ABOUT ME
Stephanie Heartfield
Play Therapist, Counsellor & Early Childhood Educator
Hello & welcome
I'm Steph, the Founder and Director of Stephanie Heartfield Play Therapy & Counselling. I am a Child-Centred Play Therapist, Counsellor & Early Childhood Educator. My passion lies in supporting children and families to navigate life’s challenges with connection, understanding, and play.
Psychology & Counselling
I have always been drawn to psychology and counselling, which is why I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology right after finishing school, followed by various other counselling qualifications. However, it wasn’t until I had my first son in 2013 that I discovered my true passion—helping parents and children thrive. I immersed myself in Aware Parenting, Unconditional Parenting, and Playful Parenting, and these philosophies deeply resonated with me. Find out more out Parenting Support Sessions here.
A long-held dream of mine has been to support children experiencing trauma as well as those with diagnoses such as ASD, ADHD, and PDA. This led me to complete Postgraduate Clinical Training and become a Child-Centred Play Therapist. Child-Centred Play therapy is an evidence-based approach to supporting children, established in 1947, and it can be truly life-changing for children. Find out more about Play Therapy here.
Early Childhood Education & Care
I first started as a Family Day Care provider in Canberra at the beginning of 2014, working alongside my husband. We created Natural Learning Haven, a nurturing and play-based environment for children. In 2017, we moved to Toowoomba, QLD, and continued our Family Day Care journey. Over the next decade, we provided a nurturing environment for children to grow and thrive, fostering learning through play and emotional connection.
At the end of 2024, after 10 years in this role, we said a bittersweet goodbye to our time as Early Childhood Educators as we transitioned into new opportunities. My background in early childhood education continues to inform my current practice as a Play Therapist and providing Parent and Educator Support.
Read testimonials from our Family Day Care journey here.
Qualifications & Certifications
Formal Education
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) - University of Wollongong
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care - TAFE QLD
Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Roll of Excellence) - University of Tasmania
Certificate in Play Therapy Studies - Play Therapy Training Australia
Filial Facilitator Training Program
Master of Counselling & Psychotherapy - ACAP (in progress)
Certifications & Registrations
Registered Counsellor - Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
Play Therapist - Play Therapy Practitioners Association (PTPA)
Professional Development Courses
Play Therapy for Pre-Teens & Teens - Synergetic Play Therapy
Play Therapy for Traumatized Children - Integrative Counseling Services
Trauma Responsive Practice in Education - Australian Childhood Foundation
The Technology of Speaking With Children So They Can Think - Teacher Tom
Play-Based Classroom Teaching Strategies - Fairy Dust Teaching
Aware Parenting Instructor course - Marion Rose
More about me…
Outside of my work, I love spending time in nature and gardening. I'm also the host of Spirited Hearts® The Podcast, a space filled with authentic, and empowering conversations about parenting, motherhood, natural learning, homeschooling, early childhood education, and life. Nothing is off-limits—we explore both the challenges and joys of life in a heartfelt and meaningful way. If you love deep, reflective discussions in an aware space, grab a cup of tea and join me!
If you’d like to learn more about how I can support your child and family, feel free to explore my offerings or get in touch.
Biography
Stephanie Heartfield is a Child-Centred Play Therapist, Counsellor. As the founder of Stephanie Heartfield Play Therapy & Counselling, she is passionate about supporting children and families through play therapy and parenting, in addition to providing mentoring for educators and caregivers. With a background in psychology and early childhood education, Stephanie helps children process emotions, heal from trauma, and build resilience with play therapy.
Stephanie has a decade of experience as an Early Childhood Educator and co-founded Natural Learning Haven, a play-based family day care. She is also the host of Spirited Hearts® The Podcast, where she shares heartfelt conversations on parenting, childhood development, and emotional well-being.
Education
Certificate in Filial Facilitator Training
Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Roll of Excellence) – University of Tasmania
Certificate in Play Therapy Studies – Play Therapy Training Australia
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) – University of Wollongong
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care – TAFE QLD
Registrations
Registered Counsellor - Australian Counselling Association
Play Therapist - Play Therapy Practitioners Association