About Barbara
Highly trained, compassionate and experienced in supporting children, adolescents and parents.
Barbara Beirao (Barb) is an accredited Allied Health Social Worker, Play Therapist and Mental Health Clinician. She is also a qualified Autism Assessor, Positive Behaviour Support Planner, Certified Facilitator of LEGO-Based Therapy, and Safe & Together trainer and facilitator in family violence.
Barbara has worked in both the government and not-for-profit sectors in New Zealand and Australia, and she brings that breadth of experience to every family she works with.
She supports children, adolescents and parents with a warm, playful and compassionate approach. Her work includes neurodevelopmental assessment, child-centred play therapy, LEGO-based therapy and parent coaching, helping families understand what is happening, build skills and achieve positive outcomes.
Her ongoing training reflects a deep commitment to evidence-based practice. Alongside her social work and mental health qualifications, Barbara has studied autism, PDA and ADHD through the University of Melbourne’s Mindful-ASD program, with Professor Tony Attwood and Dr Michelle Garnett, and with the PDA Society UK. She has also trained in advanced child-centred play therapy, filial therapy, Circle of Security, Tuning into Kids, cognitive behaviour therapy, infant mental health, and psychotherapy case conceptualisation (ACAMH, UK).
Barbara is also a skilled family violence counsellor and consultant, experienced in working with adults and children affected by domestic violence. Whether you are looking for individual counselling or support with a specific situation, she will meet you with care and respect.
She is committed to walking alongside people on their journey and empowering them to pursue their dreams and live fulfilling lives.
Education and Training
- Bachelor of Social Work - Te Wananga o Aotearoa, New Zealand
- Professional Certificate in Mental Health Practice - 1st Class Honours - University of Melbourne
- Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Practice - La Trobe University
- Psychotherapy: A 5-Step Approach to Case Conceptualisation - ACAMH, UK
- ADHD Introductory Module - MindfulASD
- Tracking Better with Autism: Polyvagal Theory in Practice - ASD-Mindful - University of Melbourne
- Working with & supporting PDA children - healthcare (CPD Accredited) - PDA Society UK
- Autism, Attachment & Trauma - ASD Mindful - University of Melbourne
- Autism and Eating Disorders - ASD Mindful - University of Melbourne
- Engaging Infants - An Introduction to Training in Infant Mental Health - Royal Children's Hospital
- Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised - ADI-R - Mindful -ASD, University of Melbourne
- Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule - ADOS 2 - Mindful -ASD, University of Melbourne
- ASD Assessment Fundamentals - Mindful -ASD, University of Melbourne
- ADOS-2 Coding and Reliability - Mindful -ASD, University of Melbourne
- Positive Behaviour Support Planner - Mindful -ASD, University of Melbourne
- Autism and ADHD - Mindful -ASD, University of Melbourne
- PDA and Autism - Professor Tony Attwood & Dr Michelle Garnett
- Emotion Management for Autistic Children and Adolescents - Professor Tony Attwood & Dr Michelle Garnett
- Safe & Together Trainer Facilitator (Family Violence Specialist)
- Certified Facilitator LEGO-Based Therapy
- Principles and Practice of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy - Australian Psychological Society.
- Advanced Clinical Skills in Child-Centered Play Therapy - Play Therapy Australia.
- Filial Therapy and Group Filial Therapy - Play Therapy Australia - Dr William Nordling.
- Circle of Security facilitator.
- Tuning into Kids facilitator.
Professional Memberships & Accreditations
- Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
- Australian Play Therapists Association (APTA) – Associate Member 20250880
- Accredited Allied Health Social Worker AASW
- Accredited AASW Mentor
Let’s talk about your child
Complete the intake form, or email Barbara to ask a question first.