Petals and Pods
A calm, compassionate space for stories to be held and growth to unfold — because every petal holds a story, and we make space for yours.
Yunwei Chai
Counsellor • Psychotherapist • Play, Art & Creative Therapist
Yunwei Chai (she/her) is a Registered Counsellor and Psychotherapist, specialising in play, art, and creative therapies for children, adolescents, and adults.
Her work is grounded in warmth, curiosity, and respect—supporting individuals and families to feel heard, understood, and gently guided through change.
Qualifications & Professional Memberships
Bachelor of Arts major in Psychology and minor in Criminology
Master of Counselling
Graduate Certificate in Play and Art Therapy
ACA Registered Counsellor (Level 4)
Certified AutPlay Therapy Provider
My work in therapy began at a women and children’s support service where I witnessed many challenging experiences encountered by individuals and families. The work I do has taught me about the resilience that each person brings as they walk through the door; my role as a therapist serves to hold space, listen, and remind them of the resilience and possibilities that are inherent in their lives.
I continued my work in crisis support and counselling at a not-for-profit organisation for 12 years and overtime, developed an interest in creative therapies and play therapy, both powerful sources of support in addition to talk or verbal exchanges. These evidence-based practices have been found effective for emotional regulation, embodiment and expressions, trauma-processing, and to communicate deep seated feelings and experiences that words may not suffice.
Life is, after-all, a blend of all perspectives – play, creativity, music, movement, sand and symbol work etc. offers a variety for human expression to explore experiences, to find meaning and understanding, nurture growth, and ignite change.
I offer a warm, holistic, and empathic approach to therapy, drawing on experiences gained from working with early childhood to adulthood, parenting, family dynamics and change, mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders, existential challenges, emotion regulation, trauma and crisis support, as well as loss and grief. I am interested in working with adults, adolescents, parents and children ages 3 and above, and are welcoming and accepting of people who identify as neurodiverse, gender diverse, and culturally diverse.
With a Master’s of Counselling qualification from the University of Queensland and ongoing training from established mental health care institutions, I am proud and passionate of the work I do to support people in their journey of change, adaptation, and acceptance.
Outside of the therapy room, I am a mother to two beautiful girls; I enjoy the outdoors, music, and have great interest in the performing arts.
I offer both in-person appointments or telehealth. My sessions are available for private health rebates.
I believe in the importance of finding the right fit when it comes to therapy. To enquire more or to book a complimentary 15-minute consult, you are welcome to drop me a message on my contact page.
Yours sincerely,
Yunwei Chai @ Petals & Pods Therapy
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