Counselling for children · Broome, Karratha, Exmouth and Onslow
Child-Centred Play Therapy and Filial Therapy
Play is a child’s language. We help children express big feelings, heal and grow, in beautiful playrooms opening soon across the North West.
Coming soon
New playrooms in Broome, Karratha, Exmouth and Onslow
We are setting up warm, beautiful playrooms designed just for children. More details are coming soon. Register your interest and you’ll be the first to know when your local playroom opens.
Counselling for children
What is Child-Centred Play Therapy?
Children don’t always have the words for what they feel. In Child-Centred Play Therapy, toys become their words and play becomes their language.
Your child spends time with a trained therapist in a playroom filled with carefully chosen toys, art materials, sand and figures. The child leads the play. The therapist follows, reflects and accepts, creating a safe relationship where children can express feelings, make sense of experiences and discover their own strengths.
The approach was developed by Virginia Axline from the person-centred work of Carl Rogers, and is used by play therapists around the world.
Who it helps
Play therapy can help children who are
- Having big feelings, meltdowns or angry outbursts
- Anxious, worried or withdrawn
- Coping with separation, divorce or family change
- Grieving the loss of someone important
- Recovering from frightening or painful experiences
- Finding friendships or school hard
- Struggling with confidence or self-esteem
- Neurodivergent and needing a safe space to be themselves
- Adjusting to a new sibling, home or town
- Showing changes in behaviour that worry you
For parents and carers
Filial Therapy: you become the play partner
Filial Therapy puts parents and carers at the heart of the healing. We teach you the skills used in Child-Centred Play Therapy, then support you to hold special playtimes with your own child at home.
Parents often tell us that these playtimes change the whole feel of family life. Children feel deeply seen and accepted, and parents feel more confident and connected.
- Learn to follow your child’s lead with warmth and acceptance
- Practise reflecting feelings and setting kind, clear limits
- Weekly special playtimes at home, with coaching from us
- Strengthens attachment and reduces conflict
Filial Therapy was developed by Bernard and Louise Guerney. Child Parent Relationship Therapy is a structured 10-session version of the approach.
What to expect
How play therapy works
- A conversation with youWe start with a parent meeting to hear about your child, what’s happening and what you hope will change.
- Weekly play sessionsYour child comes to the playroom at the same time each week. Consistency helps them feel safe.
- Regular parent check-insWe meet with you to share themes, answer questions and suggest ways to support your child at home.
- Review and next stepsWe review progress together and agree whether to continue, try Filial Therapy or finish.
Playrooms opening soon
Counselling for children across the North West
Opening soon
Play therapy in Broome
Our Broome base is being set up with a dedicated, light-filled playroom for children and families from Broome, Cable Beach, Bilingurr and the wider Kimberley.
Opening soon
Play therapy in Karratha
A playroom is coming to Karratha for children and families across Karratha, Dampier, Roebourne and Wickham, with sessions planned around school times and shift rosters.
Opening soon
Play therapy in Exmouth
Exmouth families will soon have a local playroom, so children don’t need to travel to Carnarvon or Perth for therapeutic play.
Opening soon
Play therapy in Onslow
A playroom for Onslow children and families, close to school and community, is on its way.
Working together
Play therapy and Positive Behaviour Support
Some children benefit from play therapy on its own. Others do best with play therapy alongside Positive Behaviour Support, where we also work with your family, school and support team on practical strategies.
We also offer parent and family counselling and early intervention.
Questions parents ask
Is play therapy just playing?
No. Play is how children make sense of their world. In Child-Centred Play Therapy, a trained therapist uses carefully chosen toys and a warm, accepting relationship to help a child express feelings, work through experiences and build confidence, often things they can’t yet say in words.
What ages is play therapy for?
Child-Centred Play Therapy usually suits children aged about 3 to 12. Filial Therapy is for parents and carers of young children. If your child is older, we can talk about other counselling options.
How many sessions will my child need?
Sessions are usually weekly. Some children benefit from a short block of sessions and others need longer. We review progress with you regularly and agree the next steps together.
Will I be involved?
Yes. Your child’s sessions are their own private space, and we meet with you regularly to share themes, answer questions and talk about how to support your child at home. Filial Therapy puts you at the centre, so you become the play partner.
Where are your playrooms?
We are setting up beautiful playrooms in Broome, Karratha, Exmouth and Onslow. Details are coming soon. Register your interest and we will contact you as soon as your local playroom opens.
How is play therapy funded?
Depending on your child’s NDIS plan, play therapy may be funded through capacity building supports. We also offer private sessions. Not sure what applies to your family? Contact us and we will help you work it out.
Be the first to know when your playroom opens
Register your interest for Broome, Karratha, Exmouth or Onslow, or call us on 1800 246 808 or 08 9129 4914.