about me

My name is Deanne Kinsey. I have a Masters of Child Play Therapy from Deakin University, Master of Social Work from Griffith University and a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology/Psychophysiology) from Swinburne University. I'm a Registered Play Therapist with Australasia Pacific Play Therapy Association (APPTA), a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and an accredited Learn to Play therapist.

I am passionate about improving the lives of children and their families, by supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children through play. I have a wealth of knowledge in the areas of child development, attachment, family systems, neurodivergence, psychopathology and the impacts of trauma and neglect on the developing child. I love working with the whole family system to help strengthen relationships and to support lasting positive change, including Play Therapy based on Theraplay principles.

I have a strong interest in working with neurodivergent children using a neurodiversity affirming approach by supporting and highlighting the child's individual strengths and identity and helping to address mental health concerns caused by living in a society that has largely been socially constructed for those who are neurotypical. I am a certified AutPlay therapist. I have recently published a children’s picture book called My Brother has ADHD. This books aims to highlight the sibling experience of having a neurodivergent brother. And includes a detailed information sections with practical tips.

I have completed Level 1 & 2 EMDR training and am working towards EMDR certification. I am excited by the potential of EMDR therapy to help support and heal, children, adolescents and adults, and I seek to integrate this new knowledge into all of my therapeutic work.

I am also a Mum to 3 young children and really understand the challenges of modern parenting in this age of technology. I like to work collaboratively with families and the systems that the child engages with such as schools and binders,  in order to best support and improve the lives of children. I live and work on the lands of the Wadawurrung people in Clifton Springs on the Bellarine Peninsula and wish to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners of the Land, Waterways and Skies. I pay my respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. I Acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are part of our Greater Geelong community today.