Helen Barrett 764 High Street, Thornbury, Victoria 3071

"Helen and her team of Counsellors are passionate and professional. They have a strong sense of community and deliver a service which is so needed in todays world. Helen in particular is warm and caring and has a beautiful energy - ensuring families and children are at ease and comfortable. Would highly recommend her services!"

"Our five year old boy came to us from foster care 18 months ago and comes from a background of insecure attachment and anxiety. Integrating him into our family was a hugely challenging task, and every step along the way Helen provided us with insight, strategy and compassion. She understood that the best way to help our son was to equip us parents with the skills we needed to understand and unpack his behaviour. She undertook six months of Play Therapy with our son, which gave her insight into his trauma, and also helped him towards a greater understanding of self. She then suggested training me up in Filial Play Therapy, and provided role-play style training, supervision and feedback throughout the process. I have been amazed at the transformation in my son during the play therapy sessions that I now conduct with him. Three months ago when I started the sessions, my son's sense of isolation and need to "go it alone" was painful to see. Now, though the lack of judgement, permissiveness and trust that we have developed in the play therapy space, he is actually letting me into his thoughts and ultimately his "world". This trust transfers out into the "real world" and as such our relationship has deepened and he is feeling loved and safe enough to invest in our relationship. I would recommend Helen and her play therapy service wholeheartedly to others. Her constructive advice is underpinned by a deep knowledge and is delivered with warmth and compassion. She has helped us and our son immensely throughout our journey, and I think things would have been immeasurably harder without her. Thanks Helen!"

"Child play therapy has been an extremely effective therapy for my daughter. Having approached Helen at my wits end, Helen was quick to develop a trusting relationship with my 5 year old daughter. Helen was able to unlock and help my daughter through some deep emotional issues. Helen showed a genuine interest in helping my daughter and at the same time helping me have a better understanding of my daughter. We are both very grateful to Helen for her help and support."

"When we met Helen we were at our wits end. The impact her therapy has had on our 7 year old son and on our family has been amazing. She has not only helped him through a difficult time and helped him gain a better understanding of himself but had also helped us to put in place parenting techniques to help him. Thankyou Helen. Thankyou so much for the positive impact your therapy has had on our son and our family."

"My wife and I first met Helen about one year ago. We enquired about support for our 7 year old sun who struggled with resilience when faced with even the most mundane of situations. Helen is very transparent and outlined the process and possible road blocks and outcomes. Her demeanour is very positive and welcoming and updates are always forthcoming on how things are tracking. She also has a very understanding approach with parents and reassures at every possible stage."