I have extensive experience working with individuals and families with various social, emotional, mental health or behavioural challenges, and a deep understanding of the complexities of the human experience. With over two decades of experience, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my practice. My journey in the field of play therapy began with a passion for helping others, and over the years, I've had the privilege of supporting countless children and families. My professional journey has taken me through various settings, including multiple countries.
As a clinical play therapist, I have undergone extensive training in mental health, trauma, attachment, neurobiology and play therapy techniques and modalities. I am committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in the field, continually expanding my skills to better serve my clients. My approach is grounded in evidence-based principles, ensuring that every therapy session is effectively tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and family.
As an accredited mental health social worker, I believe in treating the whole person—not just the symptoms or a label. My approach to therapy is holistic and eclectic, addressing the emotional, social, and psychological aspects of each individual's life. By integrating play and creative techniques into therapy sessions, I create a nurturing environment where children feel empowered to express themselves, explore their emotions, and develop essential skills for coping and resilience.
I believe in the therapeutic power of connection and collaboration. My approach is warm, empathetic, and nonjudgmental, creating a safe space where clients can explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment. Together, we'll work side by side to uncover strengths, overcome obstacles, and create positive change.
In my practice, I deeply value a collaborative child and family-centred approach, prioritising cultural sensitivity, diversity, neuroaffirmation, and trauma-informed care. I believe in embracing a holistic approach to therapy and life, continuously engaging in both formal and informal learning opportunities to deepen my understanding and refine my skills.
Originally from Adelaide, I have witnessed the power of inclusion and advocacy through my childhood and beyond. My mum advocated to have my middle sister, who is blind with a hearing impairment, to become the first blind student mainstreamed in a South Australian state school. My mum has continued her advocacy as an adult, changing careers from registered nurse and midwife to working in supported decision making and advocacy after she lost her own sight. My eldest sister also supports children and families as a passionate and dedicated primary school teacher.
I have a Bachelor of Social Sciences from the University of Canberra that included studying a year in Beijing, China, through a year-long scholarship. After graduating, I returned to China and founded Side by Side, a centre dedicated to supporting children and families facing a range of challenges, conducting individual therapy, group programs, and workshops for parents and educators, focusing on practical strategies to create positive outcomes for children and families.
Continuing my education through the University of Southern Queensland, I studied applied linguistics with a focus on language acquisition, language and literacy assessment and the use of technology, then special education focusing on communication disorders, assessment, trauma, behaviour and learning, positive behaviour support, before adding additional studies in mental health counselling. I returned to Australia to complete my Master of Social Work through Flinders University, winning the Elaine MW Martin Prize for top student in my cohort. I am dedicated to lifelong learning, and am currently studying my PhD through Flinders University.
As someone who is multiply neurodivergent myself, I bring a unique perspective to my practice, allowing me to better understand and support the diverse and unique needs of each child and family. My expertise spans a wide range of therapeutic modalities and evidenced-based interventions from play therapy and art therapy to cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT). I am committed to providing comprehensive and effective support, drawing on my knowledge of neuroscience, nutrition, yoga therapy, sensory and emotional dysregulation and communication disorders to address the diverse needs of my clients. I collaborate with paediatricians, GPs, schools, occupational therapists and speech and language pathologists and other professionals, including government agencies if required.
I was a member of the Mount Gambier 2035 Community Panel, selected to represent the community, and work in partnership with the Mount Gambier Council to draft a community vision for Mount Gambier to 2035 that reflects our cultural identity as a city; and to define the broad strategic priorities for the community to deliver on the vision. I am also a member of the Limestone Coast Local Health Network's Comprehensive Care Committee, and a member of the AASW working group to provide content for the revised NDIS internal Practice Guide. I contribute my expertise and lived experience to ensuring inclusive and person-centred healthcare and disability practices. With extensive experience working with diverse populations, including multicultural and multilingual communities, disabled individuals, those with mental ill-health and those experiencing disadvantage, I have brought my passion for advocacy and inclusion to my practice and my community.
In addition to my clinical work with children and families, I provide clinical supervision for social workers, play therapists and other allied health professionals. I also currently teach under the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Flinders University, in their Bachelor of Allied Health degree.
My commitment to excellence and ongoing professional development is evident in my extensive training and certifications across various therapeutic approaches and interventions. With a focus on neuroaffirming practice, cultural safety, trauma-informed care, and holistic well-being, I continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in my community.
Credentials:
- Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, Medicare provider number: 6307811H
- Clinical Play Therapist
- Casual Academic, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University
- Certified Interplay Practitioner
- Certified Humanistic Play Therapist
- Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist
- ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider
- Eating Disorder Clinician
- EMDR Practitioner, full member of the EMDRA Association of Australia (EMDRAA)
- Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (Nutritional and Integrative Medicine)
- Certified Facilitator of LEGO®-Based Therapy
- Certified AutPlay® Therapy Provider
- Clinical Supervisor
- Registered Meditation Teacher, full member of the Meditation Association of Australia
- Yoga Teacher, member of Yoga Australia
Advanced Training:
- Play therapy and play-based therapy (multiple modalities)
- Art therapy and other creative therapies, including music therapy and dance/movement therapy
- Mental health counselling
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
- Interpersonal Neurobiology
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
- Solutions Focussed Therapy, including Solutions Focussed Brief Therapy
- Sand Tray Therapy
- Parallel Parent-Child Narrative approach (PPCN)
- Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP)
- Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) including advanced training in using EMDR with children and adolescents, and EMDR for Blind or Deaf children, and intergrating EMDR with play therapy
- Evidenced-based psychological therapies/ focused psychological strategies
- Interoception and sensory processing, integration, modulation and discrimination
- Mindfulness based interventions and relaxation strategies for children and families
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)
- Interventions to support those with Autism, ADHD, anxiety, trauma, emotional regulation
- Neuroscience for healthy brain development and trauma processing
- Neurobiology of trauma
- Nutrition and culinary medicine to improve mood, sleep, attention and focus
- Integrative mental health and nutritional and integrative medicine
- Yoga and yoga therapy for children and families
- Advanced self-regulation tools for children with ADHD and Autism
- Communication disorders
- Australian Sign Language (AusLan)
- Unified English Braille (UEB, by sight)
- Positive, attachment-based parenting
- Assessments, including Functional Capacity Assessments
- Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS)
- Cultural safety and awareness training (IAHA)
- Trauma informed and responsive care and practice
Side by Side Therapy is committed to the safety of children and young people. Anita has approved Child Safe Environments Compliance through the South Australian Department of Human Services, current National Police Check, Working With Children Check as well as valid Disability Services Employment and Vulnerable Person Related Employment Checks and she has completed Safe Environments: Through Their Eyes and Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect - Education and Care training. She has also completed Advanced First Aid and Advanced Resuscitaion and Combined Asthma & Anaphylaxis training, Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid through St John Ambulance SA. All placement students, work experience students and other practitioners at Side by Side Therapy also have the appropriate checks and insurance.
