Play Psychology is a child-focused psychology practice providing play-based therapy for children with autism, developmental delays, and emotional or behavioural difficulties in Melbourne’s South East.

We are a team of registered psychologists who specialise in early intervention, autism support, and child development, using evidence-based and neuro-affirming approaches to help children learn, connect, and thrive.

Our approach is warm, playful, and family-centred — because we believe therapy should feel safe, engaging, and meaningful for every child.

We provide Psychology services for children and adolescents experiencing:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Global developmental delay
  • ADHD and attention difficulties
  • Anxiety and emotional challenges
  • Social and communication difficulties
  • Behavioural concerns at home or school

We also support parents and carers through guidance, strategies, and collaborative sessions.

Meet Our Team of Child Psychologists:

Our team of registered psychologists brings a wealth of experience in child development, autism support, and play-based therapy. Each clinician brings a unique background and approach, united by a shared passion for helping children thrive.

 

🌟 KATIA BRANCATELLA 🌟

Psychologist (Provisional) | Play Program Supervisor

BPsychSc (Distinction)

MClinPsych Candidate

Hello! 👋

My name is Katia, and I am a provisional psychologist who is passionate about providing support to children and their families through a play-based approach to learning and development. 🌈🧸 I aim to create a creative, warm, and engaging environment where children can develop and enhance their everyday skills. 🌟

My approach to play-based learning is highly client-centred and neuro-affirming, focusing on each child’s interests, strengths, and preferred activities. 🌱💛 I acknowledge that every child is unique, so I enjoy working collaboratively with children and their families to ensure that therapy is engaging, strengths-based, and aligned with their goals. 🤝✨

A bit about me, I love spending my spare time drawing 🎨, crafting ✂️, and doing Pilates 🧘‍♀️. I also absolutely love animals 🐾 and adore playing with my crazy cats! 🐈🐈 If families have a beloved pet present during sessions, I believe incorporating them into play can create a fun, exciting, and comforting environment that supports a child’s learning. 🐶💚

I look forward to meeting you and supporting your family on this exciting journey! 🌈😊

 🌟 AMY WRIGHT 🌟

Psychologist (Provisional) | Play Program Supervisor
BA (Psych) Hons., MProfPsych

Hello, it’s me, Amy! 👋

If you like video games 🎮, baking sweets 🍪, drawing characters ✏️, or making up stories 📖, I’m your person. I love creating things with kids — worlds, creatures, powers, silly inventions — anything your imagination comes up with. 🌟

I also love animals 🐶, like my beloved dog, Luca! Dogs are present and incorporate play into every moment, which is how I like to roll. 🐾

I like to learn what your brain enjoys — whether that’s jumping into a game, building something cool, talking about your favourite shows 📺, or sitting quietly while we think together 🤔. Every brain is different, and that’s one of my favourite things about my job. We can always incorporate your favourite things! 🧠✨

I will bring fun toys along, such as squishees, playdough, bubbles 🫧 (a Luca favourite — she bounces after them and pops them with her teeth), and I promise to share them with you and not just have fun with them myself!

A message to the grown-ups: I value the insight you already bring about your child, and I’m here to work together with you to help things feel smoother at home, at school, and everywhere else. 🏡💛

I’m really looking forward to meeting you and discovering all the wonderful things that make you, you. 🌈

Sincerely,
Amy Wright

🌟 SAGHAR ZARE 🌟

Psychologist (Provisional) | Play Program Supervisor
B.A. (Psychology), BPsychSc(Hons), MProfPsych Candidate

Hi, I’m a Provisional Psychologist with over three years of experience working with children. 👋

I enjoy supporting kids through play-based and creative approaches that feel relaxed, engaging, and meaningful. 🎨🧩

I have a special interest in arts and crafts and often use creative activities to help children express themselves in ways that feel comfortable and natural. ✂️🖌️

I take a neuro-affirming approach and value each child’s individuality, strengths, and preferred ways of communicating and engaging. 🧠💛

My aim is to create a space where children feel safe, understood, and supported to explore, learn, and grow at their own pace. 🌈✨

🌟 BAHAREH KHALILI🌟

Psychologist (Provisional) | Play Program Supervisor

B.A. (Psych), PGDip (Psych)

I am a provisional psychologist who is passionate about supporting children and neurodivergent clients to feel understood, valued, and empowered 🌈💛. I enjoy creating therapy spaces that are playful, respectful, and responsive to each child’s unique way of communicating and engaging with the world 🎨🧩✨. I believe that every child brings their own strengths, interests, and ways of thinking, and that these should be celebrated and used as the foundation for growth 🌟🌱.

My approach is neuroaffirming, strengths-based, and collaborative 🤝💬. I focus on building trusting relationships, supporting emotional regulation, and helping children develop meaningful skills that enhance their confidence and participation in daily life 🧠💚. I work closely with families and caregivers to ensure strategies are practical, accessible, and aligned with the child’s goals and lived experience 🏡📚.

I am committed to ongoing learning and reflective practice 📖✨ and I strive to create a therapeutic environment where children feel safe to explore, express themselves, and thrive 🌼🌻. It is a privilege to walk alongside families and support them throughout their journey🤍.

🌟 SAMANTHA LOWE 🌟

Provisional Psychologist | Play Program Supervisor

B.Psych.Sc., GradDipPsychAdv., M.App.Psych. (Clinical) Candidate

Hi, I’m Samantha! 👋

I love connecting with children through play. Whether we’re climbing 🧗, bouncing 🤸, getting messy 🎨, exploring sensory activities 🌈, or simply sharing a giggle 😄, I enjoy following each child’s lead and celebrating the moments that make them smile. 💛

My approach is warm, genuine, and collaborative. 🌱 I believe every child deserves to feel safe, accepted, and valued for who they are. I love taking the time to understand each child’s unique way of experiencing the world and working alongside families to celebrate the little wins together.

When I’m not at work, you’ll usually find me exploring the outdoors with my children. 🌿👧👦👦 I love seeing the world through their eyes and discovering new places together. Those everyday adventures remind me that curiosity, connection, and play can be found almost anywhere.

🌟 VICKY SALTIS 🌟

Senior Psychologist, Clinical Director, Play Program Supervisor, BAppSci(Psych) Hons

🌟 What I’m All About – From Vicky! 🌟

Hey there! Here’s what I LOVE and what I might bring when we PLAY together:

🎨 I’m all about colourful creations – think paint, patterns, and plenty of arty fun!

🛼 I love rollerskating and rainbow things – the brighter, the better!

🧸 I’ll bring terrific toys and super sensory stuff like slime and sand!

🎲 I enjoy brilliant board games and silly surprises!

🎶 I’m into singing, spinning, dancing, and doing things in my own fun way!

🧠 I know that everyone’s brain is beautifully different – and that makes you amazing.

🤗 I’m here to listen, laugh, and learn with you.

🎉 If you’re up for it, I can’t wait to PLAY and have some fantastic fun together!

See you soon, superstar! 🌈

Vicky is the Clinical Director of Play Psychology PTY LTD. Vicky is a Registered Psychologist. Vicky Saltis works and is experienced in Neuro-affirming and Trauma informed Play Based Behavioural and Early Therapeutic Supports for children with Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, Presenting Behaviours, Learning Difficulties and Developmental Delays.

Her Neuro-affirming and Trauma informed approaches are inspired by the lived experiences of the many children and adolescents whom she has supported over the past two decades. Her natural love and understanding of children were stimulated in 2002 when she began working as a Therapist for a young boy who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  His huge behavioural and developmental gains, and individual ways of learning inspired Vicky to make a difference in the lives of children and to develop our understanding of individualised learning approaches through which each child can achieve their greatest potential.

Vicky has worked intensively in school and kindergarten environments with children with special needs for the past 22 years. She provides assessments, interventions, curriculum development and clinical recommendations for children across numerous settings including, through home-based therapy, at schools and kindergartens, and clinically.

Vicky enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience with other professionals through clinical supervision and training sessions for complex cases.

Vicky has completed her Bachelor of Applied Science Psychology degree with Honours at Deakin University. Vicky holds a Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Children and Adolescents and has experience in in Child Centred Play Therapy, Neuro-affirming Practice,  Social Stencil Facilitating, Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS), Desensitisation, Supporting Behaviours, Eating Difficulties, Toilet Training, the use of Visual Schedules for children among many related areas.

Over the span of over two decades now….

I have devoted my career to supporting, advocating for, and making a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of Autistic children and children with developmental delays. Each one is completely unique and amazing! Building genuine connections with them, while addressing their behavioural and sensory needs and enhancing their life skills — from communication and play to self-care — has been an incredibly rewarding experience!!!!