Does my child need therapy?
Many parents wonder whether what they’re seeing is “just a phase” or something that needs extra support. This page explains common signs that therapy may help, and what to expect from play therapy and child counselling.
Common signs your child may benefit from support
A single sign doesn’t always mean therapy is needed — it’s about patterns over time, intensity, and impact on daily life.
- Big worries, anxiety, or frequent reassurance-seeking
- Emotional outbursts that feel bigger than the situation
- Ongoing sadness, withdrawal, or loss of interest in usual activities
- Sleep difficulties, nightmares, or changes in appetite
- School refusal, school anxiety, or frequent complaints of tummy/head aches
- Behaviour changes after a big event (move, separation, grief, trauma)
- Friendship or social difficulties, bullying concerns
- Regression (e.g., toileting, clinginess) that persists
- Support needs related to ADHD, autism, or emotional regulation
- Children in care, or children navigating complex family circumstances
What is play therapy?
Play is a child’s natural language. Play therapy supports children to express feelings, explore experiences, and practise coping skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Play therapy is often a great fit for younger children and for children who find it hard to talk about feelings directly.
What is child counselling?
Child counselling uses age-appropriate activities and conversations to help children understand emotions, build coping tools, and work through challenges.
For older children, sessions can include more direct discussion, problem-solving, and therapeutic activities matched to their developmental stage and needs.
In practice, play therapy and child counselling share the same goal: helping children feel understood, accepted and empowered — the approach is tailored to age and needs.
What happens next?
When you enquire, we’ll ask a few questions about your child’s age, what you’re noticing, and what you’d like to change. From there, we’ll suggest a starting point and discuss practical ways to support your child at home and school.
- In-person sessions in Pialba (Hervey Bay)
- Ages 3–13
- NDIS self-managed and plan-managed accepted
Ready to talk?
If you’re unsure, you can start with a simple enquiry — no pressure, just information.