Child Counselling and Play Therapy

Counselling & play therapy

for children

In my role as a social worker and member of the Australian Association of Social Workers, I engage in therapeutic work with children both in private practice and through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This involves comprehensively assessing the unique needs of children, considering not only individual challenges but also the dynamics within families, educational settings and society more broadly.

Katie Parker engaging in play therapy with child.
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Katie Parker looking towards the camera as she leans against a tree
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Empowering children

I am deeply committed to enhancing the well-being and overall quality of life for all children and their families. My approach is grounded in neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based principles. I provide psychoeducation, emotional support, counselling, and play therapy in a fun and engaging way, striving to create a positive and enjoyable environment where children feel empowered to embrace their authentic selves. I support both neurodivergent and neurotypical children to cope with the various challenges they experience in their day-to-day life, feel a sense of belonging in their community, connect with others in ways that are meaningful for them, as well as develop self-awareness, self-esteem, and the self-confidence to be who they truly are.

I am a strong advocate for promoting acceptance, inclusion, and understanding for all children, with the aim of ensuring that each child feels able to advocate for their social, emotional, physical, and sensory needs. Collaborating closely with parents, I provide valuable resources and guidance to enable them to best support their children, and to parent from their most resourced selves.

Supporting Children & Parents

The support I offer children encompasses various aspects, including:

Additionally, I extend my support to parents and caregivers, acknowledging the significant stress many are under. I aim to alleviate the lack of support available to them wherever and however I can by addressing the needs of both children AND their parents. I firmly believe that to effectively support the child, we must also enhance the support provided to parents and work to break down the barriers they are facing when it comes to accessing support and resourcing for themselves.

I am currently studying play therapy through Synergetic Play Therapy®, which is a research-informed model of play therapy combining the therapeutic powers of play with nervous system regulation, interpersonal neurobiology, physics, attachment, mindfulness, and therapist authenticity. I am loving applying the knowledge gained from this course in my sessions already and am looking forward to delving further into how this modality can enhance the support provided to the children under my care.

Katie Parker offering perinatal counselling at her space in Warragul.
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The Booking Process

To join the waitlist for private counselling or NDIS Social Work services please contact me.

  • Join the waitlist by contacting me here
  • Email your child’s NDIS plan (if applicable) to: [email protected]
  • I will contact you to discuss 1:1 / group availability and book in your Initial Parent Assessment
  • Initial Parent Assessment: I will complete this assessment with the parent(s) to take a history, determine your child’s strengths and challenges and establish goals of therapy.
  • Service Agreement is completed and signed by both parties. Copy provided to parent(s)

NDIS Fees*

  • Initial Parent Assessment: $290.98
  • Standard therapy session: $193.99

* Recommended rate for allied health therapy provided by the NDIS price guide.

Private Child Therapy Fees

  • Please contact me to discuss

All sessions take place at Warragul Wellness Centre. There is the option of an online Initial Parent Assessment if required, except where a home visit has been recommended (travel fees applicable).

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