About Sulene Swanepoel
Child Play Therapist, Hermanus
My Story
I am a Cape Town and Overberg-based child play therapist, educator, and wellness counsellor with a passion for supporting children’s emotional wellbeing through play, creativity, and connection. My journey into play therapy grew from years of working with children and witnessing how emotional challenges can impact learning, confidence, and behaviour.
My background combines education, child development, and creative arts. I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Drama & Theatre Arts with Psychology, followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Education at the University of the Free State, giving me both creative and educational foundations for working with children.
I am also SACE registered and hold an Advanced TEFL/TESOL qualification, which further strengthens my teaching and communication skills.
Qualifications & Training
BA Drama & Theatre Arts with Psychology — University of the Free State • Postgraduate Certificate in Education — University of the Free State • Advanced TEFL/TESOL Qualification • SACE Registered • Introductory Play Interventions — Red Shoes Play Therapy Training Centre • Gestalt Play Therapy Intervention Level 1 — Centre for Play Therapy and Training • Gestalt Play Therapy Intervention Level 2 — Centre for Play Therapy and Training
Who I Am
I have worked with children in a variety of roles — as a teacher, as an au pair internationally, and in educational support. Throughout my career, I have seen how children often communicate their struggles through behaviour rather than words. This insight inspired my transition from education and corporate leadership into play therapy, where children can express themselves naturally and safely.
Before moving fully into working with children, I spent several years in leadership roles within the corporate environment — managing teams, training staff, and supporting people development. This experience strengthened my interpersonal skills, empathy, and ability to work collaboratively with families and professionals.
My approach is warm, compassionate, and child-centred. I believe that every child deserves a safe space where they feel heard, understood, and supported.
My Approach
Children often don’t have the words to express big emotions — anxiety, anger, sadness, or confusion. Play therapy allows children to communicate in the language most natural to them: play.
My practice focuses on:
- Emotional regulation
- Building confidence
- Processing anxiety and trauma
- Behavioural challenges
- Supporting family transitions
- Strengthening resilience
I work collaboratively with parents and caregivers to support children both in and outside the therapy space.
Why Choose a Specialist Play Therapist?
Play therapy is a distinct and specialised discipline. Unlike general counselling or psychology, play therapy is designed specifically for children who do not yet have the verbal capacity to engage meaningfully in talk therapy. A specialist play therapist is trained to read, track, and respond to the language of play — something that requires dedicated training beyond general psychology.
My training through The Centre for Play Therapy and Training — one of South Africa’s most respected accredited institutions for play therapy — means that your child receives structured, evidence-based therapeutic support that is appropriate for their age, developmental stage, and unique needs.
My Practice
I provide a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where children can play, heal, and grow. I am passionate about helping children build strong emotional foundations so they can thrive both now and in the future.
Through play therapy, children gain:
- Emotional understanding
- Confidence and self-worth
- Problem-solving skills
- Resilience in the face of challenges
- Stronger relationships with family and peers
My goal is to support not only the child, but the whole family — creating lasting, positive change.
