Alannah Jansz

Play Therapist and Counsellor

Alannah is a passionate, warm, and empathic registered counsellor and play therapist, dedicated to supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges. She strives to create a therapeutic space grounded in safety, trust, and unconditional positive regard, where clients feel truly seen and heard. 

Her approach is trauma-informed and deeply respectful of each person’s unique story. Drawing on evidence-based practices, Alannah works collaboratively with her clients to foster healing, growth, and resilience—helping clients navigate life with greater clarity and confidence.

Alannah’s academic journey began in 2010 with a Bachelor of Psychological Science, followed by a Graduate Diploma of Counselling and both a Certificate and Advanced Certificate in Play Therapy. Alannah started her counselling work within the education setting in 2018 before moving into private practice in 2020. Committed to ongoing professional growth, in 2026 Alannah is continuing her studies through the Master of Child Play Therapy at Deakin University.

Counselling - Adolescents & Adults 

Drawing from psychodynamic and person-centred frameworks, Alannah integrates insights from contemporary research on the nervous system, polyvagal theory, attachment theory, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). She also incorporates creative therapies such as sand tray and art to support expression beyond words.

In her work, Alannah thoughtfully conceptualises casework by exploring family history through genograms and uncovering unconscious beliefs that may underlie presenting challenges. This holistic perspective allows for deeper understanding and meaningful change.

Alannah has a special interest in supporting individuals experiencing:

• Anxiety and depression

• Grief and loss

• Identity challenges

• Life transitions challenges

• Parenting challenges

• Perinatal and prenatal anxiety and depression

• School and social withdrawal

• Friendship and relationship challenges

Her goal is to walk alongside clients with compassion, curiosity, and care, helping them navigate life’s complexities and reconnect with their inner resources.

Play Therapy - Children aged 2-12 years

Play Therapy is an evidence-based, developmentally appropriate form of counselling designed for children aged 2–12 years. Because children have not yet reached full cognitive maturity, play becomes their natural language—allowing them to express and communicate in ways that feel authentic to their developmental stage.

Through therapeutic play, children invite us into their internal world, offering a glimpse into how they perceive themselves, others, and the contexts in which they live. This process can reveal both conscious and unconscious thoughts that often underlie social-emotional and behavioural challenges.

Alannah works from a non-directive, child-centred perspective, creating a safe and supportive environment where children experience autonomy and freedom in their expression. Her approach honours the child’s individuality while addressing presenting concerns with compassion and insight.

Alannah collaborates closely with parents throughout the process—supporting children to make sense of their world while helping parents navigate the stress of parenting. Together, this work explores factors within the parent-child relationship that may not be serving the family system, fostering healthier dynamics and stronger connections.

Alannah has a special interest in working with;

• Grief and loss

• Situational mutism

• Separation anxiety

• Anxiety & depression

• Trauma

• Attachment 

• Gender Identity 

• Behavioural outbursts

Funding & Contact details 

Alannah can take both plan-managed and self-managed NDIS clients along with private paying clients. Alannah has also worked with VOCAT and funding bodies such as DFFH, and VAD. At this current stage, Alannah cannot accept private health insurance or Medicare/ Mental Health Plans.

Direct referrals can be made at www.popcounselling.com.au. Please fill out the enquiry form under “contact us”. If you have any questions prior to filling out the form, feel free to email Alannah at alannah@popcounselling.com.au. 

Alannah currently does not have any availability for 1:1 play therapy at this time. 

Alannah is currently accepting referrals for adolescent and adult counselling. 

Please contact Alannah directly to make an appointment.