DrSally Denning

Dr Sally Denning is a Lecturer and Clinical Supervision Coordinator in the Play Therapy program at Deakin University. She brings more than 14 years of specialist experience in trauma‑informed play therapy practice, gained through her work as a Therapeutic Specialist supporting children who have experienced complex trauma and are living in out‑of‑home care, and her busy private practice work in play therapy in regional Victoria.  

Sally also operated at a leadership level within a national trauma‑informed therapeutic  organisation, collaborating closely with the CEO to develop quality‑driven policies, procedures and therapeutic frameworks. Her leadership contributed to the organisation achieving ISO9000 Quality Assurance Certification on its first attempt and maintaining this standard in subsequent years.

Since joining Deakin in 2023, Sally has focused on advancing the teaching and ethical practice of play therapy. Her academic and research interests include neuroscience, child development, trauma, humanistic play therapy, and the role of pedagogy in shaping professional identity and practice.

Sally holds a PhD and a Master of Education (Dance Therapy) from the University of Melbourne. Her doctoral research examined how pedagogical approaches influence the professional practice of dance movement therapists in Australia—a line of enquiry she continues to extend into the field of play therapy. In recognition of her contributions to dance therapy, she received the Hanny Exiner Achievement Award in 2016.

Sally is a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, a Clinical Counsellor and accredited supervisor with PACFA, and an individual member of the International Consortium of Play Therapy Associations. She remains committed to supporting the next generation of play therapists and enhancing understanding of the vital role practitioners play in improving the psychosocial and emotional wellbeing of children and families.