Is CoRe Kids Therapy a registered NDIS provider?

CoRe Kids Therapy is not currently listed as a registered NDIS provider on the NDIS Commission register. They may still support plan-managed or self-managed NDIS participants — contact them to confirm.

What services does CoRe Kids Therapy provide?

CoRe Kids Therapy provides Psychology, Behavioural Support, Autism Assessment and ADHD Assessment.

Which areas does CoRe Kids Therapy cover?

CoRe Kids Therapy is based in Moorabbin, VIC.

How do I connect with CoRe Kids Therapy?

You can call +61 401 517 014 and visit their website, or send an enquiry through EarlyBloom — it goes straight to the provider and is always free for families.

What ages does CoRe Kids Therapy work with?

Services are provided for children aged between 2 and 12 years old.

How do Medicare rebates for psychology work?

Your GP can prepare a Mental Health Care Plan and referral, which lets you claim a Medicare rebate for a set number of sessions per calendar year. The exact number and rebate are set by Medicare.

Do we need a referral?

Not to see a psychologist privately. A GP Mental Health Care Plan and referral are needed to claim Medicare rebates.

When should I consider a psychologist for my child?

If worries, mood, or behaviour are affecting your child's daily life, friendships, or learning, an assessment can help clarify what support would suit.

Is psychology covered by the NDIS?

It can be, where psychological support relates to a participant's disability and plan goals.

CoRe Kids Therapy · Psychology · Moorabbin, VIC

What CoRe helps with

Child Counselling

A talking-based support that helps people work through emotional difficulties, relationship challenges, grief, stress or mental health concerns. A counsellor listens without judgement and helps you develop coping strategies and a clearer sense of direction.

Child-Centred Play Therapy

A therapeutic approach where children express and process emotions, experiences and difficulties through play — their natural language. A play therapist creates a safe space where the child leads and works through challenges at their own pace.

Synergetic Play Therapy®

Supports the child in changing their perceptions of perceived challenging events and thoughts in their life.

Theraplay®

Focuses on improving a child's behavioural and emotional wellbeing through the development of the parent/carer-child relationship.

AutPlay® Therapy

An integrative family play therapy approach with play and behavioural therapeutic models that can be therapist-led, parent-led, and/or child-led.

Animal Assisted Play Therapy

Play therapy with professionally trained and assessed therapy dogs, focused on building a bond with an animal through interaction and play (currently unavailable).

Learn To Play

Sibling Counselling

Counselling services for siblings.

Family Counselling

EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy for trauma and PTSD. Using bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), it helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they no longer cause intense emotional reactions.

Cognitive Assessments

A standardised assessment of thinking, learning and memory abilities administered by a psychologist. Results identify a person's cognitive profile, highlight strengths and areas of difficulty, and inform recommendations for school support, therapy and NDIS access.

Filial Therapy (Child/Parent Relationship)

Play therapy techniques parents can use with their own children.

Parental Coaching & Support

Parenting programs and counselling services for parents and families.

Positive Parenting Program (Triple P)

Evidence-based parenting program providing tools and strategies for parents.

Parent Learn To Play

Play-based parenting support program.

Parent Effectiveness Training

Training program for parents to develop effectiveness in parenting.

Lego Group Therapy

A type of play-based therapy where bricks play a central role in developing social skills.

Core Connection – Social Skills Program

Group program focused on developing social skills in children.

Art and Social Connection Group

Group program combining art and social connection activities.

School Readiness Program – Sunshine Circles

Program preparing children for school readiness.

Grief and Loss Support

Group support program for children dealing with grief and loss.

Circle of Security Parenting

Guidance and skill-building for parents and carers to better understand their child's development, manage challenging behaviours and build a warm, secure relationship. Programs may be one-on-one or delivered in groups and draw on evidence-based frameworks tailored to the family's needs.

Tuning Into Kids

Parenting group program focused on emotional attunement.

Our approach

Play is how children learn, develop and understand the world, and therapy rooms at CoRe Kids are designed as safe, welcoming and calming spaces where kids can communicate all their feelings without fear of judgement, punishment or losing control. A range of play-based therapies is available, including Child Centred Play Therapy, Synergetic Play Therapy, Theraplay, Autplay, and EMDR therapy for trauma. The team also offers counselling, parenting programs, and filial therapy where parents learn techniques to use with their own children. Sessions are tailored to each child's needs, with flexible scheduling available before school, after school, and during school hours.

Working with families

Parents and carers are actively involved throughout therapy, with parental coaching, filial therapy (teaching parents play therapy techniques to use at home), and family counselling all available. The practice offers several parenting programs including Positive Parenting Programme (Triple P), Circle of Security Parenting, Tuning Into Kids, Parent Effectiveness Training, and Parent Learn To Play. Clinicians work collaboratively with families to address areas of difficulty and support sustained positive change, recognising the importance of working with the systems surrounding the child.

Meet the team

The team includes Donna Lai (Principal Clinician, Play Therapist, Filial Therapist and Learn-2-Play Supervisor), Dr Aine Foran (Children's Counsellor and Associate Play Therapist), Amy Baillie (Synergetic Play Therapist, Children's Counsellor and Parent Coach), Daniela Diaz (Registered Psychologist and Associate Play Therapist), Iris He (Provisional Psychologist and Child and Family Therapist), Jovana Nikcevic (Registered Psychologist and Play Therapist), Kate Hall (Child and Family Therapist and Social Worker), Natalie Ryan (Child and Family Therapist and Social Worker), and Sara McGarvey (Social Worker and Play Therapist). The team also includes administrative support and works with trained therapy dogs. Donna Lai founded the practice in 2019 with 30 years of prior experience in public institutions, government entities, education and NGOs.

CoRe Kids Therapy

What families say

About CoRe Kids Therapy