Katherine Olejniczak
BBSc(Hons), MAPracticeBasedPlayTherapy
MAPS, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor
It’s no secret that Katherine, our Founding Director and Principal Psychologist, is deeply passionate about using play therapy to support children through their emotional struggles.
From her early beginnings in children’s psychology, Katherine set out to discover the most effective therapy methods that would engage children and help them through their difficulties.
She quickly realised that applying the usual adult-based approaches, and trying to make children fit into them, wasn’t the answer.
In the end, it was the children who taught Katherine what they need in therapy, and how to express themselves in the most natural way…
And of course, for children, this means play!
As a result, play therapy soon became Katherine’s main therapeutic approach.
She loves applying play therapy to support children with the foundations that can help them grow into secure and resilient adults.
Her specific interest areas include childhood trauma and recovery; play therapy; integrating interpersonal neurobiology into play therapy process, supervision and leadership development; and mentoring mental health professionals in business and private practice development, particularly in the delivery of child and family services.
And, as a prominent leader in the play therapy field in Australia, you can depend on her knowledge and experience.
In addition to applying play therapy methods herself, Katherine has also developed the Play Therapy Dimensions Model - Revised (PTDM-R). This helps guide other clinicians with their clinical decision-making when using play-based therapies with children.
Now, from her base in Hobart, Tasmania, Katherine provides therapy services as well as support for other mental health professionals across Australia and internationally.
In fact, Katherine’s so committed to the growth of play therapy in Australia, she continues to work closely with both industry bodies and universities, and regularly presents at conferences to share developments in the field of play therapy. She holds a position as a Casual Academic with Deakin University’s Master of Child Play Therapy course. Over many years, Katherine has also previously held several roles with the Australasia Pacific Play Therapy Association (APPTA), and remains an active member.
That’s why, as well as being an experienced psychologist and play therapist, Katherine is also well known as a clinical supervisor, leader, consultant, trainer, and published author.
And over 2,000 mental health professionals who work with children have flourished under her guidance and mentorship.
In her clinical work, Katherine works extensively in the areas of childhood trauma and recovery; and play therapy. She has extensive experience in the provision of counselling and play therapy to children, young people and families in the areas of abuse related trauma, family violence, grief and loss, and drought and bushfire disaster recovery. Katherine has worked extensively with children, young people and their families involved with child safety services and living in out of home care (i.e. foster care, kinship care, therapeutic residential care).
Furthermore, Katherine is also experienced in working with adults struggling with parenting issues, perinatal mental health, trauma, anxiety, stress, and depression, as well as providing specific services to support Tasmania’s Emergency Services personnel and first responders.
Her balance of working with adults as well as children, and supporting other mental health professionals throughout her career has given Katherine the skills to meet most challenges.
Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or your child, Katherine ensures whoever she’s working with feels accepted, safe, and capable of exploring their own struggles.
If you need a highly experienced therapist who is committed to individually tailored support, then reach out today...
Katherine’s credentials:
Director of Psychology and Play Therapy Australia Pty Ltd
Casual Academic, Deakin University, Master of Child Play Therapy
Registered Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA)
Certified Play Therapist with Play Therapy International (PTI)
Registered Play Therapist - Supervisor with the Australasia Pacific Play Therapy Association (APPTA)
Approved Supervisor with the PBA, PTI, and APPTA
Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Honours)
Master of Practice Based Play Therapy (UK)
Former Course Advisory Board member for the Deakin University Master of Child Play Therapy course
Former Board member of APPTA