Therapists for Toddlers in Otago
we all experience some type of setbacks during our lifetime. Things like anxiety, identity crisis, grief, break ups, etc. having an impartial, non-judgmental with a counsellor can help gain clarity, understanding and tools to work with the issue.
we all experience some type of setbacks during our lifetime. Things like anxiety, identity crisis, grief, break ups, etc. having an impartial, non-judgmental with a counsellor can help gain clarity, understanding and tools to work with the issue.
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.
At Nurture Occupational Therapy I support babies through to adolescents. Parents and teachers do a great job guiding them along the way, but sometimes they may need a little extra help. That is where an Occupational Therapist can provide invaluable guidance. By focusing on the individual child’s strengths and using a play-based approach, we foster independence and help children function positively in every aspect of their daily life. I support families in understanding sensory processing differences, managing big emotions and identifying social-emotional barriers to accessing daily activities.
At Nurture Occupational Therapy I support babies through to adolescents. Parents and teachers do a great job guiding them along the way, but sometimes they may need a little extra help. That is where an Occupational Therapist can provide invaluable guidance. By focusing on the individual child’s strengths and using a play-based approach, we foster independence and help children function positively in every aspect of their daily life. I support families in understanding sensory processing differences, managing big emotions and identifying social-emotional barriers to accessing daily activities.
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 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.
Providing specialist relationship therapy for individuals, couples, and families. Qualified sex & relationship therapist. Qualified child and adolescent mental health clinician.
Providing specialist relationship therapy for individuals, couples, and families. Qualified sex & relationship therapist. Qualified child and adolescent mental health clinician.
Online Therapists
My ideal client is someone seeking a safe, supportive space to heal from trauma, anxiety, or life transitions. They may struggle with self-worth, relationships, or past experiences that feel overwhelming. They need understanding, guidance, and practical tools to navigate emotions and build resilience. Their goal is to regain confidence, find inner peace, and create meaningful connections. They seek therapy to be heard, to heal, and to grow into the best version of themselves. They want to feel safe, empowered, and supported.
My ideal client is someone seeking a safe, supportive space to heal from trauma, anxiety, or life transitions. They may struggle with self-worth, relationships, or past experiences that feel overwhelming. They need understanding, guidance, and practical tools to navigate emotions and build resilience. Their goal is to regain confidence, find inner peace, and create meaningful connections. They seek therapy to be heard, to heal, and to grow into the best version of themselves. They want to feel safe, empowered, and supported.
I am a warm and friendly therapist, who loves supporting children, adolescents and parents with a 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 am a warm and friendly therapist, who loves supporting children, adolescents and parents with a 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 offer a range of empathetic and effective counselling and therapy services to support children, adolescents, parents, and adults.
I have a fully equipped play therapy space, and involve parents in their child's therapy wherever possible.
My approach is collaborative, focusing on your / your family's / unique needs - aiming to empower you with a greater understanding of yourself / your family/ as well as practical strategies for lasting well-being.
I am a certified Dialectical Behaviour Therapist (DBT) and use cognitive, skills-based approaches where appropriate. I am an ACC registered counsellor.
I offer a range of empathetic and effective counselling and therapy services to support children, adolescents, parents, and adults.
I have a fully equipped play therapy space, and involve parents in their child's therapy wherever possible.
My approach is collaborative, focusing on your / your family's / unique needs - aiming to empower you with a greater understanding of yourself / your family/ as well as practical strategies for lasting well-being.
I am a certified Dialectical Behaviour Therapist (DBT) and use cognitive, skills-based approaches where appropriate. I am an ACC registered counsellor.
Psykhe practice consists of a group of highly qualified and experienced professonals with a range of expertise in Clinical Psychology, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Psychoanalysis, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Parent-Child Psychotherapy, and Mentalization Based-Treatment (MBT). We welcome individuals, couples, children, teenagers, and families. At Psykhe we speak different languages, besides English: Italian, Spanish, French.
Psykhe practice consists of a group of highly qualified and experienced professonals with a range of expertise in Clinical Psychology, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Psychoanalysis, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Parent-Child Psychotherapy, and Mentalization Based-Treatment (MBT). We welcome individuals, couples, children, teenagers, and families. At Psykhe we speak different languages, besides English: Italian, Spanish, French.
My ideal clients are insightful , high functioning adult who are ready for more then just coping, burnout, struggle to stay in surrounding . they want to set boundaries and healthier relationships and feel secure in who they are .
in our work together , i provide a supportive , practical space where we explore what's driving your patterns and develop tools for lasting change . therapy with me is collaborative , grounded and focused on helping you move from surviving to living with intention .
if you're ready to feel more stready , empowered , and connected , I'm here to help.
My ideal clients are insightful , high functioning adult who are ready for more then just coping, burnout, struggle to stay in surrounding . they want to set boundaries and healthier relationships and feel secure in who they are .
in our work together , i provide a supportive , practical space where we explore what's driving your patterns and develop tools for lasting change . therapy with me is collaborative , grounded and focused on helping you move from surviving to living with intention .
if you're ready to feel more stready , empowered , and connected , I'm here to help.
As a relational coach, I help couples and families thrive at every stage—from planning for a baby and nurturing your relationship as a couple, to parenting children and empowering each individual to be their best. I provide practical, ongoing strategies to strengthen your relationships and deepen your understanding of yourself and each other.
As a relational coach, I help couples and families thrive at every stage—from planning for a baby and nurturing your relationship as a couple, to parenting children and empowering each individual to be their best. I provide practical, ongoing strategies to strengthen your relationships and deepen your understanding of yourself and each other.
Kia ora koutou katoa. My name is Sol, I am originally from Argentina, where I earned my degree in Clinical Psychology. I ventured to New Zealand in early 2020 and became a registered Clinical Psychologist with the New Zealand Psychologists Board. Bringing over a decade of experience, my practice is deeply rooted in a trauma-capable approach, acknowledging the profound impact of past experiences on mental health. With a passion for assisting individuals on their mental health journeys, I am eager to collaborate with you as you navigate your path towards well-being. I am providing sessions in English and Spanish.
Kia ora koutou katoa. My name is Sol, I am originally from Argentina, where I earned my degree in Clinical Psychology. I ventured to New Zealand in early 2020 and became a registered Clinical Psychologist with the New Zealand Psychologists Board. Bringing over a decade of experience, my practice is deeply rooted in a trauma-capable approach, acknowledging the profound impact of past experiences on mental health. With a passion for assisting individuals on their mental health journeys, I am eager to collaborate with you as you navigate your path towards well-being. I am providing sessions in English and Spanish.
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.
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.
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 am a Registered mental health Social Worker who specializes in Play Therapy. I am a member of the Social Work Registration Board (NZ) and the Association for Play Therapy (US). My focus is supporting children and youth who are experiencing behavioural or social difficulties including anxiety, emotional dysregulation, anger/aggression, neurodiversity, trauma, loss and grief, and selective mutism. I also focus on supporting neurodiverse children to build social and emotional skills, who do not necessarily have mental health difficulties
I am a Registered mental health Social Worker who specializes in Play Therapy. I am a member of the Social Work Registration Board (NZ) and the Association for Play Therapy (US). My focus is supporting children and youth who are experiencing behavioural or social difficulties including anxiety, emotional dysregulation, anger/aggression, neurodiversity, trauma, loss and grief, and selective mutism. I also focus on supporting neurodiverse children to build social and emotional skills, who do not necessarily have mental health difficulties
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'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.
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, I’m a counsellor (MNZAC) based in Tāmaki Makaurau, which has been my home since I immigrated to Aotearoa with my whanau in 1995. I'm fluent in English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Taiwanese. I value cultural understanding and the uniqueness of self. I worked in LabPlus for 6 years as a Medical Laboratory Scientist before I transitioned to counselling 16 years ago. Becoming a counsellor is my response to a strong calling to help people more directly.
Kia ora, I’m a counsellor (MNZAC) based in Tāmaki Makaurau, which has been my home since I immigrated to Aotearoa with my whanau in 1995. I'm fluent in English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Taiwanese. I value cultural understanding and the uniqueness of self. I worked in LabPlus for 6 years as a Medical Laboratory Scientist before I transitioned to counselling 16 years ago. Becoming a counsellor is my response to a strong calling to help people more directly.
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.
I have a particular focus on supporting families and parents of neurodivergent children and young people.
I feel passionate about working with parents to create the conditions for children to flourish and realise their full potential. The most important of these conditions, I believe, is relationship.
I have a particular focus on supporting families and parents of neurodivergent children and young people.
I feel passionate about working with parents to create the conditions for children to flourish and realise their full potential. The most important of these conditions, I believe, is relationship.
FAQ - About Therapy for Toddlers and Preschoolers
What are the behavioural signs indicating a toddler might need counselling?
Common behavioural signs that a child may need counselling include high levels of emotional distress or anxiety, learning challenges, interpersonal conflict, anger, or social withdrawal. Any drastic changes in toddler behaviour or self-esteem can be indicative that a child may benefit from therapy. Seeing a therapist at the early stages of any behavioural changes can be most impactful on behaviour, as well as helpful to caregivers who may receive guidance on what symptoms to look for in their child in the future, even if therapy is not warranted at that time.
Can a two-year-old see a psychologist?
Children and adults of all ages can see psychologists and other forms of mental health professionals, such as counsellors, psychiatrists, and social workers. Families seeking therapy for their toddler should just be aware that any guidance they seek should come from a professional who has specific experience working with young children, as well as the specific modalities that are appropriate for young children, such as play therapy.
What is the most effective type of therapy for toddlers and preschoolers?
In general, play therapy is the most effective and common form of therapy for young children. Play therapy helps facilitate behaviour change by offering an age-appropriate way for children to express their emotions and develop more effective coping strategies. Toddlers with specific concerns may benefit from more specialised forms of therapy, such as Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for toddlers in families in which there is significant parent-child relational conflict.
What happens during therapy sessions for toddlers?
What occurs in therapy sessions for toddlers depends on the therapeutic approach being used by the therapist. Most toddler therapists will use some form of play therapy in sessions to encourage toddler engagement. In play therapy sessions, children are encouraged to use toys within the therapy setting to express their emotions; subsequent responses by the therapist and/or family members can help guide toddler behaviour and behaviour change. Toddler therapy sessions can also involve family therapy or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), which can help improve parenting behaviours and reduce strain on families.