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Annette D’Amore

I am a Play Therapist with over 15 years’ experience supporting children, adolescents, and families across a wide range of settings, including community services, educational environments, mental health services, therapeutic residential care, and private practice. I am professionally registered with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and Play Therapy Practitioners Association (PTPA)

My work is grounded in a deep respect for children and their families, and I am passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, and playful therapeutic space where children feel understood, supported, and empowered. I take a strengths-based, child-centred approach, meeting each child at their current developmental level and tailoring therapy to their unique needs.

I draw on a range of evidence-based and developmentally appropriate approaches, including Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT), AutPlay Therapy, Creative Arts Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Play Therapy, Mindfulness, and Learn to Play Therapy. My practice is highly client-focused, and I carefully consider which therapeutic approaches will best support each child’s emotional wellbeing, growth, and long-term outcomes.

I have a particular interest in supporting children, adolescents, and families with:

  • Autism

  • ADHD

  • Developmental delays

  • Emotional regulation

  • Anxiety, fears, and worries

  • Self-esteem and confidence

  • Social and play skills

  • Peer relationships

  • School transitions

  • Stress management

  • Parenting support

  • Family separation and divorce

For neurodivergent children, my approach is collaborative and neuro-affirming. I work closely with parents, educators, and allied health professionals to promote acceptance, inclusion, and environments where children can thrive. Where appropriate, I attend educational settings to support the transfer and generalisation of skills learned in therapy. Therapy is always respectful, playful, relational, and strengths-based.

I also support children and adolescents accessing services through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), working towards emotional, social, behavioural, play, and daily living goals. I am deeply committed to empowering children with disabilities to build confidence, independence, and wellbeing.

Alongside my clinical work, I enjoy presenting at conferences, schools, and professional settings, and value collaborative work with educators and professionals.

In 2019, I became the author of I’m Angry, a children’s book, and I’m Angry: Parent and Educator Guide — the first titles in A Rainbow of Feelings series. I look forward to sharing more resources with families and my Parent’s Domain community.

Above all, I strive to create an empathetic, supportive, and positive therapeutic environment where children and families feel safe, heard, and understood.

Academic History

I hold a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psychology from The University of Melbourne, followed by postgraduate training in Counselling, Play Therapy and Art Therapy with a focus on child, adolescent, and family therapy.

My specialist training includes:

  • Clinical Supervision - La Trobe University Bouverie Centre

  • Single Session Family Consultation - La Trobe University Bouverie Centre

  • AutPlay Therapy – AutPlay Clinic

  • Learn to Play Therapy

  • LEGO®-Based Therapy (Brick by Brick) – Play Included C.I.C., Cambridge University

  • Tuning in to Kids – University of Melbourne, Department of Psychiatry (Mindful Centre)

I am committed to ongoing professional learning, supervision, and reflective practice to ensure my work reflects current evidence-based and best-practice therapeutic approaches.