MEET OUR TEAM
At Play Therapy Tauranga, we provide a confidential, supportive space for families, with services available at two convenient locations across Tauranga.
Each member of our team brings a unique blend of expertise, warmth, and professionalism. With a focus on child wellbeing and family relationships, we are dedicated to helping tamariki navigate challenges and grow through therapeutic play and family-based support.
Melanie Gilbert-De Rios
Founding Director / Child Play and Family Therapist
Bsc(Hons)SW, CPW PG
Child Centred Play Therapy, Certified Filial Family Therapist(NIRE)
Certified Theraplay Practitioner (Intermediate)
PG Cert in Professional supervision and CCPT certified supervisor (NIRE)
Reg.SW, MANZASW
"I consider Child Centered Play Therapy and Filial Family Therapy to be most effective in treating children’s emotional and behavioral difficulties and enhancing relationships."
About Melanie
Melanie is passionate about supporting children and their families. She specialises in using Child Centered Play Therapy, and Filial Family Therapy
Play Therapy offers children a safe space to express their thoughts, feelings and behavior's at their own pace and developmental level for optimal healing, growth, and development.
She has over 30 years' experience working with children and families in the social services and health sectors.
Alongside her private practice Melanie is a child and family therapist in the health sector and is also trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Theraplay and Systemic Family Therapy.
Hailing from the UK originally, Melanie enjoys living in the Bay of Plenty, which has been home for the last 25 years where she lives with her husband, and their dog Daisy. Melanie has two young adult daughters.
Melanie holds a BSc (hons) degree in Social Sciences /Social work , a CPW Post graduate certificate in Child Centred Play Therapy and is a certified Filial Family Therapist (National institute of Relationship Enhancement /USA).
She is an approved therapist for ACC and Victim Support. Melanie is registered with the Social Work Board, a member of the Association of Social Workers and the Association for Play therapy.
Melanie provides professional supervision/consultation. A Group Filial Therapy programme can be provided for agencies where they have a group of parents/caregivers who would benefit ,alongside the shared peer learning and support.
Teressa Nicholson
Child Centered Play Therapist
BSW (Hons), PGCert CCPT
Certified Child Centered Play Therapist (NIRE)
Reg.SW
Member ANZASW, ANZAPT
“I enjoy working with children / Tamariki and their family / whanau to achieve positive outcomes, as what matters most is how a child / Tamaiti feels about themselves and that their connection with their parent / caregiver is strengthened”.
About Teressa
Teressa Nicholson has been working alongside Melanie at Play Therapy Tauranga for the past 7 years.
She specialises in Child Centered Play Therapy with children / Tamariki and is an experienced and advanced practitioner.
“I enjoy working with children / Tamariki and their family / whanau to achieve positive outcomes, as what matters most is how a child / Tamaiti feels about themselves and that their connection with their parent / caregiver is strengthened”.
Teressa has over 20 years’ experience working with children / Tamariki and their family / whanau.
Teressa is registered with ACC as a provider for sensitive claims for children / Tamariki. Teressa believes it is a privilege to work therapeutically with children / Tamariki in their natural world of play.
Teressa was born in a small rural community in Aotearoa New Zealand and grew up on a farm. She has lived in Tauranga for the past 25 years with her husband and they have two teenagers and a dog (also named Daisy!). Teressa understands the challenges of raising children in today’s busy modern society.
Teressa has a Bachelor of Social Work with Second Class Honours from Massey University. She has graduated the ChildPlayWorks Post Graduate Certificate in Child Centered Play Therapy. She has also undertaken advanced Child Centered Play Therapy training and is certified with NIRE (National Institute of Relationship Enhancement, USA). She is registered with the New Zealand Social Work Registration Board, a member of ANZASW (Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers) and a member of ANZAPT (Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Play Therapy).
Teressa would be happy to meet with you to discuss your child’s individual needs.
