"Enter into children's play and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet."


Virginia Axline


Meet Johanna...

Child Psychologist and Play Therapist  

Welcome to my world of passion, understanding, and healing. I'm a dedicated Child Psychologist and Play Therapist, who is ready to deep dive into the little hearts and mind of children to help them to play, grow and heal. With an international background that spans schools, private practice, and humanitarian work with refugees, my journey in child psychology has been both enriching, adventurous and diverse.


Beyond my professional pursuits, I proudly wear the hat of a mumma to three incredible kiddos. Their spunk, willpower, and love add a beautiful layer to my life, inspiring me in both my personal and professional roles.


Professional Experience

In the course of my professional journey, I have undertaken significant roles, including:


  • School Counsellor at Green School Bali
  • School Psychologist for Department of Education in rural and remote primary schools of Northern Territory, Australia
  • Child Psychologist for the Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF)
  • Child and Adolescent Psychologist for Headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation
  • Psychologist for Australian Defence Force (Serco)
  • Lecturer of Play Therapy at Charles Darwin University
  • Child Mental Health Manager with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Northern Jordan
  • Child Psychologist for International Health and Medical Services (IHMS) working in Immigration Centres in Australia and International



QUALIFICATIONS

I am a Registered Psychologist with the Australian Psychology Board (AHPRA).

 I am accredited with a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology from the University of Sydney and a Master of Play Therapy from Deakin University.

MY DIFFERENT HATS

PSYCHOLOGIST

PLAY THERAPIST

PARENT EDUCATOR 

UNIVERSITY LECTURER

MOTHER

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"Healing Invisible Wounds" -

A Letter from Jordan

Mental health is often referred to as the ‘invisible wound’. As such, it can be easily overlooked in emergency situations with its neglect causing long-term psychological trauma and suffering, especially in children. Australian Psychologist Johanna Van Grinsven recently spent time working as a Child Mental Health Manager in Irbid, Jordan, assisting Syrian refugee children who had fled to safety. 


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