Dr. Emma Van Daal
Prof Doc. Therapeutic Arts Practice, MCouns, BA (Psych), PG Child and Adol Psychotherapy, EMDR Level 1 & 2 (children), PACFA Certified Clinical Supervisor
- Child & Adult Psychotherapy
- Perinatal & Infant Mental Health
- Arts Therapy
- Consultancy & Supervision
With 20 years’ experience, Emma’s passion is supporting children, parents, and women who have experienced early life challenges including trauma (medical, attachment, family violence), interruptions to social-emotional development, and neurodiversity. Wearing a few different professional hats allows Emma to meet children and families where they are at, tailor a therapeutic response that offers psychological holding, but without a clinical feel.
Committed to working in a consultative and collaborative way, Emma celebrates the inherent strengths and uniqueness of each child adopting a trauma-responsive and neuro-affirming approach drawing from creative and play-based approaches, framed by child development and attachment theory.
Emma is infant/child-led and family-centred, working alongside parents and other professionals to create a therapeutic web as the most effective way to support a child.
Emma has a special interest in infant mental health (0-5 years) having published and presented on the role of relational and creative arts approaches in the early years both nationally and internationally.
She is the director of the Centre for Infant Wellbeing and co-founder of the Infant and Perinatal Engagement in Arts and Creative Health collective.
Emma is proud to work with NDIS (self-funded), funded clients (FV FSP, DFFH, Permanent Care & Adoption, VOCAT), and private health funds*.
Emma is currently accepting referrals for young children 0-4 years. Available Tuesday (8 – 6pm) & Thursday (8 – 4pm) (currently limited).
Jane G & Charlie
Jane is a Creative Arts Therapist who offers the opportunity to work alongside clients in an authentic, supportive and engaged manner to explore and inquire into your challenges and needs.
Jane works with women who maybe experiencing anxiety, post-traumatic stress, or other mental health concerns. Jane uses a range of modalities which are trauma informed and neuro-affirming.
Charlie is Jane’s therapy dog who can be a part of your sessions if wanted.
Jane G is available on Wednesday.
Meg
Master of Child Play Therapy (APPTA), Bachelor Early Childhood Education
- Play Therapy 3-15 years
- Perinatal & Infant Mental Health
- Early life trauma
- Developmental differences inc. neurodiversity
Meg is master’s qualified play therapist and early childhood educator with a passion for working with children from 3 years to teen years.
Her areas of expertise includes developmental differences, neurodiversity, trauma, anxiety, attachment and family breakdown.
Meg is available on Tuesday (fortnightly) and Wednesday morning (weekly).
Astrid
Graduate Diploma Counselling (PACFA), Bachelor of Edu (Primary) (VIT reg.), SPT (Advanced) Play therapy Certification (APTA)
- Play Therapy 3-15 years
- Developmental differences inc, neurodiversity
- Children and adolescent mental health
Accepting referrals for Monday!
Astrid understands the importance in allowing children to feel seen, heard, and accepted for who they are. She has over 10 years experience as a teacher before moving into children’s well-being and mental health as a PACFA registered counsellor and Play Therapist with APTA.
Astrid adopts a child-centred and attachment lens always leading with curiosity, understanding and care, and walking alongside children and parents/family. Holding several qualifications means Astrid works from a therapeutic play based approach that allows for a supportive and trusting space during the work together.
Astrid believes in an approach that is trauma-responsive and neuro-affirming, focused on nurturing relationships that hold the child at the centre whilst being part of a team so a child can thrive.
Available Monday and Saturday (fortnightly). Outreach to schools and kinders from early 2025. Now accepting referrals!
Jane P
Jane P is a Registered Play Therapist, Clinical Counsellor, EMDR Practitioner (Level 2), & Certified Synergetic Play Therapist®, supporting children aged 3 – 10 years & their families with a range of developmental challenges. Jane’s approach when working with children focuses on understanding a child’s ‘behaviour’ from a relational & trauma-informed lens.
With 10 years experience in the trauma sector, Jane offers Family Violence Counselling support for women in person or via Telehealth, as well as therapeutic support to clients of the NDIS (both adults & children). Jane also has a special interest in working with foster & adoptive families.
Jane is at MPS on Thursdays & Fridays 8.30am – 5pm.