Children's Counselling
Play Therapy

Child-centred play therapy empowers children to take the lead in their therapeutic support, allowing them to explore their thoughts and feelings using a language they understand. 

At Discovery Family Therapy, we embrace the transformative power of play therapy, a therapeutic approach that allows children to express themselves in the language they know best: play.​

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Early Childhood Supports:​

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​Early intervention is specialised therapeutic support provided for young children and their families. We aim to expand on emotional development and create positive behaviour strategies that support children in meaningful participation in all aspects of life.

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Play Therapy can assist children aged 3-12 years experiencing difficulties such as:

• ADHD emotional regulation and capacity building

• Autism emotional regulation and capacity building 

• Abuse and neglect

• Anxiety

• Chronic illness or medical trauma

• Developmental trauma

• Disability 

• Divorce and Separation

• Emotional regulation issues and outbursts

• Family Domestic Violence

• Grief and loss

• Social issues – difficulties with friendships, social skills

• Selective mutism​

• 2E or Twice Exceptional

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Emotional Regulation and Capacity Building

Play therapy supports emotional regulation and capacity building by providing a structured yet flexible environment where children can safely explore and express their emotions. Play teaches kids to identify feelings, develop self-regulation techniques, and practice problem-solving skills. Therapists use games, storytelling, and creative activities to help children build emotional awareness, impulse control, and resilience. This process strengthens their ability to manage stress, adapt to challenges, and develop healthy relationships, ultimately enhancing their emotional capacity and overall well-being.

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Divorce and Separation - Coparenting

Play therapy can be a valuable tool for children coping with divorce or separation, providing a safe and supportive space to express their emotions. Through play, children can process feelings of confusion, sadness, or anger in a way that feels natural to them. Therapists use toys, art, and storytelling to help children communicate their experiences, develop coping skills, and regain a sense of security. This therapeutic approach fosters emotional resilience and helps children navigate the changes in their family dynamics with greater confidence and understanding.

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Collaboration with Families - Parent Support:

We believe in the power of collaboration. Our therapists work closely with parents and caregivers, sharing insights and strategies to support the child’s development. Together, we create a consistent framework for the child to thrive in all areas of their life.

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The Essence of Play Therapy:

Play therapy is not just about toys and games; it’s about creating a world where children can explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences without the constraints of adult expectations.

It’s a space where they can navigate their inner and outer worlds, making sense of what they feel and encounter daily.

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A Safe Space for Expression:

Our dedicated therapists provide a warm, inviting environment where children can feel safe to let their guard down and play.

Through play, they communicate their worries, fears, and dreams. It’s a place where a dollhouse can represent a child’s home life, and a sandbox can become a canvas for their deepest emotions.

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Understanding Through Play:

As children engage in play, our therapists observe and interact, gaining insights into the child’s perspective. This understanding allows us to gently guide them towards solutions, coping strategies, and a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships.

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Benefits Beyond Words:

The benefits of play therapy at Discovery Family Therapy extend far beyond the playroom. Children learn to regulate emotions, develop problem-solving skills, and build confidence.

They carry these skills into their everyday lives, improving their interactions with family, friends, and at school.​​

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Play Therapy Locations:

At Discovery Family Therapy, we know that obtaining therapeutic support for your children is a commitment. This is why we offer therapeutic support in various locations, including:
 

• South Perth Clinic

• At school - Great for kids who have multiple therapeutic appointments during the week

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​Provider Travel:

Where possible, we endeavour to book or structure clients nearby, ensuring we can work with more than one child at the same location or at a nearby location to reduce travel costs.

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Join Us:

Embark on a journey of discovery with us. Through play therapy's gentle yet profound process, we help children unlock their potential and find joy in being their true selves. At Discovery Family Therapy, we celebrate each child’s unique journey and stand by them as they navigate the path to a brighter, more connected future.

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