Children & Play Therapy
Warm, play-based counselling in Perth for children navigating big feelings, worries, behaviour, friendships and family change, with parents supported every step of the way.
Children often show us how they are feeling through their behaviour long before they have the words. You might recognise some of these in your child.
For children and the parents who care for them.
Ongoing worry, constant reassurance-seeking, tummy aches or trouble settling: at home, at school or at bedtime.
Anger, tears, shutdowns or overwhelm that feel bigger than the moment and hard to recover from.
Reluctance to go to school, friendship conflict, feeling left out, or pressure that builds through the week.
Adjusting to separation, a new sibling, moving house, loss, or other changes at home that are hard to make sense of.
Going quiet, avoiding, clinginess or pulling away when things feel too big to say out loud.
Harsh self-talk, comparing themselves to others, or holding back from things they used to enjoy.
Play, art and creative activities let younger children explore feelings in the way that comes most naturally to them.
Practical strategies you can use at home, so support continues well beyond the therapy room.
Naming feelings, calming a busy body, and building confidence to face worries and setbacks.
We support your child while helping the whole family understand and respond with more confidence.
Senior Counsellor and Mental Health Occupational Therapist
Works with: Children, teens and parents
In person at our South Perth clinic (close to Como, Applecross, Victoria Park and Mount Pleasant) and online across Australia, including support for FIFO families.
We begin with you. This first appointment helps us understand your child, your family and what support can help.
Using play, creativity, gentle conversation and practical skills, matched to your child's age and needs, at their pace.
We review progress together every few weeks and keep strategies simple enough to use in real family moments.
Yes, to begin with. The first appointment is usually a parent-only session so we can understand what is happening before your child attends. From there we agree together who comes to each session.
Sessions are tailored to your child. Depending on age and need, a session might include play, art, creative activities, gentle conversation or skill-building. The counsellor takes time to build trust at your child's pace.
No referral is required. You can book directly online or get in touch with us to arrange a first parent session.
Most children's appointments are $169.40, and sessions with more than one person in the room start at $193.60. Mel Tibbitts is billed at $200 per hour and is the only practitioner who offers Medicare and private health rebates. Your exact fee is confirmed with you before your first appointment.
Self-managed and plan-managed participants can use eligible NDIS funding. Discovery Family Therapy is not a registered NDIS provider.
Yes. Sessions are available in person in South Perth and online across Australia by secure video, including support for FIFO families.
Book directly if you know what you need, or tell us a little about what is happening for your child and we will help you choose.
Not sure where to start? Tell us who support is for and what is happening, and we will help you find the right first step. Submitting this form does not confirm an appointment.
If the form does not load, open the enquiry form in a new tab.
Teen CounsellingDirect support for teenagers, on their terms.
Parent SupportSupport for you as a parent, not just your child.
Family CounsellingSupport for the whole family system.
Neurodivergent SupportNeuro-affirming support for the whole family.
Divorce & SeparationChild-inclusive support through separation.
