Helping children feel understood, supported and able to thrive
Play Therapy Melbourne provides neuroscience-informed, neuroaffirming and play-based support for children, young people and families.
Our multidisciplinary team helps families understand what may be happening underneath a child’s behaviour and identify the right support for their emotional, developmental, psychological and everyday needs.
Play Therapy | Psychology | Occupational Therapy | Speech Pathology | Positive Behaviour Support | Assessments | Parent Support
Not sure where to begin
When your child is struggling, it is not always easy to know what kind of support they need.
You may be noticing anxiety, emotional or behavioural changes, difficulty coping with separation or school, communication concerns, sensory needs, developmental differences, low confidence or challenges participating in everyday life.
You do not need to know which service to request before contacting us. Tell us what you are noticing, and our team will help you identify an appropriate starting point.
ABOUT PLAY THERAPY MELBOURNE
Evidence-based support for lasting change.
When children and young people are overwhelmed, anxious or struggling to participate, it can feel confusing and exhausting for families.
We support children, young people and young adults, along with the families and systems around them, across home, school and community settings.
We offer in-clinic and telehealth services across Melbourne and Australia.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Our Services
We support children, young people and the systems around them through a neuroscience-informed and play-based approach.
Play Therapy
A developmentally appropriate and relationship-based way for children to express emotions, process experiences and build confidence, regulation and connection.
Psychology
Psychological support for anxiety, emotional distress, trauma, behavioural concerns, school difficulties, low mood and neurodevelopmental differences.
Occupational Therapy
Supporting sensory and emotional regulation, motor skills, self-care, routines, attention, independence and participation in everyday life.
Speech Pathology
Supporting communication, language, social communication and meaningful participation at home, kindergarten, school and in the community.
Positive Behaviour Support
Understanding what may be happening underneath behaviours of concern and developing respectful strategies that improve quality of life and reduce distress.
Assessments
Psychological, cognitive, educational, behavioural and diagnostic assessments to help families understand a child’s strengths, needs and developmental or learning profile.
Parent and Family Support
Consultation, coaching and practical support to help families understand their child and feel more confident about what to do next.
Programs and Groups
Structured programs for children, young people and parents through our Thriving Futures Programs.
Structures support
Stronger futures.
Thriving Futures Programs provide structured support for children, young people, families and educators. Includes parent programs, group programs and training.
GIVING BACK
Support that's
accessible.
We believe support should be accessible, especially for families who may not otherwise be able to access it.
Through our Giving Back Program, we offer low-cost and accessible supports, including online parent programs and group-based support.
This includes:
Parent support
and coaching
Supporting children following family violence
Supporting children through grief and loss
As we expand our online programs we are committed to increasing our capacity to give back.
Different ways to access support
NDIS
Play Therapy Melbourne is a registered NDIS provider. We support agency-managed, plan-managed and self-managed participants where the requested service is consistent with the participant’s goals, funding and current NDIS requirements.
Medicare
Eligible children and young people may be able to receive a Medicare rebate for psychological treatment provided by an eligible registered psychologist following an appropriate medical referral. A gap payment may apply.
Private Services
Families can contact us directly. You do not need an NDIS plan, diagnosis or medical referral to access privately funded services.
Why families choose Play Therapy Melbourne
Play Therapy Melbourne has supported children and families since 20190.
One team. A range of supports.
Play Therapy • Psychology • Occupational Therapy • Speech Pathology • Positive Behaviour Support • Assessments • Family Support
We look beyond labels and behaviour to understand each child’s strengths, relationships, developmental needs and lived experience.
Our work is evidence-informed, relationship-based and tailored to the individual child. Families are included as partners, and where appropriate, we collaborate with educators, Support Coordinators and other treating professionals.
Most importantly, you do not have to work out the whole pathway by yourself.
What We Believe
We believe people thrive when they feel understood.
When I founded Play Therapy Melbourne, I wasn’t trying to create another therapy practice.
I wanted to create the kind of place I would hope every family could find when they needed support. A place where people felt genuinely heard, where strengths were recognised alongside challenges, and where therapy was guided by curiosity, compassion and evidence rather than assumptions.
That vision continues to guide us today.
At Play Therapy Melbourne, we believe every child, young person, individual and family has their own story, their own strengths and their own way of experiencing the world. Our role is not to define people by a diagnosis, behaviour or difficulty, but to understand who they are, what matters to them, and how we can help them move towards the life they want to live.
We believe meaningful change begins with relationships. Before we can support growth, we need to understand the person in front of us. We listen before we lead. We seek to understand before we intervene.
We recognise that no one exists in isolation. Children, young people and adults are shaped by their relationships, families, communities, schools, workplaces and life experiences. We believe the most meaningful outcomes are achieved when we work collaboratively with the people who know them best, respecting their values, experiences and goals.
Our work is grounded in contemporary research across neuroscience, human development, attachment theory, trauma-informed practice and evidence-informed therapeutic approaches. Research provides the foundation for what we do, but every person who walks through our doors reminds us that no two journeys are ever the same.
One of the greatest privileges of my role is watching our multidisciplinary team come together around the people we support. Whether through Play Therapy, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Positive Behaviour Support, Counselling or family work, each clinician brings their own expertise while sharing a common purpose: helping people build confidence, strengthen relationships and move towards the life they want to lead.
As our practice continues to grow, our commitment remains unchanged. We are committed to creating a place where people feel welcomed, respected and supported from their very first conversation with us. A place where families are partners in the therapeutic process, where clinicians are encouraged to reflect, learn and grow, and where every interaction is guided by kindness, curiosity and integrity.
Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about who we are.
Whether you are seeking support for your child, yourself or someone you care about, it is a privilege to be considered as part of your journey.
Warm regards,
Christine Harkin
MANAGING DIRECTOR & FOUNDER
GETTING STARTED
Ready to take the next step?
Submit an Enquiry
Complete the general enquiry form and tell us a little about your child, young person or family member.
Speak with our team
We'll review your enquiry and be in touch to talk through the best next steps.
Book an initial
parent consult
If appropriate we'll arrange an initial consult to better understand your needs and recommend the right support.
NDIS Registered Provider
We work with families and support co-ordinators to deliver plan-managed and self-managed NDIS supports.
We can support children with many concerns, including but not limited to:
Play Therapy Melbourne is in four convenient locations across Melbourne. Moonee Ponds, Frankston, Briar Hill and Geelong!
We also offer outreach and community based support across wider regions in schools, educational settings, organisations and homes.
Professional Referrals
We are proud of the work we do with many incredible organisations, and thank them for their ongoing support and recognition of Play Therapy Melbourne being the lead provider of Play Based and Other Therapies, providing healing through play across Melbourne.
