Home | Dr Liz Evans | Psychology and Play therapy in Crows Nest

Hi, I'm Liz.

I am a registered psychologist based in Crows Nest, NSW.

I work with people of all ages and have a particular interest in:

children seeking play therapy
people who are neurodivergent (includes autistic people, people with ADHD)
people with intellectual disability.

My therapies draw from a range of evidence-based approaches, tailored for each person. I can incorporate play, movement and creative methods within these where they help.

My Services

Individual therapy

I offer support for a range of challenges, including:

anxiety including perfectionism
depression
social struggles including bullying
family breakdown
behavioural changes
grief and loss.

Individual therapy can also focus on building:

improved relationships
enhanced self-awareness
improved regulation
positive choice-making.

My approach is collaborative and tailored to each individual in a person-centred way. My therapies often incorporate play, movement, and creative forms of expression, as these can assist with regulation and focus, and provide additional avenues for expression and insight. They can also be incorporated when tailoring more traditional talk-based methods.

Affirming supports

I am committed to providing supports that are affirming. This means I respect and value your voice and identity. I will ask what helps you to feel comfortable, and how I can best work with you. It also means I am open to your feedback. I will often check about whether something works for you.

I strive to always work in ways that are neurodiversity affirming. This means I value each person's unique strengths and honour their lived experience. This guides how I select therapies and how I tailor them. Everyone has different sensory needs and preferences and therapy sessions are more impactful when we can regulate. My rooms, materials, and the way I work reflect this.

And yes, you can:

take off your shoes
lie on the super-squishy carpet
cuddle the weighted cushion
keep your headphones on
bring your own thing if it helps.

I strive to always work in ways that welcome and affirm people who are LGBTIQA+. This means respecting your experiences, journey, and using the name and pronouns that you use. It also means asking you how I can best support you.

Play and creative approaches to therapy

In play therapy, a client and therapist interact through the language of play. This can allow them to express and explore their thoughts and feelings without the need for complex words.

Activities can include movement, construction play, role play, dolls, puppets, sand tray play, sensory or messy play, and digital play. We can also use drawing, painting, clay, and music. It all depends on the person.

Play-based and creative methods are often a natural fit for children. They can benefit many adolescents and adults as well, and can be incorporated into other therapeutic approaches.

I use a wide variety of methods, since no two clients are the same. The approaches I use most often are called Child-Centred Play Therapy and AutPlay therapy.

Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT)

For preschool and primary school aged children, I usually start with CCPT. Research suggests it can help with a wide range of problems, including anxiety, social difficulties, and challenging behaviour. It can eb used for children as young as 3, including neurodivergent children and those who have experienced trauma. I start with it because I find it helps me to get to know a client in an unpressured way. Parents are kept informed through regular catch-ups.

AutPlay Therapy

I am trained in AutPlay therapy. This is a neurodiversity-affirming framework to guide therapy with children and young people. It is strengths-based, collaborative, and overtly values neurodivergent thinking and play preferences. AutPlay aims to promote autonomy and advocacy. Each individual has their own strengths, needs, and goals. The AutPlay therapy framework is like an overlay that guides how I tailor therapy for each person.

Telehealth

If you can't come to Crows Nest, I can connect with you Australia-wide via telehealth.

And yes, we can use play and creative techniques online!

For telehealth, you or your child will need access to a computer or tablet, in a space where there is privacy.

Assessments

Coming soon ... updates to this section are on the way.

You don't need a referral to see me, but Medicare offers a rebate for some of my services with a referral.

Information for doctors:

Name: Dr. Elizabeth Evans

Provider number: 2921012H

Address: Suite 2, 2B Clarke St Crows Nest 2065.

Mailing address: PO Box 600 Crows Nest 1585.

Please email referrals to: info@lizevans.com.au

I see people of all ages.

My main areas of focus are:

People with intellectual disability
Neurodivergent people, which includes autistic people & those with ADHD
Children seeking play-based approaches
People of any age who find talk-based therapy difficult.

I use a range of evidence-based approaches and tailor their application to suit the client. I can incorporate creative and play-based methods where helpful.

Please note that I am a solo practitioner and cannot provide an urgent service for new referrals.

New clients

I am happy to have a free 10 minute phone call to discuss what you are looking for, and whether I can help.

The best approach is to fill out the contact form with brief details. I will review it and phone you.

If forms are hard for you, you can phone me on 0490 875 097. I won't answer if I am with a client so please leave me a message.

I aim to get back to you within 3 business days.

Please note I am not able to provide services in an emergency. My page links to several services available 24 hours a day.

Fill out the form here

My Qualifications & Registrations

Bachelor of Psychology with First Class Hons - Sydney University
Doctor of Philosophy - Sydney University
Graduate Certificate in Older Person Mental Health - NSW Institute of Psychiatry
Graduate Certificate in Play and Art therapy - Sydney Centre for Creative Change.

I have been a registered psychologist since 2007.

You can look me up on the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency register of practitioners here: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/registration/registers-of-practitioners.aspx

I am a member of the Australian Psychological Society.

You can read the APS Charter for Clients here: https://psychology.org.au/psychology/about-psychology/why-choose-an-aps-psychologist/charter-for-clients-of-aps-psychologists

Research

My own research focused on mental health and wellbeing for adults with intellectual disability, genetic conditions that can impact heath and mental health, and human rights in the context of mental health care. I am an author on 15 peer-reviewed papers and 3 book chapters.

As part of my other roles, I've been involved in advisory committees for government and non-government projects and academic research, focused on improving the health and wellbeing of people with intellectual disability, inclusive health care, and training for health professionals. If you are seeking to connect with me about that work, please do reach out.