Play Therapy in Otago
I am a psychologist who offers, warm, evidence-based assessment and intervention for learning difficulties and behavioural challenges; helping children and their families clearly understand strengths, needs and practical next steps with confidence and care.
I am a psychologist who offers, warm, evidence-based assessment and intervention for learning difficulties and behavioural challenges; helping children and their families clearly understand strengths, needs and practical next steps with confidence and care.
Kia ora, my name is Ros. Counselling provides a safe, non-judgemental space for you to be heard and feel understood. It might not always feel like it, but you are the expert on your own life. My counselling approach seeks to work with you to explore what’s going well and what’s proving a challenge. Together, we’ll explore your values, assumptions and beliefs and create supportive, functional strategies and solutions to help you make sense of where you are right now.
Kia ora, my name is Ros. Counselling provides a safe, non-judgemental space for you to be heard and feel understood. It might not always feel like it, but you are the expert on your own life. My counselling approach seeks to work with you to explore what’s going well and what’s proving a challenge. Together, we’ll explore your values, assumptions and beliefs and create supportive, functional strategies and solutions to help you make sense of where you are right now.
I incorporate elements of Play Therapy and Art Therapy into my usual approach when working with children/young people, as it best suits my young clients' needs.
I am a Nelson-based Psychotherapist offering short-term and long-term psychotherapy for adults, children and young people. My approach to working in therapy relies mainly on psychodynamic theories; meaning that I believe our early experiences have a significant impact on us. We may search for patterns in your life, to better understand what may be causing and perpetuating your problems. In long-term therapy it is crucial that you come to trust me, to share these often very personal memories and experiences.
I incorporate elements of Play Therapy and Art Therapy into my usual approach when working with children/young people, as it best suits my young clients' needs.
I am a Nelson-based Psychotherapist offering short-term and long-term psychotherapy for adults, children and young people. My approach to working in therapy relies mainly on psychodynamic theories; meaning that I believe our early experiences have a significant impact on us. We may search for patterns in your life, to better understand what may be causing and perpetuating your problems. In long-term therapy it is crucial that you come to trust me, to share these often very personal memories and experiences.
Kia ora, I'm Paola. In therapy, change comes in waves and cycles, like with the tides. I provide my clients a safe and professional environment to navigate those therapeutic tides in the smoothest way possible. I bring to the therapeutic process competence, clarity and clinical discernment for the client to be able to dive safely in the deep waters of personal transformation. Clients report that they experience tangible results as enhanced self-esteem and trust, reduced severity of symptoms as anxiety, depression, grief or mental confusion, and the restoring of their capacity for secure, and organized relationships, among others.
Kia ora, I'm Paola. In therapy, change comes in waves and cycles, like with the tides. I provide my clients a safe and professional environment to navigate those therapeutic tides in the smoothest way possible. I bring to the therapeutic process competence, clarity and clinical discernment for the client to be able to dive safely in the deep waters of personal transformation. Clients report that they experience tangible results as enhanced self-esteem and trust, reduced severity of symptoms as anxiety, depression, grief or mental confusion, and the restoring of their capacity for secure, and organized relationships, among others.
Online Therapists
Hi, I'm Sarah Grigg. I am an experienced and empathetic therapist with a health background. I have completed a postgraduate diploma in CBT at the University of Canterbury. As a registered Physiotherapist for the past 25 years, I have worked with diverse populations, including chronic health, disability, pain, anxiety and breathing issues. I provide therapy for adults, children adolescents, and their families, focusing on cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Hi, I'm Sarah Grigg. I am an experienced and empathetic therapist with a health background. I have completed a postgraduate diploma in CBT at the University of Canterbury. As a registered Physiotherapist for the past 25 years, I have worked with diverse populations, including chronic health, disability, pain, anxiety and breathing issues. I provide therapy for adults, children adolescents, and their families, focusing on cognitive-behavioral therapy.
I am a registered Creative Arts Therapist and an inner work and mental well-being facilitator. I support people in finding clarity, peace, growth, new perspectives, and possibilities. I use creative, expressive and mindfulness processes to support exploring, expressing and transforming stressful thoughts, limiting core beliefs, feelings, conflicts and emotions. My process delivers this exploration in a gentle, safe and supportive way. At the moment, I'm only available for online sessions.
I am a registered Creative Arts Therapist and an inner work and mental well-being facilitator. I support people in finding clarity, peace, growth, new perspectives, and possibilities. I use creative, expressive and mindfulness processes to support exploring, expressing and transforming stressful thoughts, limiting core beliefs, feelings, conflicts and emotions. My process delivers this exploration in a gentle, safe and supportive way. At the moment, I'm only available for online sessions.
I have expertise in conducting diagnostic assessments and providing therapy and treatment to children, adolescents, and adults who are dealing with various challenges. This includes conditions such as Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD), Emotional Dysregulation, Depression, Burnout, and Anxiety Disorders. My offices are based in Parnell, Albany, and I offer online diagnostic assessments and therapy.
I have expertise in conducting diagnostic assessments and providing therapy and treatment to children, adolescents, and adults who are dealing with various challenges. This includes conditions such as Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD), Emotional Dysregulation, Depression, Burnout, and Anxiety Disorders. My offices are based in Parnell, Albany, and I offer online diagnostic assessments and therapy.
As you navigate through the complexities of life, it's not uncommon to feel overwhelmed or disconnected from your goals and desires. My name is Teresa, and as a professional counsellor, I'm here to offer you a supportive, confidential space to explore these challenges. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, struggling with relationship issues, or simply needing guidance as you face major life transitions, my goal is to help you find clarity and peace. Together, we will work towards overcoming these challenges and understanding and growing from them.
What sets me apart is my commitment to truly listening and understanding.
As you navigate through the complexities of life, it's not uncommon to feel overwhelmed or disconnected from your goals and desires. My name is Teresa, and as a professional counsellor, I'm here to offer you a supportive, confidential space to explore these challenges. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, struggling with relationship issues, or simply needing guidance as you face major life transitions, my goal is to help you find clarity and peace. Together, we will work towards overcoming these challenges and understanding and growing from them.
What sets me apart is my commitment to truly listening and understanding.
As an occupational therapist specialising in mental health, I am committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment for young people and families to navigate life’s challenges through meaning-making and value-centered practices.
As an occupational therapist specialising in mental health, I am committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment for young people and families to navigate life’s challenges through meaning-making and value-centered practices.
My clients are tamariki, rangatahi, young parents, and adults who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or alone and want a calm, non-judgmental space. They often come with anxiety, stress, low mood, grief, anger, relationship/family conflict, parenting pressure, or life transitions.
I help by offering trauma-informed, compassionate support; making sense of what’s happening in the context of their life; and working collaboratively on practical next steps, skills, and supports so they can move forward with clarity, hope, and confidence.
My clients are tamariki, rangatahi, young parents, and adults who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or alone and want a calm, non-judgmental space. They often come with anxiety, stress, low mood, grief, anger, relationship/family conflict, parenting pressure, or life transitions.
I help by offering trauma-informed, compassionate support; making sense of what’s happening in the context of their life; and working collaboratively on practical next steps, skills, and supports so they can move forward with clarity, hope, and confidence.
I work primarily in person-centered, narrative and strengths based methods, using Play Therapy and Drawing Therapy.
I have emotionally supported hundreds of children through difficult moments for many years. Having studied in the USA, UK and NZ and worked with the children of the Christchurch Earthquakes for several years, I have been privileged to learn from and work with some very inspiring and resilient people. This knowledge was used to volunteer as crisis responder and as an in-person Youthline counsellor amongst other roles. Recently, I was employed as a Child and Adolescent Counsellor serving 13 South Otago area primary and intermediate schools. I now operate my own Private Practice in a beautiful and healing setting in Whakamarama.
I work primarily in person-centered, narrative and strengths based methods, using Play Therapy and Drawing Therapy.
I have emotionally supported hundreds of children through difficult moments for many years. Having studied in the USA, UK and NZ and worked with the children of the Christchurch Earthquakes for several years, I have been privileged to learn from and work with some very inspiring and resilient people. This knowledge was used to volunteer as crisis responder and as an in-person Youthline counsellor amongst other roles. Recently, I was employed as a Child and Adolescent Counsellor serving 13 South Otago area primary and intermediate schools. I now operate my own Private Practice in a beautiful and healing setting in Whakamarama.
Through play, talk, and creative activities tailored to each child, I help them explore feelings, experiences, and relationships, noticing how these shape thoughts, emotions, and connections with others.
I work with children and adolescents (ages 5–18) experiencing anxiety, low mood, trauma, grief, difficulties with self‑esteem or identity, social challenges, or behavioural struggles at home or at school. I support them to understand and manage their feelings, navigate strong emotions, and build positive relationships with family and peers, working closely with parents and whānau to understand their child’s experiences.
Through play, talk, and creative activities tailored to each child, I help them explore feelings, experiences, and relationships, noticing how these shape thoughts, emotions, and connections with others.
I work with children and adolescents (ages 5–18) experiencing anxiety, low mood, trauma, grief, difficulties with self‑esteem or identity, social challenges, or behavioural struggles at home or at school. I support them to understand and manage their feelings, navigate strong emotions, and build positive relationships with family and peers, working closely with parents and whānau to understand their child’s experiences.
Hello, I’m Christine Burch, a seasoned Counsellor and Family Therapist with 16 years of experience working in Auckland. I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals and families from diverse backgrounds to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and work towards positive change. My goal is to help you build a strong foundation for personal growth and healing. I recognise that everyone’s journey is unique, and I tailor my therapeutic approach to meet the individual needs of each client. I’m committed to creating a safe and culturally sensitive environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their stories and experiences.
Hello, I’m Christine Burch, a seasoned Counsellor and Family Therapist with 16 years of experience working in Auckland. I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals and families from diverse backgrounds to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and work towards positive change. My goal is to help you build a strong foundation for personal growth and healing. I recognise that everyone’s journey is unique, and I tailor my therapeutic approach to meet the individual needs of each client. I’m committed to creating a safe and culturally sensitive environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their stories and experiences.
We live in a complex world with many demands on us that affect our emotional wellbeing. Yet there is also a promise of creativity, satisfaction and growth in our lives. Individual therapy can help navigate our emotional blocks so we can experience contentment and satisfaction. Children experience distress that gets communicated either in their behaviour or their emotions. Yet behind every difficult behaviour is an un-communicated or unsatisfied need. Individual therapy can help give expression to the unsaid emotions and needs of children in insightful ways so they can continue to be curious, creative and playful.
We live in a complex world with many demands on us that affect our emotional wellbeing. Yet there is also a promise of creativity, satisfaction and growth in our lives. Individual therapy can help navigate our emotional blocks so we can experience contentment and satisfaction. Children experience distress that gets communicated either in their behaviour or their emotions. Yet behind every difficult behaviour is an un-communicated or unsatisfied need. Individual therapy can help give expression to the unsaid emotions and needs of children in insightful ways so they can continue to be curious, creative and playful.
I provide a safe, empathic, and collaborative space in which I offer psychological assessment and treatment to teenagers and adults. Treatment planning and interventions are designed with the client and outcomes are monitored. I have had the privilege to work with a range of people, to support and empower them to reach the goals they desire. I have worked with low moods, depression, anxiety, self-harm, loss and grief, stress, workplace issues, parenting issues, relationship issues and anger problems.
I provide a safe, empathic, and collaborative space in which I offer psychological assessment and treatment to teenagers and adults. Treatment planning and interventions are designed with the client and outcomes are monitored. I have had the privilege to work with a range of people, to support and empower them to reach the goals they desire. I have worked with low moods, depression, anxiety, self-harm, loss and grief, stress, workplace issues, parenting issues, relationship issues and anger problems.
I base my practice on a holistic approach, drawing on a selection of clinically sound methods including psychoanalysis, DBT, Mindfulness, trauma-informed, art and play therapy and indigenous models.
Kia ora koutou katoa. My name is Stella (she/her). I am trained in Psychology with multiple qualifications to PhD level. I moved to Aotearoa from Argentina a few years ago and attained professional registration as a Counsellor. Key strengths and qualities that I bring to my practice comprise many years of experience in different settings. This includes adult mental health, community care and education. Currently, I am working in private practice, providing sessions in Spanish and English to clients from different cultures and walks of life. I offer talk therapy for a range of psychological and personal issues.
I base my practice on a holistic approach, drawing on a selection of clinically sound methods including psychoanalysis, DBT, Mindfulness, trauma-informed, art and play therapy and indigenous models.
Kia ora koutou katoa. My name is Stella (she/her). I am trained in Psychology with multiple qualifications to PhD level. I moved to Aotearoa from Argentina a few years ago and attained professional registration as a Counsellor. Key strengths and qualities that I bring to my practice comprise many years of experience in different settings. This includes adult mental health, community care and education. Currently, I am working in private practice, providing sessions in Spanish and English to clients from different cultures and walks of life. I offer talk therapy for a range of psychological and personal issues.
I use a play based approach with children, including sandplay and art.
I'm Geraldine Hughes, a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, specialising in supporting infants, children and young people and their whanau where there is a range of emotional and behavioural difficulties. Through carefully understanding these difficulties, day to day functioning improves. I also specialise in supporting parents who experience their child as demanding or clingy, to shift focus from behaviour management to enhancing the quality of relationship.
I use a play based approach with children, including sandplay and art.
I'm Geraldine Hughes, a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, specialising in supporting infants, children and young people and their whanau where there is a range of emotional and behavioural difficulties. Through carefully understanding these difficulties, day to day functioning improves. I also specialise in supporting parents who experience their child as demanding or clingy, to shift focus from behaviour management to enhancing the quality of relationship.
I offer individual counselling for children, teens, and adults and parenting support
My approach is person-centred, trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and gender-affirming -
Modalities I offer: Narrative Therapy, CBT, Sandplay Therapy, Play- and Art-based Interventions, and Specialist support for neurodivergent people (ASD, ADHD, Gifted, etc
Sometimes, our life circumstances can cause distress such as Anxiety, Depression, Grief and Loss, Loneliness, Anger, or feeling overwhelmed or stuck.
It is evident that distress interferes with our ability to live well, attend to what is important to us and work towards our goals.
In difficult times it can be helpful to be listened to, express our feelings, bring forward our strengths, experience that we are not alone, practice new ways of coping, and find appropriate support
I offer individual counselling for children, teens, and adults and parenting support
My approach is person-centred, trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and gender-affirming -
Modalities I offer: Narrative Therapy, CBT, Sandplay Therapy, Play- and Art-based Interventions, and Specialist support for neurodivergent people (ASD, ADHD, Gifted, etc
Sometimes, our life circumstances can cause distress such as Anxiety, Depression, Grief and Loss, Loneliness, Anger, or feeling overwhelmed or stuck.
It is evident that distress interferes with our ability to live well, attend to what is important to us and work towards our goals.
In difficult times it can be helpful to be listened to, express our feelings, bring forward our strengths, experience that we are not alone, practice new ways of coping, and find appropriate support
My name is Naifang Wang. You can call me Wendy. I’m from Shanghai in China. I have been living in Auckland since 2017. I completed a Graduate Diploma in Arts in Psychology at Massey University in 2021. I also hold an NZQA accredited level 9 Master’s Degree in mental health. My experience as a psychological counselor involves individuals, couples, families and children. If you have any problems with emotional distress, problem solving, personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family problem, children's development, repetive dream work, etc., please contact me.
My name is Naifang Wang. You can call me Wendy. I’m from Shanghai in China. I have been living in Auckland since 2017. I completed a Graduate Diploma in Arts in Psychology at Massey University in 2021. I also hold an NZQA accredited level 9 Master’s Degree in mental health. My experience as a psychological counselor involves individuals, couples, families and children. If you have any problems with emotional distress, problem solving, personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family problem, children's development, repetive dream work, etc., please contact me.
Kia ora koutou.
Hi there! I'm Sofia, originally from Argentina (you might notice my funny accent). At the heart of my work is the belief that you have what you need to get where you want, but some things might get in the way or 'block' that from happening. I strongly believe that
healing happens in connection, when people feel seen, safe, and supported to make meaning of their experiences. My work is both relational and holistic, integrating attachment-based, trauma-informed and systemic approaches.
I am trained in EFT, Theraplay, Systemic therapy and IFS.
Kia ora koutou.
Hi there! I'm Sofia, originally from Argentina (you might notice my funny accent). At the heart of my work is the belief that you have what you need to get where you want, but some things might get in the way or 'block' that from happening. I strongly believe that
healing happens in connection, when people feel seen, safe, and supported to make meaning of their experiences. My work is both relational and holistic, integrating attachment-based, trauma-informed and systemic approaches.
I am trained in EFT, Theraplay, Systemic therapy and IFS.
Play Therapy Counsellors
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.