Do parents attend sessions?

The first session is typically with parents or caregivers to understand your child’s needs, history, and current concerns. Following this, sessions are usually with your child, with parent involvement at key points depending on your child’s age, needs, and stage of therapy.

What can I expect from the process?

We begin with an initial parent session to gain a clear understanding of your child and your family context. As therapy progresses, we schedule parent check-ins approximately every 4 to 6 sessions. These sessions provide updates, guidance, and practical strategies to support your child outside of therapy.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes. Your child’s privacy is respected, and sessions are confidential within appropriate limits. We balance this with keeping parents meaningfully involved, particularly where it supports your child’s wellbeing and progress. For more detail, please see our confidentiality policy: 👉

B.A. Psychology (Curtin) ACA: S87616

Counsellor supporting children, adolescents, and families

Zaynab works alongside children, adolescents, and families to create a space where emotions can be understood, challenges can be explored safely, and meaningful growth can begin.

Zaynab Al-Fahrany

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Areas of Practice & Special Interests

Zaynab supports children, adolescents, and families across a range of emotional, behavioural, and relational concerns.

Anxiety, stress, and emotional regulation

Trauma-informed support

Self-esteem, identity, and body image concerns

Disordered eating and body dysmorphia (early intervention)

Family transitions, including separation and adjustment

Parent support and family guidance

Zaynab works with children, adolescents, and families who may be navigating anxiety, emotional overwhelm, identity concerns, or changes within the family.

She supports young people in making sense of their emotions, feeling more confident in themselves, and developing practical ways to cope in everyday life.

About Zaynab

Zaynab brings a calm, grounded presence to the therapy space, helping clients feel safe enough to explore what is happening beneath the surface.

She works collaboratively to understand patterns, experiences, and emotional responses, supporting clients to develop clarity, confidence, and meaningful change over time.

Children's Play-Therapy in Perth

Supports children aged 3–12
Helps with anxiety, behaviour, and emotional regulation
Uses play to help children express and process experiences

Explore Play Therapy

Teen Counselling

Support for teens feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure
Builds confidence, emotional regulation, and self-understanding
A safe, respectful space where teens can talk openly without pressure

Explore Teen Counselling

Family-Focused Therapy

Supports families navigating conflict, disconnection, or change
Helps improve communication, understanding, and relationships
Creates a safe space to work through challenges together

Explore Parent Support

Zynab's Approach

Zaynab Al-Fahrany is a child and adolescent counsellor at Discovery Family Therapy's South Perth clinic. She works with children, teenagers, and families navigating anxiety, emotional regulation, neurodivergence, school stress, and life transitions.

Her approach is trauma-aware, culturally responsive, and collaborative. Zaynab takes time to understand each young person within their full life context, including relationships, school, culture, and family, so that therapy feels relevant, grounded, and genuinely useful.

For younger children, she uses play-based and creative approaches that make emotional expression feel natural and safe. For teenagers and families, she balances clear structure with flexibility, supporting respectful dialogue and practical strategies for lasting change.

Clients and families often describe Zaynab as

warm,
easy to engage with
someone who brings both genuine care and clear professional guidance to every session.

A Bit About Zaynab

What I value about being a counsellor:

What I value most about being a counsellor is the opportunity to support people during moments of genuine reflection and change.

I hold a strong respect for the trust clients place in the therapeutic relationship, and I am continually struck by the resilience, insight, and courage that emerges when people feel safe enough to explore their inner world.

What is unique about me as a counsellor:

I bring a calm and steady presence into the therapy space, alongside a structured and thoughtful approach to understanding what is going on beneath the surface.

I focus on helping people make sense of their experiences in a way that feels clear and manageable, so that the support we build together is meaningful and actually works in everyday life.

My most impressive achievements:

My experience includes working within the Department of Communities (Child Protection), supporting children, young people, and families with complex emotional, behavioural, and relational challenges.

These experiences continue to shape my structured, thoughtful, and ethical approach to care.

One quirky fact about me:

I have a bit of a soft spot for organisation where a well-written to-do list and ticking things off is oddly satisfying.

Frequently asked questions

Zaynab Al-Fahrany

Book an Appointment with Zaynab

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Family & Mental Health Resources

Rather than offering quick fixes or advice, these resources aim to support understanding.

Distress is explored in context, including relationships, development, nervous systems, and life circumstances, with care taken to avoid pathologising language or fear-based messaging.

New articles are added as needed, not on a fixed schedule.

Hypermobility and ADHD: When the Body and Brain Both Need More Support

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When Grief Doesn't Follow the Rules: Supporting Your Family After Loss in Perth

Grief is not linear. When your family is grieving differently and nothing seems to be getting easier, here's what's actually happening—and when to reach out for support.

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What NDIS Counselling Actually Looks Like (And How to Access It in Perth)

You have an NDIS plan but you're not sure if counselling is covered or how it works in practice. Here's exactly what NDIS counselling looks like in Perth—and how to access it.

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How to Know If Your Child Needs Counselling: A Practical Guide for Perth Parents

You've noticed your child is struggling. Maybe they're withdrawn after school, or their mood has shifted. Here are 5 clear signs that counselling could help—and how to get started in Perth.

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Mar 292 min read

Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Mood, Energy and the Brain

Understanding bipolar disorder can help individuals and families make sense of changing mood and energy patterns. This article explains what bipolar disorder is, how it develops, and practical ways to support wellbeing.

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Mar 147 min read

Understanding the Overlap Between Urinary Incontinence and ADHD in Girls

What This Article Covers What urinary incontinence is and how it can show up in girls How ADHD-related differences may intersect with bladder awareness and regulation Ways this overlap can affect daily life, emotions, and family dynamics What tends to reduce stress and support regulation without blame or pressure When additional support may be helpful Trusted, free resources for further reading Who is this article for? This article is for: Parents and caregivers Girls and you

Yasmin Pavlinovich

Feb 34 min read

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