Meet the Team
Director/Registered Clinical Counsellor/PACFA Accredited Supervisor
Kerri-Anne Lynn
Kerri-Anne is a dedicated EMDR trained Play Therapist and Counsellor who works with children, teens and families facing challenging circumstances.
She is passionate about supporting young people with a variety of difficulties including trauma, phobias, grief and loss, anxiety, difficulties arising from neurodivergence, as well as PTSD in children, adolescents, and parents.
Kerri-Anne loves to use EMDR therapy combined with play therapy in her practice, along with a variety of other modalities that have a strong foundation in attachment theory. She is also particularly interested in supporting children and teenagers who are, or may be neurodivergent, but don't have a typical presentation of symptoms.
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Kerri-Anne believes in a whole family approach to supporting young people and their families, and balances time in sessions with both the child and parents/caregivers.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Psychological Science (Hons) from UQ
- Masters of Counselling and Psychotherapy from ACAP
- EMDR Training
- Postgraduate Certificate in Play Therapy
- Advanced Clinical Training in Play Therapy
- Certificate of Individual and Group Supervision
- Circle of Security Parenting and Classrooms
Registrations:
- PACFA Reg. Clinical 25896
- PACFA Accredited Supervisor
- EMDRAA Full Member - Child and Adolescent Trained
- Circle of Security Parenting and Classrooms Facilitator
Social Worker/Play Therapist
Emily Holywell
Emily is a compassionate Social Worker and Play Therapist specializing in supporting children and adolescents, aged 2 to 13. Emily works closely with children’s families and caregivers to provide strategies and education around supporting children with disabilities, mental health concerns, behavioural issues and those who have experienced trauma.​ Emily's therapy sessions emphasize play and body-based activities to encouragement engagement and facilitate communication at the child's developmental level.
Areas of Interest:
- Anxiety, Depression
- Autism, ADHD, Global Developmental Delays
- Complex Trauma, PTSD
- ODD, OCD
Assessments Available:
- Vineland-3 Adaptive Behaviour Scale
- Sensory Profile 2
Qualifications and Training:
- Master of Social Work (qualifying)
- Master of Peace and Conflict Studies
- Bachelor of Arts & Bachelor of Science Combined (Psychology)
- EMDR Trained
- Advanced Clinical Training in Play Therapy
- Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (level 1)
- Alert Program Facilitator Training
- Key Skills in Family Therapy
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Social Worker/Play Therapist
Vanessa Byrnes
I am a social worker with 10 years of experience working with children and families. I specialise in using play based modalities to help children and their families work through emotional, behavioral, and social challenges.
I am dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment where children can express themselves freely through play, while also building important skills such as communication, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.
I have worked in a variety of settings, including child care, youth work, and private practice. I am passionate about collaborating with families and other professionals to provide holistic and client-centered care.
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In my free time, I enjoys playing board and video games, messing about with water colour paints and hanging out at the beach.
Qualifications:
- Master of Social Work degree, Queensland University of Technology
- Member of AASW
- Circle of Security Parenting and Classrooms Facilitator
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Play Therapist / EMDR Therapist
Hagit Kirshner-Shalom
Hagit is an experienced Play and EMDR Therapist with extensive experience in supporting children and families facing emotional, behavioral, and social challenges.
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Hagit is passionate about the transformative power of play as a therapeutic tool, empowering children to express themselves and reach their full potential. She values collaboration with parents and teachers, striving to create a holistic approach that enhances the therapeutic process for each child.
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Her extensive training and experience both nationally and internationally has led her to provide therapeutic services for families in clinics and schools, and embark on inspiring projects in Singapore and Israel.​
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Qualifications and Training:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy
- Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play
- EMDR Level 1+2 adults
- EMDR children and adolescents Level 1+2
- Theraplay Level 2
- SPACE - Anxiety treatment through parental guidance and support
- SEE FAR CBT - Trauma and Anxiety treatment through Somatic Experience, Fantasy Reality, and CBT element
- Anxiety Treatment for Children & Adolescents (CCATP-CA)
- Filial Play Coaching and Clinical Supervision, (APAC)
- Circle of Security® Parenting™ Facilitator
- M.A in Cognitive Psychology (Israel)
- B.A in Behavioural Science (Israel)​​​
- Member of EMDRAA
- Memebr of AAPTA
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Counsellor/Play Therapist
Becky Gethen - Books Closed
Our beloved Becky has traded play therapy for playdates and has been lured into the magic of Bluey’s World! While we’re heartbroken to see her go, we couldn't be happier to see her chase her dreams, and who could resist the opportunity to be with Brisbane's favourite Heeler family!
Social Worker/Play Therapist
Amity Green
With a passion for early intervention and integrating the power of play into our everyday lives, Amity's keen interest in neuroscience, nature and interpersonal connections will assist in enhancing and developing individual and family strengths and abilities.
Amity has a Masters in Child Play Therapy, as well as a Post Graduate Diploma in Learning and Teaching, and a Bachelors Degree in Social Work.
Amity has experience working for the Queensland Government and as a face-painting, balloon-sculpting fairy.
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Qualifications:
Masters of Play Therapy
Bachelor in Social Work
Diploma in Learning and Teaching
Member of AASW
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Practice Manager
Jennifer Stewart
In her role, Jennifer oversees the day-to-day operations of our practice, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
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As a mother of two, Jennifer understands the joys and challenges of parenthood firsthand. With a passion for empowering families, she is also a Circle of Security facilitator, helping parents build secure attachments with their children.
Combined with her organizational skills and compassionate approach, Jennifer is an invaluable asset to our team and the families we support.
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In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys going to concerts, beach days with her children and actively runs her own mums' group, fostering a supportive community for like-minded parents.
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Qualifications:
Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator
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