Flourish Play Therapy and Counselling
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Our team
Meet Hayley
Director - Practice Lead
Bachelor Social Work & Social Planning (Hons) and Masters Child Play Therapy
Hi there!
I’m Hayley, the founder and director of Flourish Play Therapy and Counselling and I’m so glad you’ve found your way here!
A little about me: I hold a Bachelor’s in Social Work and Social Planning (Honours), as well as a Master’s in Child Play Therapy, and I’ve been fortunate to spend close to 10 years working in the allied health field. My journey has led me through roles in the disability sector, and more recently as a primary school counsellor, where I’ve had the privilege of working with children and families from all walks of life.
My work has taken me to families from culturally diverse backgrounds, those navigating disability and trauma, and children with a wide variety of needs. No matter the challenge, my passion is always the same: empowering children and young people to find their voice, build resilience, and flourish in all aspects of life.
At Flourish, I’m committed to helping children grow in confidence and strength, creating a safe and nurturing space where they can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.
Thank you for visiting, and I look forward to walking alongside you and your family on this journey of growth and healing.
Hayley's Story
I grew up in Southern Adelaide, and honestly, I can’t imagine a better place to call home.
While my childhood was shaped by experiences of trauma, those challenges have ultimately helped define who I am today. These experiences sparked a deep passion within me for supporting children, young people, and families- helping them navigate their own journeys toward healing and growth. It’s this personal connection that fuels everything I do in my work.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me at home with my husband, Kane, and our playful dog, Cooper. I love spending weekends in the garden, getting lost in a good video game (the kids always love hearing that I'm a gamer!), going for peaceful walks, and soaking in the beauty of the beach. These simple joys keep me grounded and remind me of the importance of balance and self-care.
I truly believe that, no matter what we face, we all have the ability to heal, grow, and flourish-and I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Meet Nicole
Senior Social Worker & Play Therapist
Bachelor of Psychological Studies
Masters of Social Work
Diploma in Integrated Psychotherapy & Counselling
Specialist Training in Child-Centred Play Therapy
Hi, I’m Nicole!
I’m an Accredited Social Worker and Play Therapist, and I’m passionate about creating spaces where children and young people feel safe enough to be completely themselves.
My professional journey has taken me through mental health, education, disability, counselling and therapeutic work with children and families. I hold a Master of Social Work, Bachelor of Psychological Studies, Graduate Diploma in Integrated Psychotherapy and Counselling, and specialist training in Child-Centred Play Therapy.
I have been providing counselling support for 10 years, and I’ve had the privilege of working alongside children and families experiencing trauma, anxiety, grief, family separation, disability, emotional and behavioural challenges, and many of the wonderfully complicated parts of growing up.
At the heart of my work is a simple belief: children deserve to be heard.
Sometimes children don't yet have the words to explain what has happened, what they're feeling, or what they need. Play gives them another language. My role is to meet them there - with curiosity, warmth and acceptance - and create a relationship where they can safely explore their world.
I take an integrative approach to therapy, drawing on social work, counselling, psychotherapy and play therapy while recognising that no two children or families are the same. I also work closely with parents, carers, schools and other professionals because supporting a child often means supporting the world around them too.
I’m excited to bring my experience to the Flourish team and to continue walking alongside children and families as they play, heal, grow and flourish.
Nicole's Story
I was born and raised in the southern suburbs of Adelaide, and this community has remained a big part of both my personal and professional life. My path into this work wasn't particularly straight. My own experiences growing up left me curious about people, relationships, trauma and why we become who we become. That curiosity eventually took me into counselling, psychology and then social work; where I realised I had found the profession that brought all the pieces together.
Becoming a mum shaped that journey even further. I’m a mum to two girls, who have taught me more about children, courage, individuality and seeing the world differently than any textbook ever could. They have also been very patient participants and critics in countless therapeutic games, resources and ideas over the years!
Outside of the therapy room, I’m happiest doing something creative or learning something new. I love reading, baking, gardening, music and singing, and I’m currently learning to play the bagpipes. I’m also a slightly enthusiastic beginner beekeeper and will happily talk about bees for longer than anyone actually asked. At home, life is shared with my girls, my chickens and Harvey, our miniature schnauzer, who is quite convinced he is an essential member of every activity. My experiences personally, professionally and as a parent; have taught me that healing doesn't always look the way we expect it to. Sometimes it begins with words. Sometimes it begins with connection. And sometimes, especially for children, it begins with play.
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