Beginning therapy can feel like a big step, for children and for you, their caregiver. My aim is to make the process clear, gentle and grounding so you always know what to expect and so your child feels safe and supported from the very beginning.
Please ensure before booking an appointment you complete a referral form in the ‘Referral Form Tab’
Below is an outline of how appointments typically unfold.
1. 15 Minute Consultation Call
This is a brief phone call for parents or carers.
It’s a chance for you to share a little about what’s been happening, ask questions and get a feel for whether Riptide Therapeutic Services is the right fit for your child and family. We will outline how we work, who we support and what the next steps might look like.
There is no obligation to book ongoing sessions, this call is simply a gentle first step for you to decide if we are a right match for you.
2. Initial Parent Consultation
Our first formal session is with parents or carers only.
In this appointment, we take time to explore your child’s story in more depth, their strengths, challenges, developmental history, family context and what you’re most worried or hopeful about. This space is calm, private and supportive, and many parents describe it as a relief to be able to talk things through.
This session helps us build a shared understanding and ensures that when we meet your child, we do so with warmth, context, and attunement.
3. Initial Child or Adolescent Session
This is your child or adolescent’s first session in the playroom or counselling space.
The focus here is on safety and connection. Your child is invited to explore the space, get comfortable and move at their own pace. We observe, support their emotional safety, and begin to build a trusting relationship that therapy relies on.
4. Ongoing/Subsequent Therapy Sessions
These sessions, usually weekly or fortnightly, support your child or adolescent over time.
Together we work towards the goals that we set in the initial parent consultation with your child. Sessions are grounded in evidence-based approaches (Child-Centered Play Therapy, AutPlay, Synergetic Play Therapy, CBT, DBT, ACT, IPT, Mindfulness and Motivational Interviewing), always tailored to your child/adolescent’s nervous system, developmental stage and unique needs.
The aim is for therapy to feel predictable, safe and nurturing, a space where your child can feel seen, heard and supported.
5. Parent Consultations (every 5/6 sessions)
Every 5–6 child/adolescent sessions, we schedule a parent consultation to check in, share themes from the playroom or counselling space and explore how things are going at home and school. This is a space for you to ask questions, reflect on what you’re noticing and learn practical strategies to support your child outside of sessions.
Many parents find these sessions grounding and reassuring.
6. Care Team & School Meetings (as needed)
Where helpful, I can attend Care Team meetings, Student Support Group meetings or liaise with teachers, paediatricians, and other professionals.
This collaborative approach helps ensure your child is held consistently across home, school and services and that everyone is working toward shared goals in a trauma-informed, child-centred way.