Alisa (Chunxiao) Liao

Registered Play Therapist

M. Child Play Therapy, MTeachEC

Alisa (Chunxiao) Liao has spent many years supporting children in educational settings as an early childhood teacher. She holds a Master of Child Play Therapy and a Master of Teaching (Early Childhood).

For Alisa, play therapy is a powerful way for children to express their inner world, make sense of their experiences, and discover their strengths through the natural language of play. She believes that every child deserves a safe and trusting space where their voice can be heard and understood, and where healing and growth can unfold at their own pace.

Alisa has worked closely with children and families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Coming from a Chinese background herself and having lived in Australia for ten years, she brings a deep understanding of the immigrant experience and the challenges and strengths that come with adapting to a new culture. This personal insight enables her to build genuine connections with families from multicultural backgrounds, approach cultural differences with empathy, and support parents and children as they navigate between home and community expectations. Alisa values creating a therapeutic space where each family’s cultural identity is respected, understood, and celebrated. Alisa’s therapeutic approaches include Humanistic Play Therapy, Filial Therapy, and the Learn to Play Therapy Program.

Alisa lives with her partner on Kaurna country. She enjoys watching Japanese animation, playing Kalimba, hiking, and morning coffee!