Play Therapy Psychologists and Therapists in Preston, VIC
I am a Clinical Psychologist who is passionate about supporting individuals of all ages and walks of life. I specialise in helping those who feel overwhelmed by past trauma, struggle with emotional regulation, or face challenges such as grief, anxiety, depression, or relationship and attachment difficulties. Many of my clients are also navigating neurodiversity, existential questions, or working to change intergenerational patterns. Together, we focus on healing, restoring a sense of control, building emotional awareness, and fostering self-compassion and healthy boundaries.
I am a Clinical Psychologist who is passionate about supporting individuals of all ages and walks of life. I specialise in helping those who feel overwhelmed by past trauma, struggle with emotional regulation, or face challenges such as grief, anxiety, depression, or relationship and attachment difficulties. Many of my clients are also navigating neurodiversity, existential questions, or working to change intergenerational patterns. Together, we focus on healing, restoring a sense of control, building emotional awareness, and fostering self-compassion and healthy boundaries.
You'll experience a calm, creative, and supportive space using approaches such as art and play-based exploration, mindfulness, strengths-based reflection, CBT, narrative and solution-focused techniques.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to start? Maybe anxiety, depression, or ADHD is holding you back. Perhaps you’re a parent watching your child struggle with emotions or social challenges, or you’re juggling work and life and feeling burnt out. You’re here because you want something to change. You want clarity, balance, and tools that actually help. You want to feel confident, connected, and in control of your life. Whatever your goals—emotional regulation, better relationships, or finding calm in the chaos—I’m here to help you achieve them.
You'll experience a calm, creative, and supportive space using approaches such as art and play-based exploration, mindfulness, strengths-based reflection, CBT, narrative and solution-focused techniques.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to start? Maybe anxiety, depression, or ADHD is holding you back. Perhaps you’re a parent watching your child struggle with emotions or social challenges, or you’re juggling work and life and feeling burnt out. You’re here because you want something to change. You want clarity, balance, and tools that actually help. You want to feel confident, connected, and in control of your life. Whatever your goals—emotional regulation, better relationships, or finding calm in the chaos—I’m here to help you achieve them.
If you are constantly trying to "keep up," feeling misunderstood, or wondering why things seem harder than they should, you are not alone. I help people struggling with anxiety, burnout, trauma-related experiences, neurodivergence, and those feeling overwhelmed or stuck. I provide human support by helping you build emotional regulation tools, confidence, and practical coping skills so you can feel more in control and better equipped to navigate everyday life. I use evidence-based approaches, including CBT and DBT, while recognising that no two people are the same. I tailor therapy to suit your lifestyle and values.
If you are constantly trying to "keep up," feeling misunderstood, or wondering why things seem harder than they should, you are not alone. I help people struggling with anxiety, burnout, trauma-related experiences, neurodivergence, and those feeling overwhelmed or stuck. I provide human support by helping you build emotional regulation tools, confidence, and practical coping skills so you can feel more in control and better equipped to navigate everyday life. I use evidence-based approaches, including CBT and DBT, while recognising that no two people are the same. I tailor therapy to suit your lifestyle and values.
You may be feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of life or feeling out of synch with yourself. You might feel drained or not like your usual self. I help those who are struggling with anxiety, low mood, perfectionism, trauma, relationship challenges, or low self-esteem. I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space where we can make sense of what you’re feeling, why you're feeling that way, and how they impact you. From there, we build resilience and develop practical tools to move forward with confidence. I take a neuro-affirming approach, tailoring therapy to your unique needs, values, and lifestyle.
You may be feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of life or feeling out of synch with yourself. You might feel drained or not like your usual self. I help those who are struggling with anxiety, low mood, perfectionism, trauma, relationship challenges, or low self-esteem. I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space where we can make sense of what you’re feeling, why you're feeling that way, and how they impact you. From there, we build resilience and develop practical tools to move forward with confidence. I take a neuro-affirming approach, tailoring therapy to your unique needs, values, and lifestyle.
Amber has extensive experience working with individuals aged 4 to 65, supporting a wide range of mental health concerns, including: Anxiety disorders (generalised anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, phobias); Depression and mood disorders, Trauma, PTSD, ADHD, Autism, Self-esteem and identity concerns, Relationship and interpersonal difficulties. Amber is passionate about helping clients build confidence and resilience. Amber has comprehensive psychological assessments for Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability to assist in diagnosis and support planning.
Amber has extensive experience working with individuals aged 4 to 65, supporting a wide range of mental health concerns, including: Anxiety disorders (generalised anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, phobias); Depression and mood disorders, Trauma, PTSD, ADHD, Autism, Self-esteem and identity concerns, Relationship and interpersonal difficulties. Amber is passionate about helping clients build confidence and resilience. Amber has comprehensive psychological assessments for Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability to assist in diagnosis and support planning.
Over the years, I've trained in a range of approaches, including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and CBT-based play therapy.
I’m an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and a member of the AASW. I work primarily with adults, supporting people through life’s challenges with warmth, respect, and understanding. My approach is grounded in understanding your story, your strengths, and what matters most to you. I believe that the connection between client and counsellor forms the foundation of meaningful healing and growth.
作为一名注册心理健康社工，我可以用中文（普通话）或英文为您提供心理咨询服务。无论您正在面对生活压力、情绪困扰、人际关系或文化适应的挑战，我都会以温暖、尊重和理解的态度陪伴您，一起寻找前进的方向。
Over the years, I've trained in a range of approaches, including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and CBT-based play therapy.
I’m an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and a member of the AASW. I work primarily with adults, supporting people through life’s challenges with warmth, respect, and understanding. My approach is grounded in understanding your story, your strengths, and what matters most to you. I believe that the connection between client and counsellor forms the foundation of meaningful healing and growth.
作为一名注册心理健康社工，我可以用中文（普通话）或英文为您提供心理咨询服务。无论您正在面对生活压力、情绪困扰、人际关系或文化适应的挑战，我都会以温暖、尊重和理解的态度陪伴您，一起寻找前进的方向。
I'm an educational and developmental psychologist who works with school-aged children and their families who are seeking support for challenges with big emotions, anxiety and worries, learning or attention, school or social interactions. These children may feel overwhelmed or struggle with regulation in their daily lives. I work with children and parents to help a child thrive emotionally, socially, and academically, ensuring they both feel understood and supported. I specialise in comprehensive psychological and diagnostic assessments including cognitive, educational & literacy, dyslexia, autism, & adhd.
I'm an educational and developmental psychologist who works with school-aged children and their families who are seeking support for challenges with big emotions, anxiety and worries, learning or attention, school or social interactions. These children may feel overwhelmed or struggle with regulation in their daily lives. I work with children and parents to help a child thrive emotionally, socially, and academically, ensuring they both feel understood and supported. I specialise in comprehensive psychological and diagnostic assessments including cognitive, educational & literacy, dyslexia, autism, & adhd.
Guidestar provides a safe space for confidential psychology, counselling, assessment and support services for children, adolescents and adults. We are neurodiverse affirming, Rainbow Tick accredited and a safe space for the LGBTIQA+ community. Our psychologists are registered with the AHPRA and are members of the APS or AAPi. Each psychologist has a different focus and approach; review the profiles of our psychologists on our website.
Guidestar provides a safe space for confidential psychology, counselling, assessment and support services for children, adolescents and adults. We are neurodiverse affirming, Rainbow Tick accredited and a safe space for the LGBTIQA+ community. Our psychologists are registered with the AHPRA and are members of the APS or AAPi. Each psychologist has a different focus and approach; review the profiles of our psychologists on our website.
I specialise in providing trauma focussed therapy (EMDR & Internal Family Systems (IFS) for adults, children and young people and am passionate about working with people who are neurodiverse & those coming to terms with childhood trauma or the trauma of being neurodiverse in today’s society. I honour each person’s unique way of being & love working with adolescents & children, fostering healing that builds self-trust, connection & authentic self-expression, developing life long skills, so you can reconnect with yourself, process trauma and feel fully alive again. Our space is safe, respectful, and centered on you.
I specialise in providing trauma focussed therapy (EMDR & Internal Family Systems (IFS) for adults, children and young people and am passionate about working with people who are neurodiverse & those coming to terms with childhood trauma or the trauma of being neurodiverse in today’s society. I honour each person’s unique way of being & love working with adolescents & children, fostering healing that builds self-trust, connection & authentic self-expression, developing life long skills, so you can reconnect with yourself, process trauma and feel fully alive again. Our space is safe, respectful, and centered on you.
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?
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.
Adi is a psychotherapist and creative arts therapist who supports individuals in reconnecting with their bodies, emotions, and inner knowing. She works with adults navigating trauma, life transitions, anxiety, identity exploration, and relationship challenges.
Her sessions offer a space to slow down, tune in, and gently explore what’s beneath the surface—at your own pace, in your own way. With a warm and grounded presence, Adi offers therapy as a collaborative, compassionate process where all parts of you are welcome.
Adi is a psychotherapist and creative arts therapist who supports individuals in reconnecting with their bodies, emotions, and inner knowing. She works with adults navigating trauma, life transitions, anxiety, identity exploration, and relationship challenges.
Her sessions offer a space to slow down, tune in, and gently explore what’s beneath the surface—at your own pace, in your own way. With a warm and grounded presence, Adi offers therapy as a collaborative, compassionate process where all parts of you are welcome.
More Therapists Nearby
Growing up, I was always an empathetic person who really valued relationships and loved helping people. My desire to understand human behaviour through life experiences and providing guidance to resolve problems, has drawn me to the profession of counselling. I am privileged to work with children of all ages, through to adults, facing different challenges in life. I believe in making a strong rapport with my clients and helping them towards a better tomorrow.
Growing up, I was always an empathetic person who really valued relationships and loved helping people. My desire to understand human behaviour through life experiences and providing guidance to resolve problems, has drawn me to the profession of counselling. I am privileged to work with children of all ages, through to adults, facing different challenges in life. I believe in making a strong rapport with my clients and helping them towards a better tomorrow.
For children, I also offer play-based therapeutic sessions using developmentally appropriate play and creative activities to support communication, emotional regulation and skill development.
My approach to therapy is warm, supportive and centred around creating a space where you or your child can feel comfortable, understood and genuinely heard. I work with children, adolescents and adults experiencing depression, anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, relationship concerns, trauma-related difficulties, autism and a range of life challenges. I focus on understanding each person as an individual, building on their strengths and working together towards meaningful and achievable goals.
For children, I also offer play-based therapeutic sessions using developmentally appropriate play and creative activities to support communication, emotional regulation and skill development.
My approach to therapy is warm, supportive and centred around creating a space where you or your child can feel comfortable, understood and genuinely heard. I work with children, adolescents and adults experiencing depression, anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, relationship concerns, trauma-related difficulties, autism and a range of life challenges. I focus on understanding each person as an individual, building on their strengths and working together towards meaningful and achievable goals.
I enjoy working with young people and adults who may be facing challenging personal circumstances, major life changes and grief. I also have a strong interest in working with people who have experienced significant trauma and people who may have PTSD or C-PTSD. I have undertaken further training in perinatal mental health and love working with parents and soon to be parents. I am qualified in clinical hypnosis and integrate this with other therapies to support my clients with healing.
I enjoy working with young people and adults who may be facing challenging personal circumstances, major life changes and grief. I also have a strong interest in working with people who have experienced significant trauma and people who may have PTSD or C-PTSD. I have undertaken further training in perinatal mental health and love working with parents and soon to be parents. I am qualified in clinical hypnosis and integrate this with other therapies to support my clients with healing.
I employ a blend of evidence-based therapies including CBT, ACT, EMDR, play therapy and mindfulness therapy to meet the unique needs and objectives of each client.
I support clients across the age range (from as young as 4 and above) to address a comprehensive range of presentations, including neurodivergent presentations (ASD, ADHD), anxiety disorders (generalised anxiety, OCD, panic, phobias, separation anxiety), school refusal, self-esteem, adjustment difficulties, trauma & depression. I also offer assessment for ADHD for both adults and children & work closely with schools on strategies. I focus on building a safe and positive therapeutic relationship with my clients. I am particularly attuned to the cultural diversity of the city, and have a special interest in cross cultural challenges.
I employ a blend of evidence-based therapies including CBT, ACT, EMDR, play therapy and mindfulness therapy to meet the unique needs and objectives of each client.
I support clients across the age range (from as young as 4 and above) to address a comprehensive range of presentations, including neurodivergent presentations (ASD, ADHD), anxiety disorders (generalised anxiety, OCD, panic, phobias, separation anxiety), school refusal, self-esteem, adjustment difficulties, trauma & depression. I also offer assessment for ADHD for both adults and children & work closely with schools on strategies. I focus on building a safe and positive therapeutic relationship with my clients. I am particularly attuned to the cultural diversity of the city, and have a special interest in cross cultural challenges.
My gift and desire to help others use creative expression is what has me leaping out of bed each day. I want to help others use creative expression to explore what's going on for them, helping them delve into their inner worlds. I grew up in an intensely creative and neurodiverse family, highly attuned to the beauty of nature, music, art and words. I've always loved the opportunities these forms of expression provide to express myself, and to feel deeply—beyond words.
My gift and desire to help others use creative expression is what has me leaping out of bed each day. I want to help others use creative expression to explore what's going on for them, helping them delve into their inner worlds. I grew up in an intensely creative and neurodiverse family, highly attuned to the beauty of nature, music, art and words. I've always loved the opportunities these forms of expression provide to express myself, and to feel deeply—beyond words.
Melbourne Wellbeing Group Psychology Practice
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Surrey Hills, VIC 3127
At Melbourne Wellbeing Group we understand that life can feel like a lot sometimes. We’re here to support you and your family when you need it, so that you don’t have to do it alone. Here at MWG our team of psychologists have developed quite the reputation for treating people who have been dealing with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). You could say that it is a niche of ours! But treating OCD isn’t all we do. Our team have many areas of interest, with many years of experience between us.
At Melbourne Wellbeing Group we understand that life can feel like a lot sometimes. We’re here to support you and your family when you need it, so that you don’t have to do it alone. Here at MWG our team of psychologists have developed quite the reputation for treating people who have been dealing with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). You could say that it is a niche of ours! But treating OCD isn’t all we do. Our team have many areas of interest, with many years of experience between us.
These include EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Exposure & Response Prevention, Trauma Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy & Play Therapy.
Dr Germaine Gergis, is a board-endorsed Clinical Psychologist, Supervisor and Lecturer with many years' experience in delivering high quality assessments and treatment to infants, children, adolescents and adults, and their families. Germaine has worked across private and public sectors helping those who have presented with a diverse range of mental health issues and neurodevelopmental disorders. She has extensive experience in working with mood & anxiety disorders, OCD, trauma-related disorders and personality disorders. Speciality roles include infant mental health & autism spectrum disorders, including providing second opinions.
These include EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Exposure & Response Prevention, Trauma Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy & Play Therapy.
Dr Germaine Gergis, is a board-endorsed Clinical Psychologist, Supervisor and Lecturer with many years' experience in delivering high quality assessments and treatment to infants, children, adolescents and adults, and their families. Germaine has worked across private and public sectors helping those who have presented with a diverse range of mental health issues and neurodevelopmental disorders. She has extensive experience in working with mood & anxiety disorders, OCD, trauma-related disorders and personality disorders. Speciality roles include infant mental health & autism spectrum disorders, including providing second opinions.
I offer EMDR, play therapy and counselling appointments in Airlie Beach and telehealth sessions for adults across Australia.
My approach is client-centred and based on the belief that healing happens when people feel supported, and understood. I focus on building a genuine connection and a space to explore at your own pace. Sessions are tailored to each person and draw on evidence-based approaches including trauma-informed practice, EMDR, CBT, ACT, and creative therapies.
I offer EMDR, play therapy and counselling appointments in Airlie Beach and telehealth sessions for adults across Australia.
My approach is client-centred and based on the belief that healing happens when people feel supported, and understood. I focus on building a genuine connection and a space to explore at your own pace. Sessions are tailored to each person and draw on evidence-based approaches including trauma-informed practice, EMDR, CBT, ACT, and creative therapies.
See more therapy options for Preston
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Preston
- Brunswick
- Brunswick East
- Bundoora
- Carlton North
- Clifton Hill
- Coburg
- Fairfield
- Fitzroy North
- Ivanhoe
- Northcote
- Pascoe Vale
- Thornbury
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.