Hi, I’m Nikki
Thank you for being here.
I’m a registered play therapist and former primary school teacher with over 10 years of experience working with children and families.
Long before my formal training, I was drawn to working with children — as a nanny, babysitter, surf instructor, kinder farm presenter and lifesaving educator. Supporting children has always felt like a natural and meaningful part of who I am.
Over the past decade as a teacher, I developed a strong passion for play-based learning and saw firsthand the powerful impact it has on children’s confidence, connection, and development.
After the COVID-19 lockdowns, I became increasingly aware of the emotional and social toll many children were carrying — anxiety, disconnection, and difficulties navigating their world. I wanted a deeper, more meaningful way to support children and their families through these challenges.
This led me to complete a Master of Child Play Therapy at Deakin University.
My Approach
I believe that children do their best when they feel safe, understood, and accepted.
Play therapy provides children with a space where they can express themselves freely, process their experiences, and work through challenges in a way that feels natural to them.
My role is to gently support this process — building a warm, trusting relationship where your child can feel secure enough to explore, grow, and heal.
A little more about me
Alongside my professional work, I’m also a mum to three boys and a baby girl, which gives me a deep appreciation for the joys and challenges that come with parenting.
I understand how hard it can be when your child is struggling, and how important it is to feel supported and not alone.
You’re in the right place
Becoming a play therapist has truly been a dream, and I feel honoured to walk alongside children and their families during such an important time in their lives.
If you’re wondering whether play therapy might be right for your child, you’re very welcome to reach out.
How it works
The therapy intervention will begin with an initial intake interview between myself and one or both parents/carers. Without any children in the room, we will speak about your child’s development history, play history and the reason you have been referred or self-referred. We will discuss which modality of Play Therapy will be suitable for your child.
The weekly therapy intervention can then begin and as you can imagine, each child is unique. There is no ‘magic number’ of sessions as to how long this can or ‘should’ take. The most important thing is that we check in with each other so we can both celebrate their wins and continue to discuss the plan as it evolves. For some children, they make only need 12-20 sessions; however, if there is ongoing issues or more complex trauma, you can expect this to be a long-term intervention.
Fees
1 hour- $193.99 which includes 50 minutes face to face (with your child) and 15 minutes of clinical notes and goal setting.
The updated NDIS schedule and billing is available here: PB NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2022-23 pdf.pdf
Contact Nikki
For all inquiries, please feel welcome to call, email or submit a message through here.
Referals from a GP are not needed. Simply get in touch and we can start as soon as a space becomes available.
Email: admin@birdrockplaytherapy.com.au
Phone: 0403522796
Based on the Surf Coast, Victoria.