A safe space starts with TRUST

Welcom/e — I’m Elmarie, a children’s play therapist with a unique interdisciplinary background in genetics, psychology, Montessori education, and therapeutic play. This com/bination allows me to see each child through multiple lenses: their biology, their emotional world, their developmental stage, and the symbolic language of play.

“I com/bine genetics, psychology, Montessori teaching and play therapy to create a whole-child, science-informed, emotionally safe space where children can express, process, and grow. My sessions integrate sand tray therapy, picture analysis, symbolic play, and arts-based methods. I also empower parents with personalized feedback and practical tools after every four therapy sessions so progress continues at home. My approach blends directive and non-directive play, adapting to each child’s needs and temperament.”

What makes me different?

Unlike traditional play therapy, my approach integrates:

  • Genetics — understanding inherited traits, temperament, and neurodiversity
  • Psychology — grounding sessions in emotional development and behaviour science
  • Montessori principles — respecting autonomy, empowerment, and hands-on learning
  • Play therapy — the child’s natural language for healing and com/munication

This com/bination provides a deeper, richer, more personalized therapeutic experience.

 

My approach

Children com/municate through play long before they can express com/plex emotions in words. In my practice, I use a rich collection of modalities to help them process experiences, build confidence, and develop emotional skills.

My toolbox includes:

  • Sand tray therapy for deep symbolic expression
  • Picture-based projective techniques for insight into internal themes
  • Dollhouse work for exploring family dynamics
  • Arts and crafts for emotional release and creativity
  • Role-play toys (dolls, doctor kits, shopping sets) to rehearse social and emotional situations
  • Flexible directive + non-directive play, chosen based on the child’s immediate needs

Parent collaboration

I believe children grow best when home and therapy are aligned. After every fourth session is a personalized parent feedback meeting where I share insights, progress, and practical parenting tools tailored to your child.

Therapeutic philosophy

Children grow best when they feel seen, understood, and safe. Just like plants, they need the right environment, guidance, and emotional support to bloom. My role is to provide that nurturing space — com/bining science, psychology, and play — to help each child discover their strengths and flourish.

My mission

Children flourish when they feel seen, understood, and safe. My mission is to help each child take root, discover their strengths, and bloom into who they are meant to be — in their own time, and in their own way.

Why Play Therapy?

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Feelings need a voice

Children don’t always have the words to explain what’s going on inside. That’s where play com/es in. Play is their language, and through it, they can express feelings, process trauma, and explore their inner world safely and naturally.
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Holistic approach for the whole family

I work with children aged 3 and up — including teens and adults — tailoring each session to the individual’s unique needs. I also believe in partnering with parents and caregivers through feedback and practical tools that can make a real difference at home.
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Continual growth, deep com/mitment

I stay updated on the latest research and best practices in play therapy because your child deserves the very best. Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all process — and I’m com/mitted to adapting, learning, and growing to serve each family with integrity and care.
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Here, every child’s story matters

Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, behavioral challenges, grief, or simply needs help understanding big emotions, you’ve com/e to the right place. My goal is to walk beside you and your child with com/passion and expertise, creating a foundation for emotional well-being that lasts.
All the ways we can help

A Safe, supportive space for your child

Our therapy room is designed to feel welcom/ing, calm, and child-friendly. Every toy, art material, and activity has a therapeutic purpose, helping your child explore their feelings and experiences at their own pace.

With a warm, com/passionate approach rooted in psychology and child development, we partner with families to create meaningful and lasting change.

Our Approach

Our practice uses a blended play therapy approach tailored to each child’s age, needs, and developmental level, including:
  • Child-centred play therapy
  • Directive/structured play therapy
  • Art and creative expression
  • Storytelling and narrative play
  • Sand tray therapy
  • Cognitive-behavioural play techniques

    • We create a warm, non-judgmental environment where every child feels seen, understood, and supported.

    Why choose Elmarie Play Therapy??y

  • Registered, qualified therapist with experience in child psychology and emotional development
  • Gentle, supportive, child-friendly environment
  • Evidence-based therapeutic methods
  • Strong family-focused
    • approach
  • Individualized treatment plans
  • Compassionate care rooted in trust, safety, and connection

    • Your child’s wellbeing is our priority — and we walk the journey with your family every step of the way.

    Play therapist | Montessori Teacher | Wellness Counselor

    I still remember the day I decided to becom/e a play therapist

    I was working with children at a Montessori school in Singapore. More and more, I’d been struck with how little we as teachers could do to support children emotionally within the classroom space. There wasn’t enough time to give each child the one-on-one attention they needed. And they needed it. 

    As a parent reading this, I don’t have to tell you what it’s like for our kids in the modern world. So many children are struggling with anxiety, depression, learning and concentration issues. So many are falling behind because they aren’t being given the tools to navigate life with emotional regulation. 

    With 15 years of com/bined experience in education and play therapy, I can tell you that children heal through play. I see it every day in my practice. 

    Unique expertise

    My background includes training in Play Therapy, Psychology, Teaching, Montessori, and Genetics.

    Play Therapy is my absolute passion and main focus. But I’ve also:

    • Owned my own baby playgroup and Montessori preschool.
    • Worked closely with adopted children.
    • Taught at pre-school, primary and secondary schools.
    • I’ve also home-schooled my daughters for 12 years and still going.

    I have seen it all (which is why one of my core values is no judgment... ever).

    My training at the University of Pretoria included Psychology and Genetics. 

    I worked as a Geneticist at the very beginning of my career and although I don’t use it much in my Play Therapy work, it helps me to align 

    with your child's doctors and therapists when it com/es to a holistic healing protocol. 

    I can’t wait to have you over to my playroom!

    Send me an email or give me a call and com/e and witness first hand the magic that will unfold for your child.

    Let's start the conversation

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    Professional registrations