Ahakoa he iti he pounamu

Although it is small it is a treasure

Play therapy is an ideal process for children to do as it is based in their natural world of communication, which is play. In play therapy, children are able to process difficulties they have experienced at a deep level and they do not need to talk if they do not wish. They will express what they need to in their world of play alongside a fully-trained play therapist. Child-Centred Play Therapy is child-led, is non-invasive and does not re-traumatise.

We have wonderful ChildPlayWorks (CPW)-trained Child Centered Play Therapists located across Aotearoa. Find your local therapist in the list below.

Please contact the therapists directly for availability and pricing.

CPW Graduates have successfully graduated from the ChildPlayWorks Clinical Play Therapy Training Programme, having met all requirements of training.

CPW Advanced Interns have a minimum of two years of CCPT supervision and have completed more than 150 hours of clinical supervised practice. 

CPW Interns are in their first and second year of supervised practice.

All CPW Graduates, CPW Advanced Interns and CPW Interns practice under the ethical guidelines of their professional association memberships.

Please note, in all regions we have further CPW Graduates, CPW Advanced Interns and CPW Interns than those shown below. Please contact us if you need more information or help.

Find a Play Therapist

Te Ika-a-Māui
North Island

Te Tai Tokerau
Northland

  • Please contact us for further information

  • Please contact Cindy by email: cindydsfox@gmail.com
    or on 0274321379

Tāmaki Makaurau
Auckland

  • Hello, I am Helen. I have three adult children and live on the Hibiscus Coast, in the North of Auckland. I was born and raised in the UK but made New Zealand my home in 2001.

    I am a full member of NZAC and practice as a Counsellor, Play Therapist and Parenting Consultant. I am also a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner in training.

    My work is now purely focused on working with children, adolescents and their families.

    I am constantly in awe of how children are beautifully in tune with what they need for their healthy, psycho-social development and the unfolding of their unique, wondrous self, and how they instinctively communicate these needs through their behaviours and play.

    What we can easily interpret as problematic behaviour, is often a child's way of voicing a need for love and safety. Children are needy by nature and are driven to ensure these needs are met and this is because their healthy development depends on it.

    My practice as a play therapist is therefore two-fold.

    Firstly in supporting the parent/caregiver in learning to read their child's behaviours, so that they can become the answer to their child's needs and as such help remedy any problematic behaviours.

    Secondly, through the provision of a safe, secure, therapeutic relationship, enabling a child through their most natural medium of expression – play, to work through any difficulties that might be hindering their development and well being.

    I also offer Strengthening Parent-Child Relationship sessions as a way of facilitating a secure attachment relationship through the medium of play.

    For further information please visit http://www.helenhustontherapy.com

    or email helenhustontherapy@gmail.com

    Mobile: 021 422 045

    Helen Huston Therapy

  • I love working with children in a way that builds their self-esteem, confidence and empowering them to heal. I have my own Play Room and I have a mobile Play room also. I support parents through SCPR - Strengthening the Child/Parent Relationship.

    I work at Muriwai Beach, Auckland and Albany. I am also available for online SCPR appointments with parents.

    Contact: 021 040 1799 or email leesaminton@yahoo.co.nz

  • I have worked as a counselor and social worker for nigh on 40 years, gaining valuable insights and truly humbling experiences along the way.

    My learning journey started with person centered therapy. This approach trained me to be non-directive, allowing the client to lead whilst recognizing that we all have the ability to fulfill our own potential.

    Further early training was in the area of family therapy, focusing on relationships and communication and this has remained the foundation of my work currently. Making and maintaining meaningful connections in this world of distractions and busyness is what I aim for.

    Along my journey I have developed further skills in the area of cognitive behaviour therapy and mindfulness which I love to teach and practice with clients where anxiety and/or depression is taking over.

    More recently I have trained as a child centered play therapist, and rediscovered my love of client centered work. It is very rewarding to be alongside a child in the playroom as they use the toys to express their experiences and feelings through a self -guided and self-healing process.

    I work out of 2 locations in West Auckland, one in central Henderson, and the other in Waimauku.

    I can be contacted on email helenaish@xtra.co.nz or mobile 0212667796.

    H.R. AISH COUNSELLING SERVICES LTD

    MNZAC, REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKER

  • Dianne is an Advanced CPW Advanced Intern, with her main play room based in West Auckland. Bio to follow.

    Please contact Dianne on dianne.everestcounselling@hotmail.com

  • Please contact us for further information

  • Please contact us for further information

Te Moana-a-Toi
Bay of Plenty

  • Melanie is a Child Centered Play Therapist and Reg Social Worker who has over 25 years experience of working with children and families in the health and social services. Melanie provides CCPT, SCPRT/Filial Therapy and Sibling Therapy. Her private practice and play therapy room is based in Tauranga.

    Melanie is ACC approved, a member of the Bay of Therapy Foundation and provides contract work for victim support and Oranga Tamiriki.

    Contact Melanie at www.playtherapytauranga.co.nz

    0210364644

  • Hilary is passionate about all children and particularly those that come from ‘hard places’ and who are trauma experienced. Having worked with children for over 40 years, she now specialises in using Child Centred Play Therapy to support this population group of tamariki (children) and their whanau/caregivers. Child Centred Play Therapy offers these children ‘felt safety’ in a space where they can express their thoughts, feelings and behaviours at their own pace and developmental level. Play is a child’s first language and toys are their words. Through establishing a trusting therapeutic relationship this deeply respectful, evidence-based form of child counselling, the child is able to work out balance and control in their lives, helping to change what may be unmanageable in reality, to manageable through the child’s symbolic play. For the child, being ‘in control’ of the experience assists them to move toward an inner resolution. “I love to see the work of the tamariki unfold in the playroom, within our trusting therapeutic relationship, finding felt safety which empowers them to develop a wonderfully positive sense of self”, she says.

    Hilary’s experiences have been in the education (primary and early childhood), social work and now therapeutic support. Alongside her Child Centred Play Therapy practice, Hilary is CEO and a founder of Homes of Hope Charitable Trust.

    Hilary holds a BSW in Social Work (Bi-Cultural), a Diploma in Teaching and a CPW Post Graduate Certificate in Child Centred Play Therapy. She is registered with the Social Work Registration Board.

    Originally from Zimbabwe-Rhodesia, Hilary has loved living in the Bay of Plenty for the past 26 years with her husband, three children, two grand-children, and many other tamariki over the years. They have two adorable mini-me mother and daughter Maltese Terriers.

    BSW (Bi-Cultural), Dip Tchg, CPW PG Certificate in Child Centred Play Therapy

    Reg. SW

    Work details - Homes of Hope Charitable Trust, 64a Manley Grove South, Gate Pa, Tauranga, 3112.

    Hilary provides – CCPT 4-11 years; parent-child relationship work.

    Contact details – (07) 578-9826 or hilary.price@homesofhope.org.nz

  • I am married and have three daughters and son-in laws, as well as two delightful grandchildren. I love to spend time with them and our extended family as well as enjoy walking, gardening, reading, along with spending time with friends.

    I love working with children and families using Child Centred Play Therapy approach, supporting them to find healing from trauma and distress that may so deeply disrupt their lives. It has been both a pleasure and a privilege to be part of Homes of Hope, Tauranga and see children emerge from Child Centred Play Therapy as significantly happier, confident and resilient ,as well as better able to enjoy relationships with those around them.

    I work part time with Homes of Hope, Greerton, Tauranga.

    I provide Child Centred Play Therapy with children and their parents/caregivers as well as Strengthening Parent Child Relationship Therapy.

    Contact details: Please contact us

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Waikato

  • Kia Ora, my name is Debbie, I'm a child, youth, family therapist, and group facilitator with over 30 years of experience working within the field of 'play'. I'm a private practitioner with contracts through the MOE, OT, Mental Health Services, PHO, and other organisations, I also take private referrals.

    My business is 'Ripples' - "It takes one session to create the ripple effect".

    Ngatea

    021 187 1855

    Debbiemills@ripplestherapy.com

  • Contact Stacey at sjtemple70@gmail.com

  • Astrid Smit
    Play Therapist at Barnardos Waikato

    I provide play therapy, parent coaching and some sessions in strengthening the parent child relationship. I can do sibling work when appropriate.

    Conditions apply to the referral as we are funded by Ministry of Social Development.

    There is a waiting list.

    Please contact us for further details.

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  • Liz MacKay is a registered social worker, trained primary school teacher and CPW graduate with over 35 years of experience working with children and families in social support, education, mental health and disability services.

    In 2022, Liz graduated from the clinical play therapy programme with ChildPlayWorks. She has a wide range of experience and skills in supporting children and their whanau. She understands and believes that the most effective way of working with children to help them with their struggles and trauma is through Child Centered Play Therapy. Thereby ensuring the child`s voice is safely heard and valued so they can thrive, and discover their strengths which results in an increased self-esteem and world view.

    In this space both child and whanau can feel empowered to work through, and resolve, any issues.

    Phone or txt Liz: 0211391878 

    Email: lizziemac002@gmail.com

  • My name is Tracey Crouchman and I am a Child Centered Play Therapist (CPW PGrad Cert). I work in private practice in Cambridge facilitating Child Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) for children.

    I have a long standing passion for working with children and hold a UK Diploma in Nursery Nursing (NNEB) and a BA (Hons) in Psychology. I fulfilled many roles as a Childcare Practitioner internationally before becoming a parent to my own two children and subsequently embarked on my journey into the wonderful world of Child Centered Play Therapy.

    I am privileged to support and be alongside tamariki/children as they engage in their CCPT process and enjoy working in partnership with their whanau/family and/or caregivers to help strengthen the child-parent and family relationships.

    I am a full member of the New Zealand Psychological Society (NZPsy) and a member of The Association for Play Therapy (APT, USA).

    Enquiries are welcomed and I can be contacted by phone: 027 230 3003 or email traceyccpt@gmail.com

  • Please contact us for further details.

  • Please contact us for further details.

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Taranaki

  • Lawrence Prior Counselling
    027 555 2450
    Lprior@hotmail.co.nz

  • Please contact us for further information

Manawatū / Whanganui

  • Please contact us for further information

Tairawhiti
Gisborne

  • Who I am:

    My name is Michael Payne. I’m English by birth and have lived in New Zealand since 1985. I’m married with 4 adult children and a growing number of Grandchildren. My base professional training in Mental Health Nursing, but I have attained various counselling qualifications and experience over the years. Having worked in an ICAMHS service for many years before going into private practice, I have developed a love for CCPT due to it gentle process of working with children in their own space, and their own pace.

    Work details:

    I work in the centre of Gisborne above a café in an old colonial style building; great for parents to have a coffee while I see their child. I share rooms with two other counsellors/friends, so there are adult spaces as well.

    What I provide:

    In CCPT I have some training in Filial Therapy and provide that when the opportunity arises. Due to being ACC registered and a Registered MNZAC I am able to work with children who have experienced sexual abuse.

    I have completed the NIRE Cert in CCPT and currently searching for trainees to work with so I can complete the NIRE Cert in CCPT Supervision.

    Contact details:

    Email: playfulsolutions.gisborne@gmail.com

    Contact: 027 372 0952

  • Please contact Pauline by email: oaks.kete.co@gmail.com

    or work phone: 022 394 8189

Te Matau-a-Māui
Hawkes Bay

  • Jill Jordan, BSW

    Ph 0274676696

  • Tēnā koutou katoa. Ko Rachel Oliver tāku ingoa.

    I am passionate about tamariki and dedicated to journeying with them and their whānau in the pursuit of mauri ora. I first came to Palmerston North to train as a primary school teacher and then went on to complete my Bicultural social work degree through Te Wananga O Aotearoa. I began my mahi at Te Aroha Noa Community Services in the Family/whānau development team in April of 2014 playroom with tamariki and the tautoko I can give to parents/caregivers throughout their journey. I love my mahi as a Child Centered Play Therapist - after quite a long journey I think I have found the best fit for me so far! One of the guiding phrases in my mahi is “Āta whakarongo ki te reo o ngā tamariki” (listen intently and deeply to the voice of the children).

    Contact details:

    Email: rachelo@tearohanoa.org.nz

    Cell: 020 4041 8127

Te Whanga-nui-a-Tara
Wellington

  • Manon van Esch ( she-her) is a registered social worker, trained primary school teacher and CPW graduate with over 20 years of experience working with children and families in education, mental health and disability services. In 2022, Manon graduated from the clinical play therapy programme with ChildPlayWorks. Manon has a wide range of experience and skills in sporting children with high and complex needs and their whānau. She understands and acknowledges the importance of child-led and developmentally appropriate therapy in ensuring children's voices are heard and respected.

    www.kinds.co.nz

  • Please contact us for further details

Te Waipounamu
South Island

Whakatū, Te Tai-o-Aorere, Te Tauihu-o-te-waka
Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough

  • Please contact Selena by email: selena-counselling@outlook.com or work phone: 0274166815

  • Please contact Jane by email: mimja221@gmail.com
    or on 021 2074291

Te Tai Poutini
West Coast

  • Hi, I am Marg Moroney.

    I live in Westport, on the West Coast of the South Island. I have a special interest in working therapeutically with children using Child Centred Play Therapy. CCPT is essentially about therapy for children; however, it also provides support and education for parents and caregivers.  I also provide supervision to CCPT practitioners, trainees, and interns. It is a pleasure to see the work CCPT therapists are doing in New Zealand, and a privilege to be able to support this work as a supervisor.

    I have studied to become a counsellor, child play therapist, and supervisor, and have been working in private practice since 2007. I am registered with ACC to provide sensitive claims counselling to adults and children. I have been a full member of the NZ Association of Counsellors since 2006.

    My qualifications include Dip Teaching; Dip Counselling; MNZAC; ACC Reg Counsellor; Cert. Child Centred Play Therapy and CCPT Supervision (NIRE, USA); PGrad Cert Prof Supervision (NZ).

    Please contact me if you would like to chat about how I can help.

    Contact: 027 306 4667 or margsreach@gmail.com

Waitaha
Canterbury

  • I am a born and bred Cantabrian who enjoys living in this beautiful city, Otautahi. Even though I have left to travel at different times, I always enjoy coming home to my place of belonging. I am married with two adult children. My counselling work consists of working with adults, adolescents and children. When working with children I work from a play therapy approach. In play therapy I provide toys for children to use; to say with toys what they have difficulty saying with words. I believe it is vital to support parents and caregivers throughout this process and provide ongoing support in their role as I work with their child. I am also registered with ACC to provide counselling for sensitive claims.

    I work in private practice at The Arahura Centre, 406 Barrington Street, Spreydon, Christchurch. I can be contacted on either kim@thearahuracentre.co.nz or on 021 0665118.

  • Please contact us for further details.

  • Please contact Taryn at playtherapytaryn@outlook.com or on 027 6332770

  • Please contact us for further information

  • I am registered as an educational and developmental psychologist as well as a counseling psychologist. I have worked with various client populations in both the public and private settings in South Africa, the UK, France and New Zealand. I am experienced in working with children and adolescents with emotional regulation difficulties, anxiety and mood disorders. I am very comfortable working with neurodiversity including ADHD, ASD and specific learning abilities. I believe in a collaborative working style, focusing on the child within the family and school context.  In addition I have considerable experience working with grief and bereavement.

    My strengths  include being warm, congruent and person-centered.  I have a special interest in supporting young people and their parents, individuals and couples to navigate their subjective realities and make sense of their experiences.  

    I have always loved working with youth, and before I completed my studies to become a registered psychologist, I completed a post graduate diploma in teaching and Teaching English as a Foreign language (TEFL). I worked as an au pair in France and taught in an inner city London school for 5 years. I completed my studies in Child Centered Play Therapy through Child Playworks and then trained further in CCPT through NIRE, USA. I am currently completing my certification in CCPT supervision through NIRE.

    My qualifications include: B.Soc Science, Psychology Honours. PGrad Diploma in Teaching, Masters in Educational Psychology. PGrad Cert in Child Centred Play Therapy (NIRE,USA), PGrad Cert in CCPT Supervision in progress.

    katepsychologist@gmail.com

    204 Withells Road Avonhead Christchurch

  • Claire is a Registered Social Worker and Play Therapist (ChildPlayWorks Graduate) who has been working with children and their families since 2011.

    Claire has a private practice in South Canterbury doing Child Centered Play Therapy, ACC Sensitive Claims, family support and sex education and sexualised behaviours professional development for schools, early childhood centres and the community. She is the author of children's book 'Me and All of My Body: Body Positivity and Safety for Kids'.

    Claire is passionate about making sure children are given opportunities to thrive, discover their strengths and be given a voice and recognises the need for safe, child friendly spaces.

    Email: claireplaytherapy@yahoo.com

    Phone: 027 371 0784

    www.sidebysidetherapy.co.nz

    Facebook and Instagram: Side by Side Therapy NZ

  • Leigh Lawless Reg MNZAC

    Leigh is a fully registered counsellor with NZAC who has completed a BA Hons in Counselling and Psychotherapy and Post Graduate Certificate in Child and Adolescent Mental Health which supports understanding around development and ways to support children from infancy. She has also specialised in Child Centred Play Therapy and currently works with children and their whānau at Discover Child Counselling located in Timaru. Leigh supports families and children through the CCPT counselling modality from ages 3-13years.

    As well as this she runs Relax Kids Classes in South Canterbury for children from 3-12 years including Parent and Health/Education Professional classes and workshops to support and introduce relaxation skills and techniques through 7 stages of play based mindfulness.

    Leigh is passionate about supporting children and their whānau in play based ways that create positive relationships and healing for children in developmentally appropriate and fully researched therapeutic approaches.

    Discover Child Counselling (South Canterbury)

    Ph: 021-1149794 - leighlawless@outlook.com

    www.discoverchildcounselling.com

Ōtākou
Otago

  • Hi, I am Frankie Dean, a registered psychotherapist with a private practice in Wanaka, Central Otago. Child-centered play therapy is my passion and my main focus. I see children age 3-12, and specialise in early childhood trauma, particularly birth trauma. I also work with parents, parent and child, and groups of parents to strengthen the parent-child relationship. I offer CCPT supervision and workshops on therapeutic play for parents and teachers.

    To find out more, click on this link https://www.playtherapyotago.nz/

    or contact me on 0277882315

    Frankie's qualifications include: Child Centred Play Therapy & CCPT Supervision (NIRE, USA); Certified Transactional Analyst (Psychotherapy)

    Registered Psychotherapist (PBANZ); PGrad Dip Teaching; Dip Counselling; MNZAC; ACC Reg Counsellor; PGrad Cert Prof Supervision. Bsc Hons.

  • I’m Natalie Astin. I am a registered Psychotherapist and Child-Centred Play Therapist. I work with children, aged between 3 and 12 years, and their families in my private practice.

    I run mindful parenting courses, teaching skills I use in the playroom to parents/caregivers so they can develop a closer relationship with their children.

    To find out more please visit my website: www.playconnectgrow.nz

Murihiku
Southland

  • I am from Winton, Southland and have a passion for working with children. I provide Child Centred Play Therapy for children aged 3–12 years, which also includes support for parents/caregivers.

    I am based at Southland Help in Invercargill, working with children who have experienced sexual harm. I am able to use the premises and playroom at Southland Help to see private clients also.

    Debbie AndersonBHSc, PGDip Couns, NZAC (Prov)

    Counsellor/Child Play Therapist

    Email: debanderson@xtra.co.nz

    Cell phone: 0272238860

Australia

Northern Territory

  • My name is Cathy Lucas - I am a Registered Play Therapist and completed my training with Childplayworks several years ago.

    I live and work in Alice Springs and work as a Sexual Assault Counsellor with children, youth and families. I have a lovely space to work from as a Play Therapist and Sandplay Practitioner here.

    I am a Registered Play Therapist with APPTA (Australasia and Pacific Play Therapy Association) and a Registered Member of NZAC. I am also trained in Rhythm to Recovery (Drumming) for emotional regulation, communication and attachment building. My work is adaptable to working with teenagers and adults.

    My private contact details are cathynzgirl@gmail.com.

    Catherine Lucas | Registered Play Therapist/Counsellor

    Sexual Assault Referral Centre | Central Australia Health Service

    44 Railway Terrace, Alice Springs, GPO Box 721, Alice Springs, NT 0870

    phone: 08 8955 4500 email: catherine.lucas@nt.gov.au