Hi, I’m Natalie
I’m a counsellor, social worker and Child Centred Play Therapist, and I’ve spent many years working alongside children, young people and families.
What I’ve learnt through this work is that children make the most sense when we take the time to understand the whole picture — their relationships, experiences, development, nervous system and the environments around them.
My role isn’t simply to focus on a behaviour or difficulty. I want to understand the person behind it, recognise their strengths and needs, and create a relationship where children, young people and families feel safe, respected and supported.
The way I work
I believe meaningful change begins with feeling safe, understood and connected. Whether I’m working with a child, young person or parent, the therapeutic relationship is at the centre of the work.
My approach is trauma-informed and neurodivergent-affirming. I consider what may be happening beneath behaviour — including emotions, development, sensory and nervous system needs, relationships and past experiences — rather than simply focusing on changing what we can see.
I draw from counselling, play therapy, attachment and family systems thinking, together with an understanding of child development and the brain and body. The approach is always shaped around the individual rather than expecting the individual to fit a particular model.
Experiences that shape my work
Before moving into private practice, I spent many years working with children and families in community services. This experience has given me a deep appreciation for the complexity of family life and the many different experiences that can shape a child’s wellbeing and development.
Over the years, I have supported children and families experiencing trauma, family violence, grief and loss, family change, disability, neurodivergence, emotional and behavioural challenges, and difficulties within relationships and attachment.
This experience continues to shape the way I work today. I try to look beyond a single behaviour, diagnosis or difficulty and understand the child or young person within the wider context of their family, relationships, experiences and environment.
Qualifications and Professional Training
Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling
Alphacrucis University
Bachelor in Social Welfare and Counselling
Monash University
Graduate Certificate in Grief, Loss and Trauma Counselling
Flinders University
Graduate Certificate in Child Centred Play Therapy
Centre for Play Therapy
Graduate Certificate in Synergetic Play Therapy
Synergetic Play Therapy Institute
Professional Memberships
Australian Counselling Association (ACA) — Registered Counsellor
Play Therapy Practitioners Association (PTPA) — Registered Member
A little more about me
I’m a wife and mum of two adult children, and I live locally in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. Outside of work, I value time with family, community and the relationships that keep us connected.
I bring that same appreciation for relationships into my work. I know family life can be rewarding, complicated, messy and sometimes exhausting — and I value creating a space where parents and young people can come as they are, without judgement or an expectation that they should already have everything figured out.
Connecting in Play grew from my belief that when people feel understood and supported, there is greater space for connection, growth and change.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re looking for support for your child, young person or family, you’re welcome to get in touch. You don’t need to know exactly which service is right for you — we can start with what is happening and consider together what kind of support may be most helpful.