Play Therapy Psychologists and Therapists in Somerville, VIC

Photo of Priyanka Malhotra - Rewire Psychology , Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Rewire Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
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 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 Stephen Pate, Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Stephen Pate
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
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
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

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Kay Wise, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Kay Wise
Counsellor, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Carrum Downs, VIC 3201
I'm passionate about Counselling and supporting people who are experiencing challenging times with their mental health, family violence, trauma related issues, sexual abuse and childhood trauma, healthy/unhealthy relationships, anger management, addictions, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, grief and loss, life challenges, disabilities ,work or carer challenges, and parenting skills, . Building on their strengths and teaching strategies such as EFT, Breathwork & grounding to build confidence and improve coping skills, giving clients a voice to feel heard and walking alongside them through their healing journey to reach their goals.
I'm passionate about Counselling and supporting people who are experiencing challenging times with their mental health, family violence, trauma related issues, sexual abuse and childhood trauma, healthy/unhealthy relationships, anger management, addictions, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, grief and loss, life challenges, disabilities ,work or carer challenges, and parenting skills, . Building on their strengths and teaching strategies such as EFT, Breathwork & grounding to build confidence and improve coping skills, giving clients a voice to feel heard and walking alongside them through their healing journey to reach their goals.
(03) 5907 5000 View (03) 5907 5000
Photo of May Yeung - Metocha Play Therapy, MA
Metocha Play Therapy
Verified Verified
Wantirna, VIC 3152
Our play therapy has achieved a success rate of over 95% within 3 to 24 months for individuals aged 2 to 80.
The challenges we address include tantrums and anxiety, self-harm, depression, ADHD, autism, speech and language difficulties, selective mutism, learning disabilities, conduct disorders, aggressive behaviors, post-traumatic stress, and the lasting effects of divorce, domestic violence, sexual abuse, withdrawn behavior, and multicultural transitions.
Our play therapy has achieved a success rate of over 95% within 3 to 24 months for individuals aged 2 to 80.
The challenges we address include tantrums and anxiety, self-harm, depression, ADHD, autism, speech and language difficulties, selective mutism, learning disabilities, conduct disorders, aggressive behaviors, post-traumatic stress, and the lasting effects of divorce, domestic violence, sexual abuse, withdrawn behavior, and multicultural transitions.
(03) 7500 5930 View (03) 7500 5930
Photo of Craig Russouw, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Craig Russouw
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Camberwell, VIC 3124
My therapeutic approaches including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Play Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy.
With 20 years’ experience working in psychology, I have supported many community members on their mental health journeys and helped a wide range of people, including adults and children. I am a relationship based professional and I pride myself on being able to establish engaging relationships with my clients and their carers, in a safe and calming space. I work with women and men, and specialise in being able to connect with men and young people.
My therapeutic approaches including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Play Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy.
With 20 years’ experience working in psychology, I have supported many community members on their mental health journeys and helped a wide range of people, including adults and children. I am a relationship based professional and I pride myself on being able to establish engaging relationships with my clients and their carers, in a safe and calming space. I work with women and men, and specialise in being able to connect with men and young people.
(03) 7003 2316 View (03) 7003 2316
Photo of Winnie Lau - Bayside Counselling and Consultation (Seaford), Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Bayside Counselling and Consultation (Seaford)
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Seaford, VIC 3198
Bayside Counselling and Consultation provides psychological support to private and government organisations through Employment Assistance Programs. Our team includes Psychologists and Mental Health Social Worker experienced in the provision of work-based mediation, critical incident debriefing, trauma-focused therapy, the effects of substance abuse in the workplace, anger management, and increasing work attendance and satisfaction. Private counselling is also available in our practice.
Bayside Counselling and Consultation provides psychological support to private and government organisations through Employment Assistance Programs. Our team includes Psychologists and Mental Health Social Worker experienced in the provision of work-based mediation, critical incident debriefing, trauma-focused therapy, the effects of substance abuse in the workplace, anger management, and increasing work attendance and satisfaction. Private counselling is also available in our practice.
(03) 5907 5890 View (03) 5907 5890
Photo of Jess Hodges, Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Jess Hodges
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Do you feel overwhelmed, exhausted or struggling with motivation? Do you have sensitivities that leave you feeling judged by others, or misunderstood? Do you experience stuck patterns of behaviour that effect your ability to feel satisfaction in life and in relationships? Do you feel pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations, which leaves you feeling "othered" and isolated? I see you! You are not alone and you don't have to work this out by yourself. Together we can explore your lived experience and the many ways it impacts your sense of self, worthiness and belonging.
Do you feel overwhelmed, exhausted or struggling with motivation? Do you have sensitivities that leave you feeling judged by others, or misunderstood? Do you experience stuck patterns of behaviour that effect your ability to feel satisfaction in life and in relationships? Do you feel pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations, which leaves you feeling "othered" and isolated? I see you! You are not alone and you don't have to work this out by yourself. Together we can explore your lived experience and the many ways it impacts your sense of self, worthiness and belonging.
0408 486 282 View 0408 486 282
Photo of Michaela Klabanova, Psychologist, MPsych, Australian Association of Psychologists - Member
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.
(03) 8797 2629 View (03) 8797 2629
Photo of Kenny Dao, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Kenny Dao
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Moorabbin, VIC 3189
Welcome to Peach Psychology. I am a registered psychologist, and have practiced across a range of diverse settings since 2019. With my previous therapeutic experience spanning across different age groups, I provide support to children (5+), adolescents, adults and elderly individuals, focusing on assisting each client to identify and work towards their own personal, individual goals.
Welcome to Peach Psychology. I am a registered psychologist, and have practiced across a range of diverse settings since 2019. With my previous therapeutic experience spanning across different age groups, I provide support to children (5+), adolescents, adults and elderly individuals, focusing on assisting each client to identify and work towards their own personal, individual goals.
(03) 8771 5313 View (03) 8771 5313
Photo of Celeste Canavan, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Celeste Canavan
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Camberwell, VIC 3124
I have a special interest in working with children, adolescents, and young adults who are experiencing challenges such as anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, autism, and trauma. I am committed to a neuro-affirming approach, embracing and respecting neurodiversity while valuing each individual's unique way of thinking and being. In our sessions, I utilize a range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
I have a special interest in working with children, adolescents, and young adults who are experiencing challenges such as anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, autism, and trauma. I am committed to a neuro-affirming approach, embracing and respecting neurodiversity while valuing each individual's unique way of thinking and being. In our sessions, I utilize a range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
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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 Sundas Rehman, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Sundas Rehman
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Malvern East, VIC 3145
Welcome to Internal Sunshine, where we embrace a holistic approach to your well-being, valuing every facet of who you are – your mind, body, soul, and social connections. Here, we understand that your spiritual beliefs, values, and sense of purpose are integral parts of your journey. Our therapy is grounded in anti-racism, affirming principles, and deep respect for your experiences and resilience. We're also committed to a neuroaffirming practice in therapy, which means we recognize and celebrate the diverse ways individuals process and engage with the world.
Welcome to Internal Sunshine, where we embrace a holistic approach to your well-being, valuing every facet of who you are – your mind, body, soul, and social connections. Here, we understand that your spiritual beliefs, values, and sense of purpose are integral parts of your journey. Our therapy is grounded in anti-racism, affirming principles, and deep respect for your experiences and resilience. We're also committed to a neuroaffirming practice in therapy, which means we recognize and celebrate the diverse ways individuals process and engage with the world.
(03) 7500 5089 View (03) 7500 5089
Photo of Anne Vitharana, Counsellor, MSc, PACFA
Anne Vitharana
Counsellor, MSc, PACFA
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Hi, my name is Anne and I want to hear your story, heart 2 heart. If you are feeling down or struggling to keep up with life demands, challenged with relationships, feels like you are stuck at where you are in life, or if you are navigating issues involving recovery from past trauma, I am here to support you; all while providing a non-judgmental, gentle and professionally qualified therapeutic environment.
Hi, my name is Anne and I want to hear your story, heart 2 heart. If you are feeling down or struggling to keep up with life demands, challenged with relationships, feels like you are stuck at where you are in life, or if you are navigating issues involving recovery from past trauma, I am here to support you; all while providing a non-judgmental, gentle and professionally qualified therapeutic environment.
(02) 5133 6894 View (02) 5133 6894
Photo of Gorica Boskovski - Mindspace Psychology, Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Couns. Psych.
Mindspace Psychology
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Couns. Psych.
Beaconsfield, VIC 3807
At Mindspace Psychology we provide a range of therapies and assessments depending on your individual needs for children, adolescents, couples and adults. These sessions are usually 50mins in length. At your first appointment, a thorough assessment is conducted with your treating Psychologist, to allow the development of the best treatment plan. Treatment options will be discussed during the initial appointment and these will form the basis for future sessions. Our Psychologists are able to provide therapy to clients experiencing a number of difficulties using a warm and empathetic approach to help them reach their full potential.
At Mindspace Psychology we provide a range of therapies and assessments depending on your individual needs for children, adolescents, couples and adults. These sessions are usually 50mins in length. At your first appointment, a thorough assessment is conducted with your treating Psychologist, to allow the development of the best treatment plan. Treatment options will be discussed during the initial appointment and these will form the basis for future sessions. Our Psychologists are able to provide therapy to clients experiencing a number of difficulties using a warm and empathetic approach to help them reach their full potential.
(03) 9788 6802 View (03) 9788 6802
Photo of Linda Taimre - The Galaxy Clinic, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
The Galaxy Clinic
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Williamstown, VIC 3016
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.
(03) 7003 2639 View (03) 7003 2639
Photo of Kate Wallace-Boyd, Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Kate Wallace-Boyd
Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Hawthorn, VIC 3122
It’s not always easy to ask for support, especially when you’ve been holding it all together for so long. You might be feeling anxious, exhausted, or emotionally drained. Maybe you’re managing a chronic illness, feeling lost in a big life transition, burnt out from work or study, or questioning who you are and what matters to you now. Even if you're someone who usually copes well, it might feel like things just aren’t working anymore. You might be craving a space that feels calm and affirming, where you can take a breath, feel understood, and begin to figure things out at your own pace, with someone who really gets it.
It’s not always easy to ask for support, especially when you’ve been holding it all together for so long. You might be feeling anxious, exhausted, or emotionally drained. Maybe you’re managing a chronic illness, feeling lost in a big life transition, burnt out from work or study, or questioning who you are and what matters to you now. Even if you're someone who usually copes well, it might feel like things just aren’t working anymore. You might be craving a space that feels calm and affirming, where you can take a breath, feel understood, and begin to figure things out at your own pace, with someone who really gets it.
0466 050 552 View 0466 050 552
Photo of Dr Zhi Xiang On - Back On Track Psychology, Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA Endorsed
Back On Track Psychology
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA Endorsed
Kew, VIC 3101
At Back On Track Psychology, our team brings together a diverse range of expertise to provide compassionate, evidence-based, and neuroaffirming support for children, young people, and adults. We share a commitment to creating safe, collaborative spaces where clients feel understood, valued, and empowered to thrive. Our occupational therapist, Kaitlyn has a strong passion for supporting children with developmental delays and sensory processing challenges. She uses a wide range of assessment tools (FCA, Beery, WHODAS) and evidence-based interventions to help children build motor skills, sensory integration, and emotional regulation.
At Back On Track Psychology, our team brings together a diverse range of expertise to provide compassionate, evidence-based, and neuroaffirming support for children, young people, and adults. We share a commitment to creating safe, collaborative spaces where clients feel understood, valued, and empowered to thrive. Our occupational therapist, Kaitlyn has a strong passion for supporting children with developmental delays and sensory processing challenges. She uses a wide range of assessment tools (FCA, Beery, WHODAS) and evidence-based interventions to help children build motor skills, sensory integration, and emotional regulation.
(03) 9111 5374 View (03) 9111 5374
Photo of Amrita Arvind, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Amrita Arvind
Psychologist, PsyBA General
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I believe that trust is the highest form of human motivation and tricky situations challenge it in ourselves. We can have strengths that are as salient and unique as the barriers we face. My clients can have a good insight into themselves or their situation. They may have qualities that set them up for life or have achievements and yet experience significant setbacks that impact their mental health. I work largely with women navigating their pregnancy, parents with young children (up to 4 yrs), immigrants or people of a multi-racial background navigating change in a personal or professional context.
I believe that trust is the highest form of human motivation and tricky situations challenge it in ourselves. We can have strengths that are as salient and unique as the barriers we face. My clients can have a good insight into themselves or their situation. They may have qualities that set them up for life or have achievements and yet experience significant setbacks that impact their mental health. I work largely with women navigating their pregnancy, parents with young children (up to 4 yrs), immigrants or people of a multi-racial background navigating change in a personal or professional context.
(02) 4307 5406 View (02) 4307 5406
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.