DrSiobhan Casey

Dr. Siobhan Casey is a Masters qualified play therapist with a primary discipline in paediatric occupational therapy, bringing over 20 years of combined clinical and academic experience. She believes in the transformative power of play, drawing on combined play therapy and occupational therapy theory and research to nurture resilience in children and families.

Siobhan has worked in the School of Health and Social Development at Deakin, contributing to both Occupational Therapy and Play Therapy as a Lecturer and Clinical Supervisor. She currently serves as Acting Course Director for the Master of Child Play Therapy program and leads the Child Play Therapy Placement and Therapeutic Assessment of Play units. As co-editor of the Australian Play Therapy Journal, Siobhan is passionate about shaping scholarly conversation in the field and advancing research visibility in play therapy.

Siobhan's research investigates how play and regulation foster resilience in children and families, with implications for clinical practice and education systems. She completed her Doctor of Philosophy at Deakin University in 2018, generating evidence on resilience pathways that now inform her clinical supervision, teaching, and ongoing research agenda. Her work focuses on translating evidence-based play and relationship frameworks into education and family systems, strengthening practitioner capability and fostering more playful, resilient, and connected communities.

Her clinical experience spans community-based and mainstream school settings, where she has developed deep understanding of teacher, family, and child experiences within the education system. She continues to consult with educators and allied health professionals, translating research findings and relationship development principles into practice.

Siobhan disseminates her research to diverse audiences across Australia through speaking engagements, media appearances, and public engagement. She writes a monthly column for the Geelong Advertiser, making research insights on play accessible to general readers. Her commitment to knowledge translation ensures that evidence on play and resilience reaches both practitioners and families.