MrsHelen Mocilnik

Helen Mocilnik is a Lecturer in the Master of Child Play Therapy program at Deakin University and Director of Adelaide Hills Child and Family Therapy, a multidisciplinary practice located on Peramangk Country in the Adelaide Hills.

Helen holds a Master of Child Play Therapy from Deakin University, a Bachelor of Development Studies (Honours), and a Diploma of Youth Justice. Her honours research explored cultural safety and Indigenous knowledges in maternal health care, reflecting her longstanding commitment to culturally responsive and inclusive practice.

With extensive experience working alongside children, young people, families, educators, and communities, Helen has supported clients across diverse settings including remote communities in Central Australia, Families as First Teachers (FAFT) programs, supported playgroups, schools, and community services. Her work has focused on fostering safe, nurturing environments where children and young people feel heard, understood, and empowered.

Helen’s teaching and clinical interests centre on humanistic and attachment-informed approaches to counselling and play therapy, cultural responsiveness, early childhood development, and the therapeutic use of self. Within the Master of Child Play Therapy program, she supervises students during professional placements and teaches in areas including humanistic approaches to counselling and play therapy, Filial Therapy, and integrative therapeutic practice.

Drawing on her leadership of a multidisciplinary clinical team, Helen is passionate about supporting the development of emerging practitioners through supervision, reflective practice, and professional learning. Her work is grounded in respect, inclusivity, cultural safety, and a strengths-based approach that honours the unique identities, experiences, and potential of every child, family, and practitioner.