Play Therapy in Otago
I am a registered psychotherapist and child-centred play therapist.
Do you or your child need support? Perhaps you have been through stressful or traumatic experiences or you or your child is experiencing anxiety, depression, aggression or grief.
I am a registered psychotherapist and child-centred play therapist.
Do you or your child need support? Perhaps you have been through stressful or traumatic experiences or you or your child is experiencing anxiety, depression, aggression or grief.
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.
In our work together we will concentrate on you getting the authentic, most fulfilling and happy version of your life, whatever that might look like for you. With gentle support and guidance, I will help you navigate the path you choose, whether it's reducing stress, attaining inner peace, worrying less about others' opinions, gaining self-confidence, fostering enjoyable relationships, or enhancing your work life.
In our work together we will concentrate on you getting the authentic, most fulfilling and happy version of your life, whatever that might look like for you. With gentle support and guidance, I will help you navigate the path you choose, whether it's reducing stress, attaining inner peace, worrying less about others' opinions, gaining self-confidence, fostering enjoyable relationships, or enhancing your work life.
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
Using a pluralistic approach, I work collaboratively with my clients using different approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Expressive Arts Therapy, Play Therapy and Talk Therapy.
My name is Helena and I am a qualified registered counsellor working in the Franklin area. I believe it takes a village to raise a child, so I encompass this in my work with children and adolescents by including the whanau where possible. I am a passionate, caring counsellor with the desire to assist young and old in finding their true potential. I believe I specialise in people. ACC Provider
Using a pluralistic approach, I work collaboratively with my clients using different approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Expressive Arts Therapy, Play Therapy and Talk Therapy.
My name is Helena and I am a qualified registered counsellor working in the Franklin area. I believe it takes a village to raise a child, so I encompass this in my work with children and adolescents by including the whanau where possible. I am a passionate, caring counsellor with the desire to assist young and old in finding their true potential. I believe I specialise in people. ACC Provider
I have been trained in Narrative, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Child Play Therapy, EMDR, Domestic Violence, Depression, Eating Disorders, Addiction Recovery, Dream Therapy, Suicide, Grief, Post Abortion Therapy, Sexual Abuse and Trauma Therapy, Couple and Family Therapy, Grief Therapy.
Hi there - my background includes working as a Registered Nurse for 6 years, and then as an Independant Midwife for 10 years. I paused to raise and home-educate my 4 children (all adults now, and I'm now enjoying being a Grandma. I then retrained to gain a Batchelor in Counselling 13 years ago and have really enjoyed for the past 13 years working with children through to the elderly. I can see you face to face, or via zoom. I work in a number of different modalities to suit your needs. I work with all ethnicities.
I have been trained in Narrative, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Child Play Therapy, EMDR, Domestic Violence, Depression, Eating Disorders, Addiction Recovery, Dream Therapy, Suicide, Grief, Post Abortion Therapy, Sexual Abuse and Trauma Therapy, Couple and Family Therapy, Grief Therapy.
Hi there - my background includes working as a Registered Nurse for 6 years, and then as an Independant Midwife for 10 years. I paused to raise and home-educate my 4 children (all adults now, and I'm now enjoying being a Grandma. I then retrained to gain a Batchelor in Counselling 13 years ago and have really enjoyed for the past 13 years working with children through to the elderly. I can see you face to face, or via zoom. I work in a number of different modalities to suit your needs. I work with all ethnicities.
I am a Registered mental health Social Worker who specializes in Play Therapy.
I follow a holistic approach and aim to support the whole whanau while I work closely with their child in a child-friendly setting. I am a Mental Health Social worker who specializes in Gestalt Play Therapy techniques to support children in their own language, which is play. I do not diagnose neurodiversity but can support with pre-assessment if unsure.
I am a Registered mental health Social Worker who specializes in Play Therapy.
I follow a holistic approach and aim to support the whole whanau while I work closely with their child in a child-friendly setting. I am a Mental Health Social worker who specializes in Gestalt Play Therapy techniques to support children in their own language, which is play. I do not diagnose neurodiversity but can support with pre-assessment if unsure.
Anélda Huisamen Family Practice
Psychologist, MA
Verified Verified
Warkworth 0910
Waitlist for new clients
I've grown to particularly appreciate working with: neurodiverse families, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), tics, insomnia, social anxiety, body dysmorphic disorder, families with highly sensitive kids, parental overwhelm and emotion dysregulation, attachment challenges (separations, adoptions, trauma), unexplained emotions or behaviour issues, play and art therapy, and defiant behaviour.
Anelda Huisamen (née Kloppers) is a senior clinical psychologist, with interests in personal growth, supporting parents and children with neurodiversity, major life adjustments and trauma, attachment difficulties, ongoing emotional and behavioural difficulties, tics, body image and anxiety disorders. Comprehensive assessment and therapy services are offered.
I've grown to particularly appreciate working with: neurodiverse families, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), tics, insomnia, social anxiety, body dysmorphic disorder, families with highly sensitive kids, parental overwhelm and emotion dysregulation, attachment challenges (separations, adoptions, trauma), unexplained emotions or behaviour issues, play and art therapy, and defiant behaviour.
Anelda Huisamen (née Kloppers) is a senior clinical psychologist, with interests in personal growth, supporting parents and children with neurodiversity, major life adjustments and trauma, attachment difficulties, ongoing emotional and behavioural difficulties, tics, body image and anxiety disorders. Comprehensive assessment and therapy services are offered.
With experience in anxiety, depression, behavioural issues, suicide prevention, crisis management, couple therapy, child-centered play therapy, transitioning, self-identity, grief and loss, relationships and emotional regulation.
In my practice my utilize Cognitive Behaviour therapy, Solution Focused Brief therapy, Trauma informed Care, and The Bader-Pearson Model for couples therapy. Nothing more important to me than investing time and positive energy into the younger generation, supporting them with a Child-centered Play therapy approach.
With experience in anxiety, depression, behavioural issues, suicide prevention, crisis management, couple therapy, child-centered play therapy, transitioning, self-identity, grief and loss, relationships and emotional regulation.
In my practice my utilize Cognitive Behaviour therapy, Solution Focused Brief therapy, Trauma informed Care, and The Bader-Pearson Model for couples therapy. Nothing more important to me than investing time and positive energy into the younger generation, supporting them with a Child-centered Play therapy approach.
My work uses tools and skills covering a range of psychodynamic and integrative practices; ACT, Play & Creative Therapy modalities and behavioural methods, such as DBT and CBT.
As a Woman Of Colour and BIPOC therapist, I aim to continue uncomfortable conversations about race, marginalized groups, and cultural trauma - brought on by systemic/historical injustices, discrimination, colonialism and racial hierarchy. Many clients use this space to voice thoughts and feelings, finding resolve where not found in general society.
My work uses tools and skills covering a range of psychodynamic and integrative practices; ACT, Play & Creative Therapy modalities and behavioural methods, such as DBT and CBT.
As a Woman Of Colour and BIPOC therapist, I aim to continue uncomfortable conversations about race, marginalized groups, and cultural trauma - brought on by systemic/historical injustices, discrimination, colonialism and racial hierarchy. Many clients use this space to voice thoughts and feelings, finding resolve where not found in general society.
To relax I play table tennis and pool.
I enjoy working with people of all ages, I work with empathy, non judgment and I try to just be myself. I enjoy making sense of problems through CBT and explore these through Narrative Therapy. I work from a strength based perspective...looking to see what strengths people have and already do well. I use a person-child centred approach and use play therapy.
To relax I play table tennis and pool.
I enjoy working with people of all ages, I work with empathy, non judgment and I try to just be myself. I enjoy making sense of problems through CBT and explore these through Narrative Therapy. I work from a strength based perspective...looking to see what strengths people have and already do well. I use a person-child centred approach and use play therapy.
I provide psychoeducation, draw on a mixture of creative therapies, play therapy, somatic techniques, DBR (works with shock trauma) and trauma-informed talk therapy.
Kia ora, my name is Toni (ko Toni toku ingoa). I have been a counsellor for the past 12 years and early in my journey discovered my philosophy of counselling - "to be seen". What does that mean? For you to be seen in the room, authentically as you are, in a space free of judgment and assumption, for myself to be seen in the room as I am, and for that which is not yet known, to be seen. I worked for 10 years at Familial Trust supporting families/individual affected by addiction. I currently volunteer for FDS Aotearoa. I am also a qualified ACC counsellor working with survivors of sexual violence.
I provide psychoeducation, draw on a mixture of creative therapies, play therapy, somatic techniques, DBR (works with shock trauma) and trauma-informed talk therapy.
Kia ora, my name is Toni (ko Toni toku ingoa). I have been a counsellor for the past 12 years and early in my journey discovered my philosophy of counselling - "to be seen". What does that mean? For you to be seen in the room, authentically as you are, in a space free of judgment and assumption, for myself to be seen in the room as I am, and for that which is not yet known, to be seen. I worked for 10 years at Familial Trust supporting families/individual affected by addiction. I currently volunteer for FDS Aotearoa. I am also a qualified ACC counsellor working with survivors of sexual violence.
For child and youth I incorporate play therapy.
Kia ora,
I am Jess Lepou, a 26-year-old counsellor living in Christchurch New Zealand. I have a passion to journey with others by creating a safe space where people feel valued and listened to.
For child and youth I incorporate play therapy.
Kia ora,
I am Jess Lepou, a 26-year-old counsellor living in Christchurch New Zealand. I have a passion to journey with others by creating a safe space where people feel valued and listened to.
Through an intermodal approach that can include talk therapy, visual arts, mindfulness, sand play, dance/movement and creative writing, we will work collaboratively to achieve your goals.
If traditional talk therapy is leaving you feeling stuck or you are finding it hard to verbalize your thoughts and feelings, creative arts therapy may help you to express yourself. You can choose a modality that resonates, in response to prompts, feelings and themes discussed during the session. You don't need to be 'good at art', it is about the process not the product.
Through an intermodal approach that can include talk therapy, visual arts, mindfulness, sand play, dance/movement and creative writing, we will work collaboratively to achieve your goals.
If traditional talk therapy is leaving you feeling stuck or you are finding it hard to verbalize your thoughts and feelings, creative arts therapy may help you to express yourself. You can choose a modality that resonates, in response to prompts, feelings and themes discussed during the session. You don't need to be 'good at art', it is about the process not the product.
I have extensive experience in working with all age groups, and am skilled in many modalities, such as Solution-Focused Brief therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Play Therapy and Art Therapy.
I am a warm and friendly therapist, who loves supporting children, adolescents and parents with a wide range of emotional and behavioural difficulties. I can support with anxiety , low mood, academic difficulties, ADHD, low self-esteem, trauma, grief, divorce or any other areas where your child may feel stuck. My goals include helping my young clients to reach their full potential, as well as well as increasing their self-belief and overall wellbeing. As I am an Educational Psychologist, I work only with mild to moderate difficulties and will refer clients to the correct professional, in the case of severe- or crisis presentation.
I have extensive experience in working with all age groups, and am skilled in many modalities, such as Solution-Focused Brief therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Play Therapy and Art Therapy.
I am a warm and friendly therapist, who loves supporting children, adolescents and parents with a wide range of emotional and behavioural difficulties. I can support with anxiety , low mood, academic difficulties, ADHD, low self-esteem, trauma, grief, divorce or any other areas where your child may feel stuck. My goals include helping my young clients to reach their full potential, as well as well as increasing their self-belief and overall wellbeing. As I am an Educational Psychologist, I work only with mild to moderate difficulties and will refer clients to the correct professional, in the case of severe- or crisis presentation.
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 a trained Psychologist 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 a trained Psychologist 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.
Candice Middleton Counselling
Counsellor, NZAC - Provisional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Auckland 2014
My passion lies in providing a safe and confidential space to explore life issues and worries through talking therapies, play therapy and catering my sessions to my individual clients needs.
I work with children from the age of 5 years and have had a lot of experience working with teenagers. My background is in AoD/youth justice and working in local East Auckland and South Auckland high schools. Within my private practise I have maintained a safe theraputic enviroment working closely with adults between the age 21-45.
My passion lies in providing a safe and confidential space to explore life issues and worries through talking therapies, play therapy and catering my sessions to my individual clients needs.
I work with children from the age of 5 years and have had a lot of experience working with teenagers. My background is in AoD/youth justice and working in local East Auckland and South Auckland high schools. Within my private practise I have maintained a safe theraputic enviroment working closely with adults between the age 21-45.
You might be juggling work deadlines, relationship strains, or a major life change and feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, self‑doubt, or a lack of direction. You’re looking for clear, practical strategies to calm racing thoughts, build confidence, and regain a sense of control. What you want is a compassionate space where you’re truly heard, and a tailored, strengths‑based approach that empowers you to cultivate resilience and move forward with purpose.
You might be juggling work deadlines, relationship strains, or a major life change and feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, self‑doubt, or a lack of direction. You’re looking for clear, practical strategies to calm racing thoughts, build confidence, and regain a sense of control. What you want is a compassionate space where you’re truly heard, and a tailored, strengths‑based approach that empowers you to cultivate resilience and move forward with purpose.
#1 Relationship Expert, Couples Therapist & Author
Counsellor, MNZAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Havelock North 4130
Can You Save Your Marriage? When you're lying in bed at night, feeling distant from your partner, it may seem hopeless. But change is possible—even if only one of you is ready to take the first step. Many successful professionals struggle with relationship issues like broken communication, constant conflicts, lost intimacy, or trust rebuilding. If you're tired of cold silence and talk of divorce, and traditional couples therapy isn't working, there’s hope. Grant Wattie specializes in online couples counselling using the Aroha Rapid Transformation Method, guiding individuals and couples through these challenges effectively.
Can You Save Your Marriage? When you're lying in bed at night, feeling distant from your partner, it may seem hopeless. But change is possible—even if only one of you is ready to take the first step. Many successful professionals struggle with relationship issues like broken communication, constant conflicts, lost intimacy, or trust rebuilding. If you're tired of cold silence and talk of divorce, and traditional couples therapy isn't working, there’s hope. Grant Wattie specializes in online couples counselling using the Aroha Rapid Transformation Method, guiding individuals and couples through these challenges effectively.
Kia ora, my name is Carlos. I am an Argentine/kiwi senior NZ registered music therapist based in Wellington. My clinical work centers on supporting children, adolescents, and adults who experience psychological, mental/emotional, behavioral, physiological, or neurological challenges. I strive to provide culturally sensitive care to assist people in our communities in a way that is inclusive to all. I bring a non-judgmental, curious, compassionate presence to support the therapeutic needs and well-being of the participants and their whānau.
Kia ora, my name is Carlos. I am an Argentine/kiwi senior NZ registered music therapist based in Wellington. My clinical work centers on supporting children, adolescents, and adults who experience psychological, mental/emotional, behavioral, physiological, or neurological challenges. I strive to provide culturally sensitive care to assist people in our communities in a way that is inclusive to all. I bring a non-judgmental, curious, compassionate presence to support the therapeutic needs and well-being of the participants and their whānau.
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.