A woman with long brown hair, wearing a dark sleeveless top, smiles whilst resting her head on her hand. The Purple Elephant Project logo is visible in the bottom right corner.

Rolien van Heerden

Position: Play Therapist

Professional background: 2nd year MA Play Therapy

Year joined: 2025

Specialities and areas of interest:

Non-directive and child-centered approaches.

 

What do you enjoy outside of work?  

Softball and animated movies

 

Additional Information about yourself

Ro has found her true calling in this second career. She deeply values the importance of children being heard and holds their voices at the centre of her work. Her therapeutic approach is non-directive and child-centered, recognising how profoundly empowering it can be for a child to have a safe, dedicated space where they are accepted unconditionally—a space where they can play, express themselves freely, and work through what’s going on for them at their own pace. Outside of her training, Ro provides respite support to families with special needs children and enjoys playing softball.