My name is Poornima Ranchhod. I am a Play Therapist and the Founder of Play Sense. I’ve spent many years working with children, young people with complex psychological issues (e.g. depression, anxiety, attachment disorders, family problems) and difficult life experiences (e.g. family stress, divorce, bereavement).

Experience & Training 

My specialities include working with challenging behaviour, intellectual disabilities, Autism, ADHD, and Asperger’s Syndrome. I have worked and offered therapy for various intellectual disability services in the UK, such as NHS (National Health Service).

As a Health Practitioner-Specialist Assessor for Richmond New Zealand Trust, I worked with Oranga Tamariki – Ministry of Children and established a service for children, young people and adults with a disability and/or mental health diagnosis. I have also worked with IDEA Services as part of their Autism Spectrum Disorder Service.

I participated in an accredited programme run by Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), to deliver the Mates and Dates sexual violence prevention programme for RespectEd.  I deliver this programme through various schools in the Wellington Region.

I am trained in the area of child development, attachment (the bonding process) and using and understanding play as a child’s natural form of expression and communication.

Qualification & Memberships

I hold a BSC (Hons) in Psychology and Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy from the British Association of Play Therapy (BAPT).

I am a member of the British Psychological Society, international member of the British Association of Play Therapy and an affiliate member of the New Zealand Association of Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists.