LEANNE MARRAN: CERTIFIED COUNSELLOR

I am a compassionate and dedicated  Counsellor and a Graduate Child-Centred Play Therapist, committed to supporting children and adolescents through life’s challenges. I understand that young people often face complex emotional experiences, and I strive to create a warm, safe, and welcoming environment where they feel comfortable to share their thoughts and feelings. My goal is to foster a space where children can explore their emotions, develop trust, and begin their healing journey. Building a strong therapeutic relationship based on respect and understanding is central to my practice, ensuring each child feels valued, heard, and supported as they navigate their unique challenges.

My approach is entirely child-centred, meaning I tailor my support to meet each child's individual needs, strengths, and circumstances. I draw from a diverse range of evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Person-Centred Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Creative Play Therapies. This broad toolkit allows me to adapt my techniques to suit the emotional and developmental needs of each child, promoting empowerment and understanding. I believe that personalised, flexible intervention is essential for achieving positive client outcomes and fostering resilience.

I have a particular interest in working with children who are experiencing family violence, parental loss, fears, trauma, grief, relationship or friendship challenges, and bullying. Supporting children through these sensitive issues requires compassion, patience, and a tailored approach to facilitate healing and emotional regulation. As an LGBTQIA+ ally, I am dedicated to creating an inclusive, respectful environment where all children and families feel safe, valued, and respected. Embracing diversity and promoting equality are fundamental to providing effective, compassionate support for every young person.

In addition to my counselling practice, I am a qualified trainer, change practitioner, and coach. I also have skills in Emotional Intelligence, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and DISC assessments, which support individuals and groups in understanding themselves and fostering personal growth.

My commitment to ongoing professional development, including specialised training in child-centred play therapy and evidence-based counselling approaches, reflects my focus on providing the highest standard of care. As a proud member of PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia), I actively seek opportunities to expand my skills and stay current with the latest advancements in the field. I believe deeply in the incredible potential for positive change within every individual, and my passion lies in delivering targeted, evidence-based interventions that foster meaningful, measurable improvements in the lives of children and families. To ensure the highest quality service, I also maintain professional liability insurance and regularly participate in clinical supervision and professional development activities, reaffirming my commitment to excellence in practice.

I am genuinely excited to support your child and family on this journey towards healing and growth. My approach is collaborative, respectful, and dedicated to empowering children and families to overcome obstacles and thrive. I look forward to working with you to create a nurturing environment where your child feels safe, supported, and confident in their path forward.