression, challenging behaviours, social skills, sleep, trauma and school-based issues. I am also trained to administer cognitive and educational assessments as well as Autism Spectrum Disorder assessments. I have worked in both private and public health services including the Royal Children's Hospital, where I was Senior Mental Health Clinician.
Hi, I'm Cody! I am a Clinical Psychologist who provides psychological support for exclusively for children, adolescents and their families. I am experienced in providing assessment, treatment and parenting advice for a range of mental health issues of issues including anxiety, depression, challenging behaviours, social skills, sleep, trauma and school-based issues. I am also trained to administer cognitive and educational assessments as well as Autism Spectrum Disorder assessments. I have worked in both private and public health services including the Royal Children's Hospital, where I was Senior Mental Health Clinician.
Manisha (they/she) is a queer, neurodivergent, Sri Lankan-Fijian Indian non-binary woman, born and raised in Aotearoa, New Zealand. A person-centred narrative therapist, EMDR practitioner, and resource therapist (parts work), Manisha brings a deep commitment to anti-colonial care. Raised in a bicultural haven, they carry the belief that what's good for Māori is good for all, an ethos woven into both life and practice. Therapy with Manisha is grounded in collective thriving, cultural safety, and the gentle yet powerful art of storytelling.
Manisha (they/she) is a queer, neurodivergent, Sri Lankan-Fijian Indian non-binary woman, born and raised in Aotearoa, New Zealand. A person-centred narrative therapist, EMDR practitioner, and resource therapist (parts work), Manisha brings a deep commitment to anti-colonial care. Raised in a bicultural haven, they carry the belief that what's good for Māori is good for all, an ethos woven into both life and practice. Therapy with Manisha is grounded in collective thriving, cultural safety, and the gentle yet powerful art of storytelling.
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.
Daniela has a warm personality and creates a safe and welcoming environment that supports you to explore your needs and experiences. Therapy is a very collaborative space where your needs are met and explored. Daniela has a passion for working with kids, adolescents, and adults with various presentations; Autism, ADHD, anxiety concerns, depressive disorders, and personality disorders (such as, BPD). Daniela also has experience conducting various diagnostic assessments, such as Cognitive, ADHD, and Personality disorders
Daniela has a warm personality and creates a safe and welcoming environment that supports you to explore your needs and experiences. Therapy is a very collaborative space where your needs are met and explored. Daniela has a passion for working with kids, adolescents, and adults with various presentations; Autism, ADHD, anxiety concerns, depressive disorders, and personality disorders (such as, BPD). Daniela also has experience conducting various diagnostic assessments, such as Cognitive, ADHD, and Personality disorders
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.
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.
MindfulNest Therapeutic Services is a specialised mental health and wellbeing service that sees babies, children and families from 0-15 years of age.
We work with young children from 0-4 years who might have NDIS plans and need support with emotional regulation, stress, worry, sadness, trauma or adjusting the life stages and changes.
We work with older children from 5-15 years who might also have NDIS plans or mental health care plans and need support with feelings of worry, sadness, fear or simply need a safe space to talk about life's challenges with a trust and qualified therapist.
We also have an accredited therapy dog!
MindfulNest Therapeutic Services is a specialised mental health and wellbeing service that sees babies, children and families from 0-15 years of age.
We work with young children from 0-4 years who might have NDIS plans and need support with emotional regulation, stress, worry, sadness, trauma or adjusting the life stages and changes.
We work with older children from 5-15 years who might also have NDIS plans or mental health care plans and need support with feelings of worry, sadness, fear or simply need a safe space to talk about life's challenges with a trust and qualified therapist.
We also have an accredited therapy dog!
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.
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.
More Therapists Nearby
I am a dedicated psychologist with a passion for supporting children, adolescents and families - particularly within the Autism, ADHD and developmental delay communities. I enjoy collaborating with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to foster growth and connection.
I also work across the lifespan, supporting adults who face a wide range of challenges, including interpersonal difficulties, emotional regulation, anxiety, and life transitions. My goal is to help individuals build healthier relationships, enhance self-awareness, and develop effective coping strategies that promote overall well-being and personal growth.
I am a dedicated psychologist with a passion for supporting children, adolescents and families - particularly within the Autism, ADHD and developmental delay communities. I enjoy collaborating with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to foster growth and connection.
I also work across the lifespan, supporting adults who face a wide range of challenges, including interpersonal difficulties, emotional regulation, anxiety, and life transitions. My goal is to help individuals build healthier relationships, enhance self-awareness, and develop effective coping strategies that promote overall well-being and personal growth.
Hello! I am a registered psychologist and support children, adolescents and their families in the Outer Eastern suburbs of Melbourne and the Yarra Valley.
I enjoy supporting child/adolescent clients who are experiencing challenges such as emotional dysregulation, social difficulties, inattention, hyperactivity, anxiety, or learning problems.
Perhaps an educator or other health professional has suggested your child may be neurodivergent and you are seeking support and clarity around potential next steps? Or maybe you have concerns about how your child interacts within the world, socially or academically?
Hello! I am a registered psychologist and support children, adolescents and their families in the Outer Eastern suburbs of Melbourne and the Yarra Valley.
I enjoy supporting child/adolescent clients who are experiencing challenges such as emotional dysregulation, social difficulties, inattention, hyperactivity, anxiety, or learning problems.
Perhaps an educator or other health professional has suggested your child may be neurodivergent and you are seeking support and clarity around potential next steps? Or maybe you have concerns about how your child interacts within the world, socially or academically?
Hello, I'm Lucy, a senior clinical psychologist with a wealth of training and experience working with diverse presentations, such as: anxiety, depression, parenting, behavioural problems, burnout, perfectionism, stage-of-life challenges, self-esteem, individuation, confidence, assertiveness, trauma, complex PTSD, attachment issues, relationship difficulties, emotional neglect, grief and loss, adjustment and coping with change, learning difficulties and differences, school and academic issues, bullying, neurodiversity (eg. ASD and ADHD), social skills, relationship difficulties, self-harm, suicidal ideation, work and career problems.
Hello, I'm Lucy, a senior clinical psychologist with a wealth of training and experience working with diverse presentations, such as: anxiety, depression, parenting, behavioural problems, burnout, perfectionism, stage-of-life challenges, self-esteem, individuation, confidence, assertiveness, trauma, complex PTSD, attachment issues, relationship difficulties, emotional neglect, grief and loss, adjustment and coping with change, learning difficulties and differences, school and academic issues, bullying, neurodiversity (eg. ASD and ADHD), social skills, relationship difficulties, self-harm, suicidal ideation, work and career problems.
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.
Our play therapy approach combines the power of play and creative arts with social-emotional learning and creative problem-solving guided by over ten years of experience play therapist.
Our play therapy approach, with a remarkable success rate of over 95% within 6-18 months, is designed to meet the unique needs of clients ranging in age from 2 to 80 with a wide range of social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties, from autism to anxiety, from diverse cultural backgrounds. The wealth of success stories on website is a powerful testament.
Our play therapy approach combines the power of play and creative arts with social-emotional learning and creative problem-solving guided by over ten years of experience play therapist.
Our play therapy approach, with a remarkable success rate of over 95% within 6-18 months, is designed to meet the unique needs of clients ranging in age from 2 to 80 with a wide range of social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties, from autism to anxiety, from diverse cultural backgrounds. The wealth of success stories on website is a powerful testament.
I'll calm your nervous system in ways that are realistic, unique, and tailored to you using somatic practices, sensory regulation, "spoon theory" thinking, curiosity, and even play.
If you’re living with complex conditions like POTS, Long COVID, MCAS, EDS, CFS, or Autoimmune disorders, your nervous system is likely in a constant state of high alert.
When a body is stuck in a cycle of flares, exhaustion, and medical gaslighting, "just talking about it" often isn't enough. You can’t talk your way out of a physiological nervous system response.
My practice is designed for those who have hit a wall with traditional talk therapy and are seeking a body-based, neuroaffirming approach to find stability again.
I'll calm your nervous system in ways that are realistic, unique, and tailored to you using somatic practices, sensory regulation, "spoon theory" thinking, curiosity, and even play.
If you’re living with complex conditions like POTS, Long COVID, MCAS, EDS, CFS, or Autoimmune disorders, your nervous system is likely in a constant state of high alert.
When a body is stuck in a cycle of flares, exhaustion, and medical gaslighting, "just talking about it" often isn't enough. You can’t talk your way out of a physiological nervous system response.
My practice is designed for those who have hit a wall with traditional talk therapy and are seeking a body-based, neuroaffirming approach to find stability again.
With a particular interest in trauma recovery, Kate prioritises a safe, confidential and empathic therapy space. It is in such an environment that a collaborative therapeutic relationship may be developed to facilitate client goals. These goals may consist of developing emotional regulation, recovering from childhood trauma, establishing communication skills, enhancing self-care practices or any other number of goals. Individuals may engage with short-term counselling or longer therapeutic work to address issues such as depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, self-esteem issues, relationship conflict and personal development.
With a particular interest in trauma recovery, Kate prioritises a safe, confidential and empathic therapy space. It is in such an environment that a collaborative therapeutic relationship may be developed to facilitate client goals. These goals may consist of developing emotional regulation, recovering from childhood trauma, establishing communication skills, enhancing self-care practices or any other number of goals. Individuals may engage with short-term counselling or longer therapeutic work to address issues such as depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, self-esteem issues, relationship conflict and personal development.
See more therapy options for Footscray
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Footscray
- Ascot Vale
- Essendon
- Flemington
- Moonee Ponds
- Newport
- North Melbourne
- Port Melbourne
- Seddon
- Sunshine
- West Footscray
- Williamstown
- Yarraville
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.