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Child Psychotherapy Perth

0427 042 302

tracy@childpsychotherapyperth.com.au

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Child Psychotherapy Perth

Specialist child psychotherapy for children & young people age 0-25

About Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy

Psychoanalytic child psychotherapy is a highly specialised, doctorate-level, evidence-based approach used to treat emotional, behavioural, and mental health difficulties in children and young people.

This specialist therapy can help with a wide range of difficulties, including complex issues that other therapies may not have been able to address.

Psychoanalytic child psychotherapists are able to observe and interpret subtle communications and emotions expressed by children. Our training and approach differs to that of psychologists or counsellors.

Psychoanalytic child psychotherapy does not rely solely on spoken words, making this approach particularly suitable for children who struggle to talk about or identify their feelings.

During therapy sessions with younger children play is the main medium of communication. Older children and adolescents may also use play or creative materials alongside talking. Through the therapy process children are helped to develop an understanding of troubling emotions, and find words to express their worries and feelings.


What Problems Can Psychoanalytic Child Psychotherapy Help With?

ACP-registered psychoanalytic child psychotherapists are trained to address a wide range of emotional & behavioural issues, ranging from

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Anger & aggression
  • Oppositional behaviour / conduct problems
  • Eating difficulties / disorders
  • Self-harm
  • Emotional dysregulation / overwhelming feelings
  • Emotional difficulties related to neurodiversity
  • Problems with relationships / friendships
  • Difficulties related to trauma and abuse
  • Low self esteem
  • School related problems, including school refusal and bullying
  • Issues related to sexuality or gender
  • Wetting or soiling
  • Emotional & behavioural concerns in very young children
  •  


How Can I Help?

I am able to offer…

  • Individual psychoanalytic child psychotherapy to children of any age, including very young children
  • Joint parent-infant / parent-young child psychotherapy
  • Specialist therapeutic support for parents and carers.
  • Specialist consultation and supervision for other professionals working with children with complex mental health problems
  • Online therapy-if appropriate & depending on circumstances

Research & Evidence Base

  • Established and increasing evidence base of effectiveness (Association of Child Psychotherapists)
  • Psychoanalytic & psychodynamic child psychotherapy is recommended by UK NICE guidelines for treating depression, sexual abuse, and neglect.
  • Psychoanalytic child psychotherapy is particularly suitable for developmental trauma
  • Recent studies (Midgely et al 2020) conclude effectiveness with children aged 5 & under
  • Research shows a ‘sleeper effect,’ with therapy benefits lasting well beyond treatment.

About Me

Tracy Christophi MCPPAA, MACP, RMN,ACA L4, MA

Child & Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist

I am a fully qualified UK-trained psychoanalytic child and adolescent psychotherapist with almost 30 years of experience working within specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

Since relocating to Perth, Western Australia, I have established my own practice, Child Psychotherapy Perth based in Osborne Park, supporting children, young people, and families experiencing a range of emotional and developmental difficulties.

Alongside my private practice, I teach on the Master of Counselling & Psychotherapy programme at Edith Cowan University and contribute to professional training and development through various professional organisations.

I have a particular interest and extensive experience in working with children who have experienced relational and developmental trauma, grief and loss, and complex emotional difficulties.

I am a Full Clinical Member of the Child Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Association of Australia (CPPAA), the Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Association of Australia (PPAA), the UK Association of Child Psychotherapists (ACP), and a registered Level 4 Psychotherapist with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).

NDIS rebates are possible depending on plan. Private rebates also possible from some companies.

Professional Roles & Contributions


How to make contact

Based at Child Psychotherapy Perth, 259 Main Street, Osborne Park WA 6017 I am currently accepting new referrals. Please get in touch to see if I can help.


WhatsApp or Call:

0427 042 302

Email at:

tracy@childpsychotherapyperth.com.au

Specialist child psychotherapy for children & young people age 0-25

https://childpsychotherapyperth.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Child-Psychotherapy-Perth-Video.mp4

Frequently Asked Questions

How will I know if you can help?

After making contact we will discuss whether or not to arrange an initial consultation. The first meeting is usually only for parents / carers and provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns in more detail and to think together about whether child psychotherapy might be helpful. If this seems likely we will arrange a series of assessment sessions (approx. 3 sessions) to see if this type of therapy and way of working might be helpful. If psychoanalytic child psychotherapy does not seem suitable, I will offer you guidance on what type of help might be indicated.

Therapy is usually weekly, but sometimes more intensive treatment is indicated.

Some interventions are brief and progress can be made in just a few sessions; for some children and young people a time limited number of sessions is suitable. For others longer periods of therapy for several months or more is needed.

After making contact we will discuss whether or not to arrange an initial consultation. The first meeting is usually only for parents / carers and provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns in more detail and to think together about whether child psychotherapy might be helpful. If this seems likely we will arrange a series of assessment sessions (approx. 3 sessions) to see if this type of therapy and way of working might be helpful. If psychoanalytic child psychotherapy does not seem suitable, I will offer you guidance on what type of help might be indicated.

Therapy is usually weekly, but sometimes more intensive treatment is indicated.

Some interventions are brief and progress can be made in just a few sessions; for some children and young people a time limited number of sessions is suitable. For others longer periods of therapy for several months or more is needed.

Information