Maarit Rivers Child Therapy

About

Maarit Rivers
Therapist

I am a warm, compassionate and creative child psychologist/counsellor/therapist. I use long proven and accepted techniques that extend beyond culture and language. My practice is in the Northern Beaches of Sydney with calming views over tranquil Pittwater.

I have extensive therapeutic experience with children of varying cultural, religious, socio economic and racial backgrounds. These include Aboriginal and refugee children.

I have worked with children accompanying their mothers in women’s shelters, and children accompanying their parents in drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres. In recent years, I worked with children at Stewart House School, Northern Beaches, Sydney. (Stewart House is a ‘school’ unique in Australia) that provides two-week respites for children in dire needs or emergency situations. I had a private practice in Broome and have been in Pittwater since 2010.

My work is supported by research and has neurobiological evidence.
My further qualifications include

• Bachelor’s degree (Swedish equivalent) in Graphic Design.


• The neurobiology of childhood trauma and attachment (Australian Childhood Foundation). Therapy for child sexual abuse victims (Anglicare).


• Protective Behaviours (Advanced) (Protective Behaviours WA Inc).


• Protective Behaviours Community Way (Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Council).


• Drumbeat Therapeutic Program for Youth. Therapy for families with disabled children (Anglicare).

Relevant Certificates include:

• Working with Children Check


• National Police Certificate


• First aid and CPR certificates.

Services

Sandplay Therapy

In sandplay therapy the client creates a physical version of his or her imagined world using sandtray and miniature objects. In a sandtray, a client’s inner feeling becomes visible. Healing follows.

Art Therapy

In art therapy the client creates art drawing, painting, and sculpture. The emphasis is on the creating process rather than result. Art therapy aids the client to have a supervised release.

Play Therapy

In play therapy the child’s experiences, knowledge and anxieties are made known to the therapist through play. This uses musical instruments, balls, puppets, and outdoor and indoor areas.

Verbal TherapyVerbal Therapy

In verbal therapy the client is encouraged to tell stories about their art, sandplay and play. This puts the  whole brain to work, and helps them to make sense of their world and concerns. Or simply just talk about the issues.