Family Therapy
Working with the whole family to rebuild communication and ease conflict at home.
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Child & Adolescent Therapy
The Child and Youth Therapy Service at Ray’s Room provides comprehensive, specialised therapeutic support for children and adolescents facing a range of emotional, behavioural and mental health challenges.
A safe place to grow
Our experienced and compassionate therapists create a safe and nurturing environment where young people can express themselves freely and work towards improved mental wellbeing. Tailoring the approach to the unique needs of each child, our therapists use evidence-based interventions to address issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma and family dynamics.
Through both individual and family sessions, our clinicians aim to give young people essential coping skills, build their emotional resilience and foster healthier relationships, supporting their development as a whole.
Families are part of the work
At the heart of Ray’s Room is a commitment to collaborative and client-centred care. By actively involving parents, guardians and caregivers in the therapeutic process, we recognise the importance of the family context in a young person’s life. This inclusive approach builds stronger communication, understanding and support within families, contributing to the lasting wellbeing of the child or adolescent.
Ray’s Room also extends its work beyond the therapy room by offering specialised training to educators, community organisations and healthcare providers, so that a broader network is equipped to provide effective care and support the emotional growth of the next generation.
Support through each developmental stage
Children need different things at different ages, so the way we work changes as they grow.
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0–1 years
Cognitive growth involves recognising objects, understanding cause and effect, and developing basic problem-solving skills. Socially, babies form bonds, show emotions and may display separation anxiety. At Ray’s Room, we use attachment-based therapies, Circle of Security and parent coaching with children of this age.
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1–4 years
Cognitive growth involves increased curiosity and language development. Socially, children assert independence, engage with peers and form friendships, and language progresses from simple sentences to more complex conversations. We use family play therapy, SPT and other experiential therapies with this age group.
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4–8 years
Children begin to grasp logical thinking, advance in reading and critical thought, and explore more complex topics. Socially, they build deeper friendships, navigate group dynamics and develop a sense of identity. We use talking therapies, individual and family therapy, and experiential therapies with children of this age.
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8–12 years
Cognitive growth includes abstract thinking, stronger reading and critical reasoning, and the exploration of personal interests. Socially, children deepen empathy, refine social skills and embrace increasing independence. We use talking therapies, individual and family therapy, and begin to introduce cognitive-based therapies.
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12–16 years
Adolescents refine abstract thinking, critical analysis and decision-making. Socially, they deepen empathy, explore identity and improve emotional regulation. We support young people through this stage using CBT, DBT, mindfulness-based therapies and family therapy.
Areas of focus
ADHD and conduct disorders
Our therapists work with children and young people with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) using a combination of strategies tailored to each person’s needs. Common approaches include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Helps young people with ADHD identify and change negative thought patterns and impulsive behaviours, and develop coping strategies to manage impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity.
- Skill-building. Therapists teach practical skills such as time management, organisation, planning and getting started on tasks, to help with daily responsibilities.
- Behavioural interventions. Structured routines, clear expectations and rewards or consequences that encourage positive behaviours and discourage impulsive actions.
Play therapy
“Play is the child’s language, and toys are the child’s words.”
Dr Garry L. Landreth, Director Emeritus of the Association for Play Therapy
Play is a child’s natural language and way of expressing themselves. Children can’t yet put their experiences and emotions into words the way adults do, because their cognitive and verbal skills are still developing. Just as adults “talk out” their difficulties in counselling, children “play out” their feelings, thoughts and problems.
A trained play therapist uses play therapeutically to help children express and work through difficult emotions and challenges, develop coping strategies and find solutions to problems.
Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity is the idea that people engage with the world through a wide range of cognitive styles, rather than one standard way of thinking, learning and behaving. Differences are not seen as deficits, but as unique expressions of how the human brain works.
At its heart is acceptance of the many ways people perceive and engage with the world, and the importance of valuing and supporting those differences.
Other services
Individual Therapy
Evidence-based therapy for adults working through anxiety, low mood and trauma.
Learn moreCouples Therapy
EFT, Gottman Method and Imago therapy for couples at any stage.
Learn moreMediation & Family Dispute Resolution
Helping separated families reach agreements that put children first.
Learn moreBook a session for your child
Tell us a little about your child and we’ll match you with the right therapist. Medicare and private health insurance rebates are available for eligible clients, where applicable.