Watercolor illustration of two people sitting on grass, viewed from behind. one holds a teddy bear. they are gazing into the distance.

About Us

The Nurturing Support family

It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are”
~ E.E. Cummings.

A short story from our founder

An empowering and compassionate service for children and families, built on trust and integrity

At Nurturing Support, we pride ourselves on providing evidence-based therapies to meet the specific needs of the children, parents/carers and families with whom we work. We are highly experienced and skilled therapists who embody the Nurturing Support values: being respectful and accepting, having compassion and unconditional positive regard, and approaching our work with creativity, playfulness and integrity. We aim to provide our clients with a supportive community to empower them to grow, heal and reach their potential.

But where did it all start….

Nurturing Support Psychology and Play Therapy was established after years of working in Non-Government and private organisations within the child protection system and then in private practice. Lisa recognised the need for children’s services which utilised evidence-based therapies, but were also flexible enough to be able to meet the varied and often unique needs of the families with whom she worked. Children, parents and carers were often required to fit into a particular “box” and parents often felt they were left out of the process all together. 

Lisa felt compelled to start doing things a little bit differently.

A stylized illustration of a yellow and green scooter with blue handles and wheels, set against a plain background. About Us.
A young boy and a woman seated on the floor playing with colorful blocks, laughing together in a brightly lit room at Nurturing Support Psychology and Play Therapy.
A young girl wearing a pilot hat and goggles engages in play therapy with a toy airplane and a teddy bear, sitting in a cardboard box in a brightly colored room.

In 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic, and after a personal career setback, Lisa decided to start her own practice, building a service based on her many learnings along the way. 

In the beginning, it was just Lisa and a suitcase full of toys! Not to mention a bunch of dedicated parents who trusted the process and knew the relationship they had with this therapist was, well, a little bit different. 

Lesley joined the Nurturing Support family soon after, in 2021, just in time for Lisa to head off on maternity leave. Lesley and Lisa have worked together in various roles over the past 16 years, and so, it really does feel like working with family.

Fast forward to today and we have a practice of which we can truly be proud. We have created a supportive community and it continues to grow and develop as we learn from every child, parent and carer we meet.

We are highly experienced and skilled therapists who embody the Nurturing Support values

Illustration of a cute, blue teddy bear sitting against a soft green background with a nurturing style, designed to evoke themes of Support Psychology and Play Therapy.

Being respectful and accepting

Two drawings displayed against a green background at Nurturing Support Psychology and Play Therapy; one of a blue flower on a white canvas, and the other a yellow and orange house on white paper.

Having compassion and unconditional positive regard

Illustration of a simplistic, colorful toy tricycle in yellow and green, viewed from a side angle on a light blue background, symbolizing Nurturing Support Psychology and Play Therapy.

Approaching our work with creativity, playfulness & integrity

Meet Your Team

A smiling woman with glasses and long brown hair tied back, wearing a white blouse and silver earrings, set against a plain background framed in a flower-shaped border, identified as psychologist and play therapist Lisa Mazzeo from Nurturing Support Psychology and Play Therapy.

Psychologist and Play Therapist

Lisa Mazzeo

Lisa, the founder of Nurturing Support Psychology and Play Therapy, has been working in the fields of children’s mental health, child protection, family support and domestic violence counselling for over 20 years. 

Lisa is a registered Psychologist and throughout her career, has completed additional studies including Circle of Security, Developmental Trauma and Play Therapy. She has worked predominantly in Non-Government organisations in family support, as well as in private practice.

Lisa is passionate about providing therapy in a way which is meaningful for and supportive of each individual and family with whom she works. Lisa’s therapeutic approach is person-centred and trauma-informed, as well as integrating attachment-based and creative therapies.

Having worked many years within the area of child protection, Lisa is experienced in providing services for children who have experienced trauma, as well as their families.

Lisa offers a safe, caring and compassionate space for children, adolescents, parents and carers to feel comfortable to share their worries and challenges, in order to support them to become the person, parent or carer they really want to be.

Lisa has strived to create a practice with the values of Integrity, Compassion, Respect and Community, where children and families can be truly seen and heard, so they may heal and move forward in their lives.

When she’s not working in the office, you can usually find Lisa running (yes, running!) around after her very active and vibrant toddler. Lisa is slowly improving her photography skills and loves taking photos when she gets the chance.

Lesley Balch Play Therapist - Nurturing Support Psychology and Play Therapy. A cheerful middle-aged woman with glasses, wearing a polka-dot top, smiling and sitting on a couch. The background is in a cloud-shaped cutout with a soft green hue.

Play Therapist

Lesley Balch

With over 30 years’ experience working with children and families in various roles, Lesley has always had a passion to provide children and young people with a safe space where they can express their feelings and emotions through play, which opens up therapy for all children, regardless of ability.

Lesley began her journey in the UK, providing in-home day care for children at risk of entering the care system. She also provided advice and support to the parents to enable them to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their children.

Lesley then became a full-time foster carer, which she believes was the catalyst for her passion to support children who have experienced trauma. Lesley completed her Social Worker qualifications and worked with the local government in Out-of-Home Care.
Lesley moved to Australia with her family in 2007 and continued to work with children, families and carers within the Non-Government sector.

After hearing the passion of her colleagues who were utilising Child Centred Play Therapy, Lesley completed her clinical training in CCPT and hasn’t looked back!
Lesley works in a child-centred, trauma-informed framework and believes that all children should have the opportunity to express their feelings and emotions in a safe and supportive environment.

Lesley joined the Nurturing Support family in 2021, working alongside long-term colleague and friend, Lisa, once again. Lesley brings her creativity and infectious sense of fun to her work with families.

Though never thinking she would be a “cat lady”, Lesley now has two cats, Dobby and Sox, with whom she likes to spend time, while her husband works shifts. Lesley has a grandson who spends Fridays with her, bringing Lesley joy and a new lease on life! Lesley also enjoys making “fun” jewellery (which you may see on the counter from time to time!) and paints as a form of relaxation.

Our passionate, trustworthy and experienced therapists are here to help