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 often incorporate play, movement and creative methods.

My Services

Psychological support

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 into traditional approaches such as Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy and Solutions-Focused Therapies.

I am committed to providing supports that are neurodiversity-affirming. This means I value each person's unique strengths and honour their lived experience. It also means I value the chance to talk about how I can best work with you (or your child).

Play therapy

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

Activities can include role play, dolls or puppets, drawing, painting, sand tray play, and sensory or messy play. While it is often used with children aged 3 – 12 years, it can also be a good fit for adolescents and even adults. It depends on the person.

The play therapy I use most often is called Child-Centred Play Therapy. Research suggests this can help with a wide range of problems, including anxiety, social difficulties, and challenging behaviour. It can be used with neurodivergent children, and children who have experienced trauma.

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.

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

My areas of focus include:

people with intellectual disability
people who are neurodiverse (includes autistic people, people with ADHD)
both neurotypical and neurodiverse children seeking play therapy.

Please note I work part-time and can't provide urgent care.

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 resources page links to several services available 24 hours a day.

Fill out the form here

Existing clients

You can book further sessions with me online.

If you find it hard to use the online form, call and leave a message.

Book online now

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 Institue 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 Agency register of practitioners here: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/registration/registers-of-practitioners.aspx

I am a member of the Australian Psychologists 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.