Play Therapy Psychologists and Therapists in Parkdale, VIC
When working with children specifically, I use a play-based approach which creates a fun, calm and engaged environment.
I offer 1:1 therapy as well as diagnostic assessments. Currently we are administering Cognitive (IQ) and learning disorder assessments, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnostic assessments.
When working with children specifically, I use a play-based approach which creates a fun, calm and engaged environment.
I offer 1:1 therapy as well as diagnostic assessments. Currently we are administering Cognitive (IQ) and learning disorder assessments, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnostic assessments.
The main way children learn and encounter the world is through play, which is why a large proportion of my therapy time with children is play-based.
I have over 25 years of experience working and collaborating with children and families in the areas of early childhood education and counselling. I am passionate about supporting people to reach their full potential, however that might look like for each individual. I am adept at meeting people where they are at in a non-judgmental way.
The main way children learn and encounter the world is through play, which is why a large proportion of my therapy time with children is play-based.
I have over 25 years of experience working and collaborating with children and families in the areas of early childhood education and counselling. I am passionate about supporting people to reach their full potential, however that might look like for each individual. I am adept at meeting people where they are at in a non-judgmental way.
Belinda is known for her compassionate approach & her ability to interweave EMDR & Play Therapy for children aged 2-18.
Belinda is a child & adolescent mental health social worker with significant expertise in mental health and trauma therapy. She specialises in supporting young people & their families/carers through a compassionate, evidence-informed approach. Passionate about working from a trauma-informed and neuroaffirming lens, Bel draws on her extensive clinical background, which includes roles as a teacher, a dedicated trauma therapist, and a senior clinician in a neuropsychiatry unit at a leading children’s hospital. Her work is grounded in a nuanced understanding of developmental trauma and mental health challenges.
Belinda is known for her compassionate approach & her ability to interweave EMDR & Play Therapy for children aged 2-18.
Belinda is a child & adolescent mental health social worker with significant expertise in mental health and trauma therapy. She specialises in supporting young people & their families/carers through a compassionate, evidence-informed approach. Passionate about working from a trauma-informed and neuroaffirming lens, Bel draws on her extensive clinical background, which includes roles as a teacher, a dedicated trauma therapist, and a senior clinician in a neuropsychiatry unit at a leading children’s hospital. Her work is grounded in a nuanced understanding of developmental trauma and mental health challenges.
I use a range of therapeutic approaches (Trauma focused CBT, Emotion Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Play Therapy) to match with my clients' needs.
I am passionate about working with clients who are wanting to find that different path in life. As a family therapist, I have worked with families to focus on parenting, family dynamics, finding different ways or building relationships with each other. I enjoy working with couples who are wanting to explore the potentials of their relationship and to work out where their next steps are. As an ACA Clinical Supervisor, I run individual and group supervision for counsellors - to find a safe space to have a growth mindset to continually learn how to build up their therapeutic skills.
I use a range of therapeutic approaches (Trauma focused CBT, Emotion Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Play Therapy) to match with my clients' needs.
I am passionate about working with clients who are wanting to find that different path in life. As a family therapist, I have worked with families to focus on parenting, family dynamics, finding different ways or building relationships with each other. I enjoy working with couples who are wanting to explore the potentials of their relationship and to work out where their next steps are. As an ACA Clinical Supervisor, I run individual and group supervision for counsellors - to find a safe space to have a growth mindset to continually learn how to build up their therapeutic skills.
More Therapists Nearby
Michaela Klabanova
Psychologist, MPsych, Australian Association of Psychologists - Member
Hampton, VIC 3188
Hello, my name is Michaela, and I'm a psychologist and psychodynamically trained psychotherapist whose approach is tailored to each client through Trauma-Informed therapy. I’m passionate about helping people achieve their full potential. I offer medium to long-term therapy for people with complex mental health issues, including trauma, addiction recovery, and neurodiversity (ADHD & ASD). I also offer the Safe&Sound Protocol. My experience includes working with children, youth and adults.
Hello, my name is Michaela, and I'm a psychologist and psychodynamically trained psychotherapist whose approach is tailored to each client through Trauma-Informed therapy. I’m passionate about helping people achieve their full potential. I offer medium to long-term therapy for people with complex mental health issues, including trauma, addiction recovery, and neurodiversity (ADHD & ASD). I also offer the Safe&Sound Protocol. My experience includes working with children, youth and adults.
I have worked with clients from multiple different backgrounds, ages and challenges, including school-aged children, mature-aged clients, and lots of young adults who are seeking something new in life. Clients have often presented with trauma, depression, ADHD, Autism and more. Most often I hear their want in change, to perhaps let go of past baggage or simply to find someone who can listen to them in a meaningful way.
I have worked with clients from multiple different backgrounds, ages and challenges, including school-aged children, mature-aged clients, and lots of young adults who are seeking something new in life. Clients have often presented with trauma, depression, ADHD, Autism and more. Most often I hear their want in change, to perhaps let go of past baggage or simply to find someone who can listen to them in a meaningful way.
I use Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman Method couples work, play therapy, trauma focused approaches, and parenting support.
Hi, I’m Anne. I offer a warm, non-judgmental therapeutic space where your story is heard heart to heart. If you’re feeling low, overwhelmed by life’s demands, stuck in patterns, struggling in relationships, or working through past trauma, I’m here to support you with compassion and professional care.
I use Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman Method couples work, play therapy, trauma focused approaches, and parenting support.
Hi, I’m Anne. I offer a warm, non-judgmental therapeutic space where your story is heard heart to heart. If you’re feeling low, overwhelmed by life’s demands, stuck in patterns, struggling in relationships, or working through past trauma, I’m here to support you with compassion and professional care.
Maddison brings a compassionate and collaborative approach to her practice. She creates a non-judgmental safe space for clients to explore various challenges. Presentations that Maddison works with include the following: Autism (especially in girls and women), ADHD, Chronic illness, Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Developmental trauma, Grief management, OCD, Perinatal and infant mental health, and life transitions. Maddison works with clients of all ages.
Maddison brings a compassionate and collaborative approach to her practice. She creates a non-judgmental safe space for clients to explore various challenges. Presentations that Maddison works with include the following: Autism (especially in girls and women), ADHD, Chronic illness, Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Developmental trauma, Grief management, OCD, Perinatal and infant mental health, and life transitions. Maddison works with clients of all ages.
I’m Grace, and I offer therapy for children, teens, adults, and older adults, creating a space where creativity and conversation come together to support healing and growth. With a warm and genuine presence, I create a space for you to explore at your own pace. My approach blends creative therapies—art-making, yoga, meditation, and animal-assisted therapy—with talk-based methods like attachment theory, trauma-informed care, and dyadic developmental
I’m Grace, and I offer therapy for children, teens, adults, and older adults, creating a space where creativity and conversation come together to support healing and growth. With a warm and genuine presence, I create a space for you to explore at your own pace. My approach blends creative therapies—art-making, yoga, meditation, and animal-assisted therapy—with talk-based methods like attachment theory, trauma-informed care, and dyadic developmental
Some of these are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, self-compassion, mindfulness, attachment theory, expressive arts therapy, play therapy, somatic principles, polyvagal theory and existentialism.
Hello! My name is Zane (they/them) and I am a non-binary and neurodivergent counsellor. I work with adolescents and adults of all genders seeking support with a variety of challenges. These include anxiety, depression, self-worth, navigating neurodiversity (including ADHD and autism), exploring gender identity and/or sexuality, body image issues, grief around life transitions, chronic illness and chronic pain. Are you stuck in cycles of overwhelm that you just can’t seem to get out of? Do you struggle with shame and self-criticism? Do you have a strong sense that something needs to change, but you don’t know where to start?
Some of these are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, self-compassion, mindfulness, attachment theory, expressive arts therapy, play therapy, somatic principles, polyvagal theory and existentialism.
Hello! My name is Zane (they/them) and I am a non-binary and neurodivergent counsellor. I work with adolescents and adults of all genders seeking support with a variety of challenges. These include anxiety, depression, self-worth, navigating neurodiversity (including ADHD and autism), exploring gender identity and/or sexuality, body image issues, grief around life transitions, chronic illness and chronic pain. Are you stuck in cycles of overwhelm that you just can’t seem to get out of? Do you struggle with shame and self-criticism? Do you have a strong sense that something needs to change, but you don’t know where to start?
I have over a decade of experience in mental health, community, and advocacy settings, and more than 4.5 years as a Provisional + General Psychologist. I welcome clients from all backgrounds, including LGBTIQ+, culturally diverse, and neurodivergent communities. I work with people experiencing anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, ADHD, or BPD-especially those feeling stuck in cycles of stress, self-doubt, emotional overwhelm, or relationship difficulties. You may be navigating life transitions, questioning your identity, or just trying to stay afloat. Whatever you’re facing, I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to help you move forward.
I have over a decade of experience in mental health, community, and advocacy settings, and more than 4.5 years as a Provisional + General Psychologist. I welcome clients from all backgrounds, including LGBTIQ+, culturally diverse, and neurodivergent communities. I work with people experiencing anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, ADHD, or BPD-especially those feeling stuck in cycles of stress, self-doubt, emotional overwhelm, or relationship difficulties. You may be navigating life transitions, questioning your identity, or just trying to stay afloat. Whatever you’re facing, I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to help you move forward.
I believe that loving yourself is the foundation for healthy, fulfilling relationships with others. Life can be challenging, and it’s easy to lose your sense of direction, confidence, or self-worth along the way. With over 18 years of experience, I support clients with warmth, empathy, and unconditional understanding, creating a safe space to explore challenges, heal, and grow.
Together, we work to help you reconnect with your true self, build self-compassion, and gain the clarity and tools you need to navigate life’s difficulties, and to attain your goals, be they emotional balance, stronger relationships or personal growth.
I believe that loving yourself is the foundation for healthy, fulfilling relationships with others. Life can be challenging, and it’s easy to lose your sense of direction, confidence, or self-worth along the way. With over 18 years of experience, I support clients with warmth, empathy, and unconditional understanding, creating a safe space to explore challenges, heal, and grow.
Together, we work to help you reconnect with your true self, build self-compassion, and gain the clarity and tools you need to navigate life’s difficulties, and to attain your goals, be they emotional balance, stronger relationships or personal growth.
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.
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 am a qualified counsellor registered with ACA and hold a BA of Creative Arts Psychotherapy from Ikon Institute Australia. The combination of having experience in both counselling and art therapy allows me to reach a diverse clientele. I work in a holistic way, guiding clients towards their strengths. I have experience working with adults who face life challenges and young children and adolescents who have social, emotional and behavioural issues. I facilitate individual counselling and group therapy/art therapy for adolescents who struggle with self identity and the pressures that come with school/family and social settings.
I am a qualified counsellor registered with ACA and hold a BA of Creative Arts Psychotherapy from Ikon Institute Australia. The combination of having experience in both counselling and art therapy allows me to reach a diverse clientele. I work in a holistic way, guiding clients towards their strengths. I have experience working with adults who face life challenges and young children and adolescents who have social, emotional and behavioural issues. I facilitate individual counselling and group therapy/art therapy for adolescents who struggle with self identity and the pressures that come with school/family and social settings.
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.
The main modalities I use are: Art therapy, Play therapy, Psycho-education, Zones of Regulation.
Do you want to get to the root cause of your challenges? Are you ready for sustainable change through inner work? Are you yearning to transform your relationship to yourself & those around you? I support uncommonly curious, sensitive, and deep feeling humans access truth, authenticity & freedom from within. I meet you in the depths of your inner world, so that you can dissolve shame, welcome home the suppressed parts of yourself & return to a sense of wholeness & humanness. I work with both youth & adults, online & in person Byron Bay. Please book in for a free connection call to see if we are the right fit, via my website.
The main modalities I use are: Art therapy, Play therapy, Psycho-education, Zones of Regulation.
Do you want to get to the root cause of your challenges? Are you ready for sustainable change through inner work? Are you yearning to transform your relationship to yourself & those around you? I support uncommonly curious, sensitive, and deep feeling humans access truth, authenticity & freedom from within. I meet you in the depths of your inner world, so that you can dissolve shame, welcome home the suppressed parts of yourself & return to a sense of wholeness & humanness. I work with both youth & adults, online & in person Byron Bay. Please book in for a free connection call to see if we are the right fit, via my website.
Hi, I’m Patricia Martins, a Portuguese and Spanish speaking psychologist who helps immigrants find their place in Australia. I know how hard it can be to leave your home country and start a new life in a different culture. I’ve been there myself. That’s why I decided to dedicate my career to helping people like you, who are going through a similar journey. Whether you are struggling with emotional distress, anxiety, loneliness, or any other issue, I’m here to support you and help you thrive in your new environment.
Hi, I’m Patricia Martins, a Portuguese and Spanish speaking psychologist who helps immigrants find their place in Australia. I know how hard it can be to leave your home country and start a new life in a different culture. I’ve been there myself. That’s why I decided to dedicate my career to helping people like you, who are going through a similar journey. Whether you are struggling with emotional distress, anxiety, loneliness, or any other issue, I’m here to support you and help you thrive in your new environment.
Life can feel overwhelming even when everything looks fine on the outside. I work with adults navigating anxiety, life transitions, burnout, grief, relationship challenges and the emotional impact of living between countries or cultures. Many of my clients are expats, internationally mobile professionals or people questioning what's next. Together, we create a warm, collaborative space where you'll feel heard, to better understand your experiences, culture, strengthen emotional resilience, reconnect with your values, and develop practical strategies that help you move forward with greater clarity, confidence and self-compassion.
Life can feel overwhelming even when everything looks fine on the outside. I work with adults navigating anxiety, life transitions, burnout, grief, relationship challenges and the emotional impact of living between countries or cultures. Many of my clients are expats, internationally mobile professionals or people questioning what's next. Together, we create a warm, collaborative space where you'll feel heard, to better understand your experiences, culture, strengthen emotional resilience, reconnect with your values, and develop practical strategies that help you move forward with greater clarity, confidence and self-compassion.
You may be feeling stressed, overwhelmed or unsure how to move forward, and wanting support to better understand yourself and what you’re experiencing. I work with adults and young adults who are seeking to improve their mental health and build more fulfilling relationships with themselves and others. People often come to see me to address anxiety, depression, work/study stress, relationship difficulties, self-confidence concerns, the impacts of trauma and to explore their neurodivergence. In therapy, we work to reduce self-criticism, deepen self-understanding, and help you reconnect with a deeper sense of meaning and purpose.
You may be feeling stressed, overwhelmed or unsure how to move forward, and wanting support to better understand yourself and what you’re experiencing. I work with adults and young adults who are seeking to improve their mental health and build more fulfilling relationships with themselves and others. People often come to see me to address anxiety, depression, work/study stress, relationship difficulties, self-confidence concerns, the impacts of trauma and to explore their neurodivergence. In therapy, we work to reduce self-criticism, deepen self-understanding, and help you reconnect with a deeper sense of meaning and purpose.
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Parkdale
- Bentleigh East
- Carrum Downs
- Cheltenham
- Clayton
- Dandenong
- Hampton
- Highett
- Mentone
- Moorabbin
- Mulgrave
- Sandringham
- Seaford
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.