Child Psychotherapy in Auckland
Offering child therapy for ages 5-10, supporting children and their families to explore big feelings.
What is child psychodynamic psychotherapy?
Child psychodynamic psychotherapy is a gentle, play-based approach that offers a safe, consistent space where children can explore their inner world. Some parents describe this kind of support as child therapy or child counselling.
Within a trusting therapeutic relationship, children are supported to make sense of difficult feelings, develop emotional regulation, and build healthier relationships that support their overall growth and wellbeing.
Our services
Child Psychotherapy (Ages 5-10)
Individual therapy for children navigating big emotions, anxiety, or trauma, alongside ongoing conversations with parents to support regulation and connection.
Parent & Child Therapy
Supporting caregivers and their babies to build strong, secure, and emotionally connected relationships.
How it works
Child psychotherapy begins with an initial meeting between the parent(s) and the therapist, followed by three child-centred, play-based assessment sessions with the child. A feedback session with parents then takes place to share key themes from the assessment and to decide together what feels most helpful going forward.
1. Initial Parent Meeting
A parent-only meeting to discuss current concerns, take relevant history, and begin understanding your child’s needs.
1 session
2. Child Assessment
A gentle child-centred play-based assessment held without parents present, allowing the therapist to get to know your child’s inner world.
3 sessions
3. Parent Feedback Session
A parent-only session to discuss key themes from the assessment, reflect on how these relate to your concerns, and decide together on next steps.
1 session
4. Therapy Sessions
Child-centred, play-based therapy sessions with the child.
Number of sessions to be determined together
Session duration & cost
Initial Parent Meeting
Duration:
Cost:
90 min
$250
Child Assessment & Therapy Session
Duration:
Cost:
50 min
$150
Parent Feedback
Duration:
Cost:
50 min
$150
Is child psychotherapy for my child?
Supporting a child’s emotional needs can feel like putting together a jigsaw puzzle, where each piece offers insight into the bigger picture of their wellbeing. Psychotherapy can sometimes be one of those important pieces, helping things start to make more sense.
During the assessment sessions, my aim is to get to know your child and understand how their experiences may be contributing to the challenges you’ve noticed. These sessions also give you and your child a chance to experience what therapy feels like and to see whether it’s the right fit for your family.
As part of this initial process, we’ll meet twice. First for a parent(s) meeting, and again after your child’s three play sessions. This second meeting is an opportunity to reflect on any changes you’ve noticed, share observations, and discuss what might be most supportive going forward.
If psychotherapy isn’t the right fit, you’ll still gain a different perspective on your child’s emotional world to help guide next steps.
Based in Auckland, New Zealand
In-person child therapy sessions in Grey Lynn
