Anna Urban (she/her)

Anna is a certified Play Therapist with a wealth of experience and a deep passion for supporting children and families. As a dedicated practitioner and early childhood intervention specialist, she brings over 30 years of experience working with school staff, children, and families in mainstream, special, and alternative school settings. Her extensive background in education, including roles as a teacher and former school principal, has provided her with a profound understanding of the challenges students and families face.

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With a particular interest in supporting neurodiverse students and those with complex needs, Anna's approach is centered on child-led therapy and interventions. She recognizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive learning environment where all students can thrive and engage in their learning. Her personal experience as a mother of a neurodiverse child further informs her empathetic and effective support for families.

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Anna is a strong advocate for parents, understanding the complexities of family dynamics and relationships, especially within the context of neurodiversity. She believes that with the right support, individuals and families can navigate difficult experiences and grow. Her life experience and professional ability equip her to provide valuable guidance and support to parents.

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Approach to Therapy 

 

Anna's approach is fundamentally child-led and neuro-affirming. She believes that a child's play is their primary language for exploring their world and expressing themselves freely. Her therapy is play-focused and draws from humanistic and child-centered methodologies, which emphasize empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence. She follows the child's lead, allowing them to set the pace and direction of the therapeutic process. This approach helps children build self-esteem, develop coping skills, and work through their feelings in a way that is natural and comfortable for them. Anna also has a keen awareness of early developments and works sensitively with children with demand avoidant tendencies.

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Qualifications & Accreditations

 

• Certified Play Therapist

• PhD Candidate at La Trobe University (Research focused on the impact of the principal-teacher relationship on teacher retention)

• Master of School Leadership

• Diploma of Counselling

• Post Graduate Diplomas in Special Education and Student Wellbeing

• Professional Certificates in Coaching and Counselling (Education)

• Accreditations in Child Protection and Mandatory Reporting, MARAM, and First Aid

• VIT Certification