​Who Are These Therapies For?

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These approaches can be helpful for children and families navigating:

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• Trauma, grief, or early disruptions in caregiving

• Sensory sensitivities, big feelings, or shutdowns

• Mismatches in communication or emotional expression

• Relational repair after family violence, separation, or system involvement

• Parenting stress, blocked care, or feeling disconnected from a child

• Neurodivergent ways of being that have been misunderstood or unsupported

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Whether a child is recovering from difficult experiences, struggling with regulation, or simply wired in a way that’s different from what others expect, relational therapies centre the child–caregiver relationship as a key part of healing and support.

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What Do These Therapies Involve?

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Each model is a little different, but all share a focus on the relationship between child and caregiver as the pathway for healing.

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Some of the relational-based therapies offered include:

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Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP)

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DDP uses the principles of PACE—playfulness, acceptance, curiosity, and empathy—to help caregivers stay emotionally present with their child, even when things feel hard. It gently explores past and present experiences, while strengthening the trust and connection needed to move forward.

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Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)

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Originally developed for young children exposed to trauma, CPP helps children and caregivers together make sense of what’s happened, restore a sense of safety, and strengthen the caregiving relationship. The therapist works with the dyad to explore meaning through conversation, play, and shared reflection.

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Theraplay-Informed Practice

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Theraplay uses structured, nurturing, and joyful interactions to support a child’s ability to trust, co-regulate, and engage in relationships. Sessions are playful, physical, and highly attuned—designed to meet children at their developmental stage and support the core foundations of secure attachment.

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What Might Sessions Look Like?

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Sessions are always adapted to the age, needs, and preferences of the child and caregiver. They may include:

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• Play, drawing, storytelling, movement, or sensory-based activities

• Shared sessions between the child and caregiver

• Support for co-regulation and emotional safety

• Reflection and practical strategies for navigating hard moments

• Space to gently notice and shift relational patterns

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Caregivers are supported every step of the way. You don’t have to have it all figured out—just a willingness to stay curious and connected.

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Why Relationship-Based Therapies?

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When a child has experienced fear, loss, or disconnection in the context of relationship, healing often needs to happen within relationship. This may include children who have experienced trauma—but also those whose neurodivergence has impacted how they connect, communicate, or are understood by others.

Relational therapies create space for:

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• Repairing and strengthening bonds between children and caregivers

• Helping caregivers feel more confident, attuned, and supported

• Providing a space to understand behaviours through a relational or sensory lens

• Creating new experiences of safety, playfulness, and connection—especially for children who may have come to expect disconnection or overwhelm

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Whether the disconnection stems from trauma, stress, neurodivergence, or simply being misunderstood—these approaches honour the child’s relational world and support caregivers in responding with curiosity, empathy, and care.

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Fees and Availability

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Relational therapy sessions are offered through standard therapeutic appointments and may be eligible for a Medicare rebate under a Mental Health Care Plan (if in place). Some models may also be supported through NDIS therapeutic funding.

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You can view fees here or get in touch for availability or referrals.

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