Children

Services for Children

At Be Centre, the core service we provide is one-on-one Play Therapy for children aged 3-12 years. The children we work with typically experience trauma that is affecting their emotional well-being, behaviour and ability to learn.

Each child is different, and this is reflected in our approach to treatment - rather than recommending a ‘standard’ number of therapy sessions, we work with each child until we achieve the outcomes we’re aiming for. We make sure each session is on the child’s terms and at a pace they are comfortable with. To learn more about Play Therapy, click here.

Be Centre is a registered charity and thanks to our generous funders, we may be able to offer free or partially free services to struggling families.

Sessions are generally held in our purpose-built Play Rooms at our Warriewood centre. Each Play Room is equipped with a range of stimuli, from dolls and trucks to costumes. This gives children plenty of scope in how they choose to play, interact and communicate. The therapy process starts with a 1.5-hour Initial Parent Consultation to discuss the child’s background, current situation, and needs. From there, our therapists develop a personalised plan, usually consisting of weekly 30-40 minute sessions. Consistency is key, so these are held at the same time each week, with the same therapist.

We measure outcomes by evaluating children before, during and after the therapy program using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (the most recognised tool for assessing children’s mental health) and parent surveys and feedback. This helps us ensure our programs are effective and allows us to continually improve them over time.

Intensive delivery version:

Our “Intensive” Play Therapy program is an opportunity for our therapists to work with a child more frequently that the typical one session per week. The frequency of the sessions is based on your family’s needs and could be every day for a period of 10-12 days. One benefit of this program is that it makes Play Therapy accessible for children and families living in rural and regional areas of NSW, who still prefer receiving therapy in-person.

At times, intensive Play Therapy is held in collaboration with Royal Far West Manly and forms one part of their holistic support plan, assessment and treatment for children living in rural communities, which may also include psychology, speech, and occupational therapy. All of this is coordinated by Royal Far West, who also provides accommodation for families for the duration.

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For children who have been receiving one-to-one Play Therapy and are ready to progress only*

Art Club is a small-group art program run by Karen Atkins, an experienced and award-winning artist/teacher. The workshops are held every Wednesday 3:30-5:30pm during term time at Be Centre. All resources and light refreshments will be provided. This program assists children who have recently completed Hear Me Play in safely and gradually transitioning out of therapy. In Art Club, children learn new art techniques, receive individual art instruction, develop and explore their creativity and self-expression, and build confidence.

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Tele-Play Therapy sessions are delivered by our therapists via telehealth, in the "virtual playroom". With support from the carer the Play Therapist creates a safe and confidential space where the child can explore and express their feelings and experiences using resources available in their home as well as online resources provided by the Therapist.

Tele-Play Therapy can be offered when there are challenges to accessing in-person therapy, for example due to geographical location, transportation or physical/mental health conditions. Important considerations in offering Tele Play Therapy include client access to a strong, stable internet connection, an appropriate device and a confidential space in the home.

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Located in Woy Woy and Erina on the Central Coast, the Expressive Arts Group is a trauma-responsive therapeutic program for children aged 7–11. Through creative arts, movement, sensory exploration, and connection with others, children are supported to express themselves, build emotional awareness, and strengthen their sense of safety and belonging.

Grounded in neurobiology-informed practice, the group supports children to develop self-regulation skills, increase confidence, and experience the benefits of being in a safe group environment. Our therapists are responsive to each child's individual needs, strengths, and goals, ensuring every child feels seen, supported, and able to participate in ways that feel right for them.

Sessions are gentle, playful, and child-centred, offering opportunities for creativity, self-discovery, and meaningful connection. The groups run during school terms and is ideal for children who would benefit from creative therapeutic support alongside peers.

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Our Locations

Be Centre is expanding its children's therapy services across Sydney, making it easier for families to access support, no matter where they live. Explore the map below to see our current locations and where we're helping children thrive.