SANDPLAY THERAPY
Sandplay therapy is a non-verbal therapy that may help identify unknown, past or current challenges in life
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
“I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.”
C.G. JUNG
According to Jung, our past experiences, whether good or bad, can influence us in many ways, including shaping our personality, values, and beliefs.
I believe in the incredible potential we all have to transcend our past traumas and challenges, and in my practice I love to empower clients to move beyond their history and focus on the possibilities of who they can become. Through a unique combination of traditional counselling and Sandplay therapy, we work together to unlock your inner strength and resilience.
This journey is about redefining yourself not by your past, but by the choices you make and the person you aspire to be. Embracing your capacity for growth and change is at the heart of our work, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.
keyboard_arrow_down WHAT IS SANDPLAY THERAPY?
Sandplay Therapy is a powerful, non-verbal therapeutic modality that taps into your unconscious mind. It involves creating scenes in a tray filled with sand, using miniature objects to symbolise different aspects of your inner world.
This method allows you to express deep-seated emotions and experiences that may be difficult to articulate with words.
Developed by Swiss psychotherapist Dora Kalff, Sandplay Therapy is grounded in Jungian psychology and provides a safe, creative space to explore and process your feelings.
THE BENEFITS OF A COMBINED APPROACH.
Counselling & SANDPLAY THERAPY
By integrating traditional counselling with Sandplay Therapy, I offer a holistic approach that addresses both the conscious and unconscious aspects of your psyche and allows a richer, more nuanced exploration of your inner world. It’s an approach that honours the complexity of your experiences and provides multiple pathways to healing, whether you’re seeking to overcome trauma, manage anxiety, improve your relationships, or simply understand yourself better.
Here’s how this combined approach can benefit you:
check Deeper Insight
While counselling helps you articulate your thoughts and emotions, Sandplay therapy allows you to access and express deeper layers of your psyche. This combination facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of yourself and your experiences.
check Enhanced Emotional Expression
Addressing both verbal and non-verbal aspects of your experiences promotes holistic healing and ensures that no part of your emotional landscape is left unexplored or unresolved. It’s particularly beneficial for children and adults who have experienced trauma, as it offers a gentle way to process difficult emotions.
check Safe and PROTECTED SPACE
My therapy room is a sanctuary where you can feel safe and supported. Whether you’re engaging in dialogue or creating scenes in the sand, you’ll be in a space designed to foster trust, safety, and healing. We’ll use the methods that resonate most with you, ensuring each session is tailored to your unique needs.
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I am a trauma informed Mental Health Social Worker, and I specialise in helping people navigate and heal from early childhood trauma, as well as physical and sexual abuse.
In our sessions, we will work together to understand how your past has shaped your current feelings and behaviours.
By combining traditional counselling with Sandplay Therapy, I help you express deep-seated emotions, making it easier to confront and integrate difficult memories.
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I also specialise in working with children and parents to build strong, healthy relationships with each other.
Addressing and restoring the fractures that can happen between parent and child often requires a holistic approach, providing balanced and non-judgmental support to parents in developing effective strategies to support their children, while also providing a safe space for children to express and process their feelings.
Together, we will build strong, positive relationships within your family, helping you understand and navigate the unique challenges you face.
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Not every session involves the sandtray. I provide general counselling for people who struggle with anxiety or panic disorders, depression, stress, self-harming behaviours, self-esteem, bullying, anger and other behavioural problems.
I also have experience working with neurodivergent individuals (specifically those who are Autistic and/or have ADHD).
Areas of expertise:
FAQ
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My office is located at The Holistic Hub.
278 Richardson St
Middle Park VIC 3206 -
Please contact Michelle for pricing information.
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Tuesday to Friday; 9am — 7pm. Saturday 8am to 1pm.
Please contact Michelle to book an appointment with her directly.
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If you are running late please contact Michelle with your ETA as soon as possible. If you arrive late, your session is not able to be extended, as the following appointment time will already be allocated to someone else.
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Appointments are 45min to 60min long, but this can depend on the patient or type of session.
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Please contact Michelle for more information.
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Yes, please contact Michelle directly to make an appointment.
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Sessions are held in-person at Michelle’s room at The Holistic Hub in Middle Park. Counselling via telehealth may be available for existing clients depending on circumstances.
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Cancellation Fees apply for less than 24 hours notice.
Missed or forgotten appointments attract the full session fee.