Our Team

 Qualified OT and Play Therapist
Cathy Belousoff is the founder and senior therapist at Northshore Play Therapy.
Cathy is  registered as both an Occupational Therapist and Play Therapist.
​and holds a master's degree in Occupational Therapy.
Cathy’s qualifications are recognised by Play Therapy International. Play Therapy International is the largest and most progressive organisation governing therapeutic play and play therapy in over 50 countries world-wide. Play Therapy International originated in the United Kingdom and was the first in its field to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority”.​

AutPlay Therapist
Cathy is a certified AutPlay Therapist, enabling her to work with Neurodivergent clients using the Play Therapy framework combined with the neurodiversity affirming approach (Autplay Therapy link Home - AutPlay Therapy).

Theraplay Principles
Cathy's additional training allows her to provide treatment based on Theraplay principles, promoting connection and attachment between a child and their parent/carer (https://www.theraplayaustralia.com.au/about).

Play Therapist Supervisor.
Cathy's ongoing commitment to Play Therapy has been recognised by the Australasian Play Therapy Association (APPTA), enabling her to work as a registered Play Therapy clinical supervisor. 

University Casual Academic
Cathy's appointment as a Deakin University casual academic, sees her supervising students enrolled in the Play Therapy Masters' program. 

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Play Therapy Qualifications
Cathy’s Play Therapy qualifications were obtained over a four-year period via coursework, 200 plus hours of supervised therapy, personal reflection and ongoing professional development.  Cathy is committed to ongoing professional development and conduct to the highest ethical standards.
In addition, Cathy has a bachelors and master’s degree in Occupational Therapy.  Cathy’s background in Occupational Therapy supports a deeper understanding of how child-directed, self-discovery leads to happier healthier lives. 

 ​Medicare Rebate
As a registered Occupational Therapist Cathy’s Play Therapy services are endorsed by Medicare entitling her clients to a Medicare rebate (with recommendation by a G.P. on a mental health plan).
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Occupational therapy is a client-centred health profession concerned with promoting health and wellbeing through occupation. The primary goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life.

World Federation of Occupational Therapists
https://www.otaus.com.au/about/what-is-occupational-therapy