Our Mission
"Free to be Me"
Our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing space where children can explore, heal, and grow through child-centred play therapy. Grounded in nervous system regulation and guided by each child’s unique pace and needs, we support the natural emergence of emotional resilience, self-expression, and inner strength. We believe that through play, connection, and a supportive therapeutic relationship, every child can thrive.​
Meet Cherie
Welcome to Cherished Hearts Therapy, where we specialize in providing compassionate and individualized therapy services for children. Under the leadership of Cherie, a dedicated early years professional and therapist, we cultivate a secure environment that fosters self-expression and emotional development. Cherie stays informed on the latest research in neuroscience and trauma to ensure that each child's unique needs are addressed effectively. Additionally, we work collaboratively with allied health providers and educators to deliver a developmentally appropriate and holistic approach that supports the child's needs.
Our Services
Mobile Play Therapy
Our play therapy sessions are designed to address children's specific emotional needs and assist them in developing essential regulation skills, emotional intelligence and sense of self. Through a collaborative and nurturing approach, we empower children to overcome challenges and build resilience.
Parent Consultation
Our parent consultation services focus on enhancing parent-child relationships, providing guidance on emotional support, and offering strategies to promote a deeper connection with your child. Whether you need one on one parent sessions or would like to explore Filial therapy we are here to support you every step of the way.
Workshops & Coaching
We offer workshops and coaching sessions tailored for early childhood services and professionals working with children ages 3- 8. Our professional development offerings are designed to gain insights into child development, emotional well-being, and effective strategies to support children's growth
Our sessions are ideal for services looking to utilise School Readiness Funding to meet wellbeing goals. .
Our Approach
Tailored Support
At Cherished Hearts Therapy, we believe in providing tailored support to every child. Our play therapy sessions are customized to address each child's unique developmental needs, fostering a safe and nurturing environment for their continual growth.
Empathy and Understanding
The "Being With Attitudes" are an essential part of child centred play therapy " I am here, I hear you, I understand and I care" attitudes help create an accepting and supporting environment for children to freely express themselves, bridging their inner and outer world that leads to personal growth.
Collaborative Care
At Cherished Hearts we acknowledge that parents and caregivers are important agents of change. We prioritize collaborative care, working closely with parents and caregivers to ensure a holistic and consistent approach to supporting children's emotional well-being and growth.
Parent Feedback
"Cherie Izzard is an outstanding therapist with a remarkable ability to connect with autistic children and their families. Cherie demonstrated compassion, patience, and a genuine commitment to helping my daughter. I will forever be grateful for the difference Cherie made in my daughter's life and the support she offered me during a highly challenging time"
K.C - Mount Evelyn, Melbourne
"We loved having Cherie work with our children in their younger years. Cherie embraces the uniqueness that each child brings. Her gentle, open and creative approach meant that all our children, both Neurodivergent and typical, all found complete belonging and autonomy in her early childhood classroom. Cherie was instrumental in those early years with our children. Such a positive influence teaching us that our kids really can thrive if given the right space and opportunity. We will always be grateful for this.."
J.K - Wandin, Melbourne
"Cherie is amazing to work with. She is kind, compassionate and has built a trusting relationship with my daughter in just a few sessions. Cherie already has a special place in our family and we all look forward to her visits! With five kids to organise, having Cherie come to our house for sessions is so convenient and is one less thing to worry about.
K.M - Warryndyte, Melbourne
Questions & Answers
What is play therapy?
Play is often called the "language of children" and its therapeutic powers lie at the heart of play therapy. Play therapy is an evidenced based form of therapy that utilizes play to help children express their emotions, improve communication, and develop coping strategies. Play allows children to revisit stressful experiences with new feelings of control and compentency. Play is a great way to increase your child's regulation, connection and felt safety.
How does play therapy align with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework ?
​Child-centred play therapy aligns with the VEYLDF by supporting children’s wellbeing, identity, communication, and emotional development. Both value secure relationships, child agency, and learning through play. By following the child’s lead, play therapy promotes resilience, self-awareness, and respectful, developmentally appropriate growth.
What can I expect from a workshop or coaching?
​Our workshops support early years professionals (Kindergarten to Grade 2) in creating nurturing environments by focusing on emotional development through play. Key areas include understanding behaviour as communication, fostering nervous system regulation and resilience, and building safe, connected relationships.