Dr. Emma Van Daal
Prof Doc. ThAP, MCouns, BA (Psych), PG Child and Adol Psychotherapy, EMDR, PACFA Accredited Clinical Supervisor
- Child & Adult Psychotherapy
- Perinatal & Infant Mental Health
- Arts Therapy
- Consultancy & Supervision
With nearly 20 years’ experience, Emma’s passion is supporting children (0-12 years), parents, and women who have experienced early life difficulties including trauma, 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.
Passionate about 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 (0-6years), early life trauma, attachment, and supporting children in foster or permanent care. Supporting the parent-infant relationship early is her research interest, having published and presented on this work nationally and internationally. Emma delivers training and reflective practice to ELC’s, schools, and DV refuges.
Emma also supports women with eating issues (Arts Therapy), family violence counselling and mental health.
She has undertaken additional clinical training in EMDR (adults and children), parent-infant therapy, play therapy, child developmental assessments (non-diagnostic), and is an accredited clinical supervisor.
Emma is proud to work with NDIS participants, funded clients (FV FSP, DFFH, Permanent Care & Adoption, VOCAT), and private health funds*.
Emma is available Tuesday (8 – 6pm), Thursday (8 – 4pm), & Friday (9 – 1pm).
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 delays, neurodiversity, trauma, anxiety, attachment and family breakdown.
Meg is available on Tuesday (fortnightly).
Astrid
Graduate Diploma Counselling (PACFA), Bachelor of Edu (Primary) (VIT reg.), Play therapy Certification (APTA)
- Play Therapy 3-15 years
- Developmental differences inc, neurodiversity
- Children and adolescent mental health
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!
kristie
Master of Creative Arts Therapy (ANZACATA), Diploma Early Childhood Education, SPT level 1
- Play Therapy 3-15 years
- Creative Arts Therapy (children and adults)
- Neurodiversity and mental health
Kristie’s approach is both child-led and family-led, underpinned by values of being collaborative and compassionate, and her practice is strongly grounded in trauma-informed care, neuro-affirming practice, and infant mental health. She is currently completing Synergetic Play Therapy training to further enhance her extensive knowledge of child development of the therapeutic potential of play.
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 alternate Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays 8.30am – 5pm. Jane is not accepting new referrals for 2024.