About

Hello, I’m Jessie and I am the director of Ballarat Play Therapy! I currently hold a Master’s degree in Child Play Therapy and a Graduate Diploma of Therapeutic Child Play from Deakin University, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science from Federation University.

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Over the last two years I have been doing clinical play therapy work at St James Primary School, and on my off days have been offering private consultations. Prior to this I worked in a mental health practice in Footscray, Melbourne. Having the opportunity to experience both primary school and private practice settings, has allowed me to take learnings from each to build Ballarat Play Therapy. Being a Ballarat local I could see that there was a strong demand for Play Therapy for our community’s children, however, there was little available. I am so pleased to see the play therapy community slowly growing in the space! 

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I have worked with children and families from a range of backgrounds, as well as presenting difficulties/concerns. This has included Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Anxiety, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), social and learning difficulties, coping with bereavement or loss, and exposure to domestic violence to name a few.

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I have a broad range of clients, having accepted referrals from the likes of CAFS (Child and family services), Child Protection, Berry Street Ballarat, NDIS and private clients.

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The gentle therapeutic process is what drew me into the Play Therapy world, and I love making a genuine difference in many little lives and families, using the highest quality, evidence-based therapy.