A PLACE TO SLOW DOWN, FEEL SAFE & FIND YOUR WAY FORWARD
Trauma-Informed Counselling and Play Therapy for Children, Families and Adults
Supporting Toddlers, Children, Preteens, Teens, Adults, Families and Parents in Tweed Heads, Northern NSW & South East QLD — In Clinic and Outreach.
HEALING & GROWTH
A Gentle Place to Land
Big Bear’s Treehouse is a counselling and play-based therapy practice for children, adults, and families who need space to slow down, feel safe, and reconnect, sometimes without words.
Some people come with big experiences, some with quiet worries, and others simply because something doesn’t feel settled yet.
There is no rush here… We start where you are.
Children
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Teens
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Adults
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Families
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Parents
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Children • Teens • Adults • Families • Parents •
THE BIG BEAR APPROACH
How the Treehouse Works
Big Bear’s Treehouse offers a calm, thoughtful approach to counselling and play-based therapy.
Sessions are shaped around the person in front of me, whether that’s a child, an adult, or a family. There’s no set formula and no pressure to fit into a particular model. We move at a pace that feels safe and manageable.
For children, this may include play, creative expression, or symbolic work. For adults, sessions may be conversational, reflective, or gently experiential, always guided by comfort and consent.
Some people come with clear experiences they want to explore.
Others arrive simply knowing that something doesn’t feel settled yet. Both are welcome here.
A treehouse is a sanctuary for healing & growth — safe, elevated & filled with the spirit of curiosity & comfort.
How Big Bear’s Treehouse Can Help
Big Bear’s Treehouse offers counselling and play-based therapeutic support for children, adults, and families. You don’t need to know what kind of therapy is “right”, we’ll work that out together.
Services are shaped around the needs of the person or family in front of me. What stays consistent is a focus on safety, respect, and working at a pace that feels manageable. Services are available for children and young people who are NDIS participants (self-managed and plan-managed).
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Play Therapy for Children
Play therapy can support children who are experiencing anxiety, emotional overwhelm, behavioural changes, difficulties with relationships, or who have lived through experiences that feel confusing or overwhelming.
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Counselling for Adults
My work with adults is grounded in safety, respect, and collaboration. Sessions are shaped around the person in front of me, there is no pressure to fit into a particular model or move faster than feels manageable.
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Family & Caregiver Therapy
Many families reach out for support with navigating big emotions, behavioural changes, anxiety, or withdrawal. Some seek support after trauma or family disruption, while others want help with emotional regulation, sibling conflict, or developmental changes.
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Outreach & Community-Based Sessions
For some children and families, therapy is more effective when it happens in familiar, meaningful environments. Therapeutic work to take place where children already feel safer, more settled, or better supported.
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Foster & Kinship Carer Support
Support for carers navigating trauma, attachment, behaviour, and the unique realities of caring for children in OOHC.
PLAY THERAPIST & COUNSELLOR
Hi there, I’m Julie Anderson.
I’m a Play Therapist and Counsellor practicing in Northern NSW and South East QLD with a clinic in Tweed Heads.
While much of my work focuses on supporting children and families, individual adults are also welcome. Many adults seek counselling to explore their own experiences, strengthen relationships, or support their emotional wellbeing in a safe and supportive space.
Starting therapy can feel daunting. I focus on creating spaces that feel safe, consistent and respectful. Whether you or your child need help processing difficult experiences or need extra support to thrive, I’d love to help.
INTRODUCING IZZY
Meet Big Bear’s Therapy Dog
Izzy is our therapy dog in training and a gentle presence within Big Bear’s Treehouse.
As Izzy completes her training, she may be present in sessions where appropriate.
Your Questions Answered
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQs page or reach out anytime.
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The first appointment usually involves meeting with parents or caregivers to understand your child’s history, strengths, and current needs. Where appropriate, children may also attend part of the session.
This appointment helps build a shared understanding of how therapy may support your child and ensures that the process feels safe and comfortable for everyone involved.
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Therapy is not a quick fix, and that is intentional.
Some children attend for a shorter period around a specific concern, while others benefit from longer-term support, particularly when experiences have been complex or ongoing.
Progress is reviewed collaboratively and paced to each child’s readiness and needs.
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Adult experiential and play-based therapeutic work is currently offered as part of structured program-based work rather than as a standalone individual therapy service.
Information about adult programs is shared when available.
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No referral is required. Families can contact Big Bear’s Treehouse directly.
Referrals are also welcomed from schools, GPs, allied health professionals, and community agencies.
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You are welcome to make an enquiry via the contact page or email directly.
If therapy feels appropriate, an initial appointment will be arranged to discuss your child’s needs and next steps.
Slow down & heal with Big Bear
Get in touch for more information or to arrange an appointment