BA Social Work (Pret) 

Child Centred Play Therapist

Hi I am Odette

I’m a qualified Social Worker, trained Play Therapist, former school counsellor, and also a mom to three truly amazing adult children. I’ve spent many years working with children and families—both professionally and in real life—and I understand how confusing, overwhelming, and worrying parenting can sometimes feel, especially when a child is struggling emotionally or behaviourally.

I have a special interest in working with families and walking alongside them to help everyone function more optimally. I’m passionate about supporting children with ADHD and helping parents better understand how their child’s brain works—especially when it comes to emotional regulation, focus, behaviour, and executive functioning.

I have completed several training courses in play therapy and choose to work exclusively with non-directive, Child Centred Play-based Therapy (CCPT), as play is how children naturally communicate and make sense of their world. Rather than “fixing” children, I provide a safe, supportive therapeutic relationship that acts like guard rails—allowing children to do the important inner work at their own pace, while feeling contained, understood, and supported. I am registered with the Social Work Associaltion of South Africa as a Social Worker.

My approach is warm, practical, and grounded in both professional training and lived parenting experience. My goal is always to help children feel safe and understood, while equipping parents with tools that create real, lasting change at home and at school.

“Play therapy is not about fixing the child; it is about releasing the child’s capacity for self-healing.” — Garry Landreth