Meet Amy

Amy Sands is a passionate and experienced therapist who brings warmth, insight, and deep commitment to her work with children, adolescents, and families. With over 15 years of combined experience in education and counselling, Amy draws on a rich foundation of practice to support those she works with. After teaching in Australia and internationally, she completed a Master of Education in Guidance and Counselling and spent seven years working as a school-based Guidance Counsellor.

Two years ago, Amy opened her own private practice, where she now works as a counsellor and registered Play Therapist, offering a safe, nurturing space for children and families to heal, grow, and reconnect. She is also a Registered Play Therapy Supervisor and provisional psychologist, currently completing her Master of Clinical Psychology.

Amy’s therapeutic approach is grounded in child-centred, attachment-based, and family systems theories. She believes that real change occurs when we understand and respond to the needs beneath behaviour—and when we support the whole system around the child. Drawing on evidence-based practices like Child-Centred Play Therapy, internal family systems, and positive psychology, Amy supports children navigating anxiety, behavioural challenges, trauma, autism, and neurodivergence.

Amy is committed to trauma-informed and neuro-affirming practices, recognising the importance of honouring each child’s unique experience and way of being in the world. Her work is guided by compassion, curiosity, and the belief that all children thrive when they feel safe, seen, and supported.

Specialties

- Children (0–12)
- Adolescents
- Adults
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma & Developmental Trauma
- Autism & Neurodivergence
- Behavioural Challenges
- School Issues & Learning Support
- Child-Centred Play Therapy
- Emotion Regulation & Social Skills
- Parenting and Family Support
- Attachment & Relational Challenges
- Grief and Loss
- Identity & Self-Esteem
- Parent–Child Relationships

Qualifications

~ Bachelor of Education (Primary)

~ Master of Education in Guidance and Counselling (Careers)

~ Graduate Diploma of Psychology

~ Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Psychology, first class)

~ Master of Professional Psychology (clinical 6th year) (currently completing)

~ Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor

~ Various professional development certificates in areas such as trauma, LGBTIQ+, behaviour analysis, suicide risk and assessment, mental health, Sand Tray Therapy, and Play Therapy

Memberships

~ Australian Health Practitioners Association (AHPRA – Provisional Psychologist)

~ Australian Counselling Association (Level 4)

~ Australian Play Therapist Association (Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor)

~ Queensland College of Teachers

~ Association for Play Therapy (International)