Play Therapy Psychologists and Therapists in Mornington, VIC

Photo of Paula Noble - Noble Psychology, Psychologist, MAPS
Noble Psychology
Psychologist, MAPS
Mornington, VIC 3931
Treatment approaches include child-centred therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (including the Cool Kids program), emotion regulation strategies using the Zones of Regulation, solution-focused therapy, sandtray therapy, and play therapy.
As an Educational and Developmental psychologist I support children with a range of issues unique to childhood. These can be emotion dysregulation, trouble with sleep, anxious thoughts leading to avoidance or distress, academic difficulties, bullying or peer difficulties at school, and adjustment issues. At times, parents can wonder if their child presents with symptoms indicative of ADHD, ASD or a Specific Learning disorder. In working with parents and children, it is my goal to help lead them to decision making around assessment, treatment and intervention with the view to supporting children to reach their potential.
Treatment approaches include child-centred therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (including the Cool Kids program), emotion regulation strategies using the Zones of Regulation, solution-focused therapy, sandtray therapy, and play therapy.
As an Educational and Developmental psychologist I support children with a range of issues unique to childhood. These can be emotion dysregulation, trouble with sleep, anxious thoughts leading to avoidance or distress, academic difficulties, bullying or peer difficulties at school, and adjustment issues. At times, parents can wonder if their child presents with symptoms indicative of ADHD, ASD or a Specific Learning disorder. In working with parents and children, it is my goal to help lead them to decision making around assessment, treatment and intervention with the view to supporting children to reach their potential.
(02) 8403 1204 View (02) 8403 1204
Photo of Priyanka Malhotra - Rewire Psychology , Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Rewire Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Mornington, VIC 3931
As an experienced Clinical & Counselling Psychologist and Supervisor with specialised training in mental health I offer counselling services for children, adolescents, adults, and couples. For families, I work with child mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, ARFID and provide neuro-affirming care and advocacy, support children through parental separation, and school challenges. I empower families to advocate for their neurodivergent young person in educational settings. For adults and couples, the aim is to enhance communication, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional responses.
As an experienced Clinical & Counselling Psychologist and Supervisor with specialised training in mental health I offer counselling services for children, adolescents, adults, and couples. For families, I work with child mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, ARFID and provide neuro-affirming care and advocacy, support children through parental separation, and school challenges. I empower families to advocate for their neurodivergent young person in educational settings. For adults and couples, the aim is to enhance communication, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional responses.
(03) 5905 7130 View (03) 5905 7130
Photo of Fiona Pollerd, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Fiona Pollerd
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Mornington, VIC 3931
Fiona provides treatment for children, adolescents and adults experiencing issues with: Depression, Anxiety and Phobias, Stress, Ante-Natal and Post-Natal Depression and Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Adjustment Issues, Sleeping Difficulties, Trauma, Bullying, Learning Difficulties, Self-Esteem, Drug and Alcohol problems.
Fiona provides treatment for children, adolescents and adults experiencing issues with: Depression, Anxiety and Phobias, Stress, Ante-Natal and Post-Natal Depression and Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Adjustment Issues, Sleeping Difficulties, Trauma, Bullying, Learning Difficulties, Self-Esteem, Drug and Alcohol problems.
View
Photo of Stephen Pate, Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Stephen Pate
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Mornington, VIC 3931
If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck, you don’t have to go through it alone. I help people facing life transitions, chronic pain, low self-esteem, and emotional stress to regain balance, clarity, and confidence. Together, we’ll work to understand and manage emotions, build healthier coping strategies, and create meaningful, lasting change so you can feel more connected, resilient, and in control of your life.
If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck, you don’t have to go through it alone. I help people facing life transitions, chronic pain, low self-esteem, and emotional stress to regain balance, clarity, and confidence. Together, we’ll work to understand and manage emotions, build healthier coping strategies, and create meaningful, lasting change so you can feel more connected, resilient, and in control of your life.
(03) 5910 7309 View (03) 5910 7309
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 Adam D Borge - Waterfront Counselling, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Waterfront Counselling
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Mornington, VIC 3931
I love helping people to find their inner peace, to understand themselves enabling them to live a happy life and have happy relationships. I especially love helping men to become emotionally intelligent, to become better communicators, fathers and partners. I am experienced in couples counselling assisting my clients to see their situation through more enlightening and empowering perspectives; training couples and singles how to express vulnerability – i.e. feelings, needs and wants – in a constructive and authentic way; offering practical and down to earth advice.
I love helping people to find their inner peace, to understand themselves enabling them to live a happy life and have happy relationships. I especially love helping men to become emotionally intelligent, to become better communicators, fathers and partners. I am experienced in couples counselling assisting my clients to see their situation through more enlightening and empowering perspectives; training couples and singles how to express vulnerability – i.e. feelings, needs and wants – in a constructive and authentic way; offering practical and down to earth advice.
(08) 9126 9257 View (08) 9126 9257
Photo of Susan Jackson, Social Worker, AMHSW
Susan Jackson
Social Worker, AMHSW
Serves Area
I am an Accredited Social Worker and Clinical Family Therapist specialising in working with high conflict family relationships. My expertise is working with the spectrum of family diversity with multiple generations together in the room with a focus on perinatal mental health, couples and families. My work is grounded in attachment, polyvagal and Bowen theory with a strong trauma informed approach. I aim to support clients to develop an understanding of transgenerational patterns learnt in our family of origin and how they show up in the present and continue to cause us distress and to be stuck.
I am an Accredited Social Worker and Clinical Family Therapist specialising in working with high conflict family relationships. My expertise is working with the spectrum of family diversity with multiple generations together in the room with a focus on perinatal mental health, couples and families. My work is grounded in attachment, polyvagal and Bowen theory with a strong trauma informed approach. I aim to support clients to develop an understanding of transgenerational patterns learnt in our family of origin and how they show up in the present and continue to cause us distress and to be stuck.
(03) 5905 7114 View (03) 5905 7114
Photo of Sophie Boord, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Sophie Boord
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Serves Area
Sophie is a relational gestalt psychotherapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) & clinical supervisor informed by attachment and developmental approaches. Sophie offers a creative, embodied and highly attuned style of therapy that supports change through somatic processing & nervous system regulation within a safe therapeutic relationship. Sophie works in private practice at Abbotsford Convent, Melbourne, and in Frankston South, as well as online. Sophie’s approach is grounded in cultural humility, respect for lived experience, and collaboration, with care shaped to each client’s unique needs and identities.
Sophie is a relational gestalt psychotherapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) & clinical supervisor informed by attachment and developmental approaches. Sophie offers a creative, embodied and highly attuned style of therapy that supports change through somatic processing & nervous system regulation within a safe therapeutic relationship. Sophie works in private practice at Abbotsford Convent, Melbourne, and in Frankston South, as well as online. Sophie’s approach is grounded in cultural humility, respect for lived experience, and collaboration, with care shaped to each client’s unique needs and identities.
(03) 6146 1663 View (03) 6146 1663
Photo of Sallyanne Marlow, Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Sallyanne Marlow
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hi I’m Sallyanne! I’m a Child and Adolescent Psychologist, running my practice on the Mornington Peninsula. I work with children and teens, as well as directly with parents, to provide support and strategies for your family.
Hi I’m Sallyanne! I’m a Child and Adolescent Psychologist, running my practice on the Mornington Peninsula. I work with children and teens, as well as directly with parents, to provide support and strategies for your family.
(03) 5907 3607 View (03) 5907 3607
Photo of Jade Stubbs - Wonderings Counselling, Counsellor, ACA-L3
Wonderings Counselling
Counsellor, ACA-L3
Serves Area
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
Photo of Madeleine Machin - Child Family Work Madeleine Machin, Counsellor, MA, PACFA
Child Family Work Madeleine Machin
Counsellor, MA, PACFA
Serves Area
I am a registered counsellor with PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia). My experience is in early intervention, childhood behaviour support, anxiety and parenting. Through the hand in hand approach, I give practical tools to parents to support children in a way that promotes lifelong well-being and resilience. The tools help to build emotional connection, encourage us to delight in our children and support them with their feelings. The Hand in Hand approach is supported by well-established psychological and neuroscience research.
I am a registered counsellor with PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia). My experience is in early intervention, childhood behaviour support, anxiety and parenting. Through the hand in hand approach, I give practical tools to parents to support children in a way that promotes lifelong well-being and resilience. The tools help to build emotional connection, encourage us to delight in our children and support them with their feelings. The Hand in Hand approach is supported by well-established psychological and neuroscience research.
View
Photo of Kerryn Knight, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Kerryn Knight
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Serves Area
These include Clinical Counselling, Art Therapy and Sand Tray/ Sand Play Therapy.
Hi I'm Kerryn Knight, Clinical Counsellor, Sandtray Therapist and Masters Qualified Art Therapist with over 17 years of experience. At Empowered Art Therapy within Kindred Art Space, I combine creative therapies with traditional psychotherapy to support your mental health and wellbeing. My approach is particularly effective if you are dealing with anxiety, depression, and transitions in life, helping you find clarity and a renewed sense of purpose.
These include Clinical Counselling, Art Therapy and Sand Tray/ Sand Play Therapy.
Hi I'm Kerryn Knight, Clinical Counsellor, Sandtray Therapist and Masters Qualified Art Therapist with over 17 years of experience. At Empowered Art Therapy within Kindred Art Space, I combine creative therapies with traditional psychotherapy to support your mental health and wellbeing. My approach is particularly effective if you are dealing with anxiety, depression, and transitions in life, helping you find clarity and a renewed sense of purpose.
(03) 9068 5278 View (03) 9068 5278
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
Positive Psychology Centre
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Mornington, VIC 3931
(03) 8771 4396 View (03) 8771 4396

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Antonina Quinlan, Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Antonina Quinlan
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
3 Endorsed
Caulfield, VIC 3162
I have a special interest in Integrating Child-Centred Play Therapy with Gestalt speech acquisition.
I provide a safe and supportive environment for children and their families who are experiencing varied developmental, social, emotional and physical difficulties and/or disabilities. My goal is to contribute to the health of our community, working in collaboration with educators, health professionals and varied organisations.
I have a special interest in Integrating Child-Centred Play Therapy with Gestalt speech acquisition.
I provide a safe and supportive environment for children and their families who are experiencing varied developmental, social, emotional and physical difficulties and/or disabilities. My goal is to contribute to the health of our community, working in collaboration with educators, health professionals and varied organisations.
0498 177 243 View 0498 177 243
Photo of Dr Maddy Fernando, Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Dr Maddy Fernando
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Caulfield North, VIC 3161
Hi, I’m Maddy—a senior clinical psychologist helping children, young people, and adults create lives that feel steadier, more connected, and more fulfilling. With younger clients, I use playful, creative approaches to make therapy engaging; with adults, our work is reflective, practical, and empowering. I help with common challenges like anxiety, low mood, stress, and adjusting to major life changes, as well as more complex concerns including trauma recovery, navigating neurodivergence (i.e ADHD, autism), borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, and obsessive or compulsive behaviours—focusing on meaningful, lasting change.
Hi, I’m Maddy—a senior clinical psychologist helping children, young people, and adults create lives that feel steadier, more connected, and more fulfilling. With younger clients, I use playful, creative approaches to make therapy engaging; with adults, our work is reflective, practical, and empowering. I help with common challenges like anxiety, low mood, stress, and adjusting to major life changes, as well as more complex concerns including trauma recovery, navigating neurodivergence (i.e ADHD, autism), borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, and obsessive or compulsive behaviours—focusing on meaningful, lasting change.
0426 415 617 View 0426 415 617
Photo of Dr Carli Growcott, Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Dr Carli Growcott
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Kew, VIC 3101
Does your child or young person need help? I have more than 25 years experience in supporting families with children and young people who have emotional and behavioural issues. I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist with a Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Honours) and a Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Child, Family and Adolescent). I’ve worked in a number of different settings including mental health services, schools and community health. I have a passion for working with primary school aged children who experience anxiety.
Does your child or young person need help? I have more than 25 years experience in supporting families with children and young people who have emotional and behavioural issues. I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist with a Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Honours) and a Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Child, Family and Adolescent). I’ve worked in a number of different settings including mental health services, schools and community health. I have a passion for working with primary school aged children who experience anxiety.
0474 830 170 View 0474 830 170
Photo of Sharon Churchill, Social Worker, AASW
Sharon Churchill
Social Worker, AASW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, with experience in health, community and private settings. Alongside my undergraduate qualifications, I have a Master of Youth Mental Health (University of Melbourne) and specialise in adolescent mental health, family violence, sexual assault and generalist mental health issues.
I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, with experience in health, community and private settings. Alongside my undergraduate qualifications, I have a Master of Youth Mental Health (University of Melbourne) and specialise in adolescent mental health, family violence, sexual assault and generalist mental health issues.
(03) 5924 0084 View (03) 5924 0084
Photo of Dr Coby Liew, Social Worker, PsychD, AMHSW
Dr Coby Liew
Social Worker, PsychD, AMHSW
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I have expertise in Narrative Therapy, Positive Psychology, HypnoNLP, and LEGO Play Therapy, combined with a gentle blend of evidence-based psychological approaches such as CBT, ACT, and Art Therapy.
Welcome to my profile! I've dedicated my life to helping people of all ages and backgrounds navigate their way through life's challenges, and I do so with compassion, care, and empathy. I was born in Borneo, and have experience living in different countries and cultures. I offer more than ten years of clinical experience in counselling and psychotherapy, specialising in loss and grief, gender and sexuality, complex trauma and abuse, attachment issues, ASD, ADHD, personality disorders, relationship and intimacy issues, anger management, family conflicts, workplace bullying, and intercultural adjustment issues.
I have expertise in Narrative Therapy, Positive Psychology, HypnoNLP, and LEGO Play Therapy, combined with a gentle blend of evidence-based psychological approaches such as CBT, ACT, and Art Therapy.
Welcome to my profile! I've dedicated my life to helping people of all ages and backgrounds navigate their way through life's challenges, and I do so with compassion, care, and empathy. I was born in Borneo, and have experience living in different countries and cultures. I offer more than ten years of clinical experience in counselling and psychotherapy, specialising in loss and grief, gender and sexuality, complex trauma and abuse, attachment issues, ASD, ADHD, personality disorders, relationship and intimacy issues, anger management, family conflicts, workplace bullying, and intercultural adjustment issues.
(03) 8595 5297 View (03) 8595 5297
Photo of Kodi Duruchukwu, Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA Prov
Kodi Duruchukwu
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA Prov
Carlton, VIC 3053
Hi I'm Kodi (They/She), I'm a compassionate and dedicated Provisional Psychologist with a strong commitment to supporting clients from CLAD and LGBTQIA+ backgrounds. As a queer, and neurodivergent clinician, my lived experience within the community aids me to innately empathise with experiences clients may be navigating. My experience encompasses a broad array of client presentations, including ADHD, gender identity, gender dysphoria, dissociative disorders, mood disorders, family and relational conflicts, complex trauma/abuse.
Hi I'm Kodi (They/She), I'm a compassionate and dedicated Provisional Psychologist with a strong commitment to supporting clients from CLAD and LGBTQIA+ backgrounds. As a queer, and neurodivergent clinician, my lived experience within the community aids me to innately empathise with experiences clients may be navigating. My experience encompasses a broad array of client presentations, including ADHD, gender identity, gender dysphoria, dissociative disorders, mood disorders, family and relational conflicts, complex trauma/abuse.
(02) 9159 6657 View (02) 9159 6657

See more therapy options for Mornington

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.