Mrs Helen Barrett
Social Worker AMHSW, Counsellor
Helen Barrett Children Counselling & Play Therapy
Preston, Melbourne VIC 3072
In Person + Telehealth
Philosophy & Vision
I have over 16 years clinical experience working with children and families across mental health, family violence, disability and early intervention services. Play Therapy is a well established, gentle therapeutic approach that assists children to express their inner world and makes sense of their experiences. Through Play Therapy, children gain a greater capacity to develop emotional intelligence skills and maximise opportunities to learn and develop and achieve overall health and wellbeing.
Background
I have held both clinical and management roles in family violence, mental health, disability, early childhood and family services. Since being introduced and fully trained in the philosophy, principles and practices of CCPT, I've noticed dramatic positive changes in my personal life and work with children. CCPT is a way of being with children as opposed to applying a set of techniques. The focus is on the therapeutic relationship that is the agent of change and the focus is on the child not the problem.
Services
Counselling and Play Therapy practice based in the inner north of Melbourne. Centre based sessions providing child centered play therapy for children aged 2yrs - 10yrs to work through emotional, social, developmental and/or behavioural issues and develop healthy coping skills to thrive in life.
Parent education, support and skill development guidance to parents/caregivers throughout their child's therapeutic journey to foster understanding, closeness and connection.
Quality Provision
- Weekly individual Child Centered Play Therapy
- Monthly parent support/feedback sessions
- 4 to 10 week Filial Therapy / Child Parent Relationship Therapy (psycho education / training model) for Parents/Caregivers
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Advanced Clinical Training in Play Therapy - 2016 - Play Therapy Australia
- Advanced Diploma Children's Holistic Counselling - 2015 - Holistic Living Training Institute
- Diploma Holistic Living Counselling - 2007 - Holistic Living Training Institute
- Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) - 2002 - RMIT University
Modalities
CBT - Interpersonal - Person Centred - Play Therapy
Therapy Approach
Whilst my preferred therapeutic modality is child centered play therapy, my work is heavily influenced by person & child centered practices, gestalt principles, attachment theory, child development theory, family systems therapy, psycho educative parenting skill training, and interpersonal neurobiology (neuro science).
Professional Associations
- Australian Association of Social Workers