Gabriel Carazo
Counsellor • Founder of RAD Dads • Neuro-Relational Play & Parenting Specialist
Gabriel is best known for advancing a neuro-relational model of sensitive, challenging play, a framework that integrates leading research in fatherhood, attachment, and developmental neuroscience into practical, real-world programs for families.
Central to this approach is Gabriel’s application of relational risky play in outdoor environments, where carefully supported physical challenge, uncertainty, and exploration are used as therapeutic tools to strengthen co-regulation, build nervous system resilience, and support children’s emotional, social, and cognitive development in ways that indoor clinical settings often cannot.
Gabriel Carazo is the founder of RAD Dads (Responsive, Active & Dynamic Dads) and a leading practitioner in father-focused early intervention, neuro-relational play, and attachment-informed family work. With over a decade of experience across counselling, parenting education, and community mental health, Gabriel’s work sits at the intersection of neuroscience, play, and relational development.
A Distinctive Theoretical Contribution
Gabriel has developed an original framework that brings together:
Activation Relationship Theory (Daniel Paquette) – highlighting the father’s unique role in stimulating exploration, confidence, and risk-navigation
Security of Exploration Research (Klaus & Karin Grossmann) – demonstrating how fathers support emotional regulation and resilience through challenge
Biobehavioral Synchrony (Ruth Feldman) – explaining how co-regulated movement, play, and shared arousal shape brain development
This synthesis forms the foundation of Gabriel’s Neuro-Relational Sensitive & Challenging Play Framework, which shows how well-designed, outdoor, challenge-based experiences—when grounded in relational safety—produce measurable developmental outcomes.
Central to this model is the concept of “switching off the attachment system and switching on the activation relationship.”
While attachment provides comfort and safety, activation builds courage, confidence, and capability. Gabriel’s work positions fathers as uniquely powerful catalysts for this process—supporting children to explore, take healthy risks, and develop lifelong resilience.
His clinical work is further informed by Play Strong Institute principles, shaping his approach to developmental assessment, attachment repair, and play-based therapeutic intervention.
Clinical Expertise & Professional Experience
Gabriel is the founder and lead practitioner of Axis Therapeutic Services in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges, where he works with children, parents, couples, and families across a wide range of developmental and relational needs.
His professional training includes:
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Play Therapy (Play Strong Institute)
Bringing Baby Home – Certified Facilitator
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Practitioner
He has extensive experience working with families experiencing complexity, including disability, trauma, emotional regulation difficulties, and behavioural challenges. His background in forensic disability and Positive Behaviour Support provides him with a deep understanding of how relational safety, attunement, and structured challenge can transform outcomes for children and parents alike.
This expertise uniquely positions RAD Dads to work with families often underserved by traditional early intervention models.
What Makes Gabriel’s Approach Different
Gabriel’s work bridges two worlds:
Clinical depth — grounded in evidence-based psychology, attachment science, and neurobiology
Real-world application — delivered through practical, engaging, father-led programs in community settings
As both a clinician and facilitator, Gabriel understands the realities fathers face: time pressure, uncertainty, identity shifts, and the desire to be a good dad without a clear roadmap. His programs are designed to meet fathers where they are—translating complex science into experiences that feel natural, engaging, and meaningful.
This unique combination allows RAD Dads to deliver interventions that:
Fathers actually attend
Children genuinely benefit from
Families feel supported by
Communities can sustain
RAD Dads: Building Brains, Bonds & Confident Families
Through RAD Dads, Gabriel has created a suite of programs supporting families across the first 1000 days and beyond, including:
Nature-based father–child playgroups
Birth and early parenting education (Bubs & Pubs)
Attachment-informed father coaching
Play therapy and developmental support
Relationship and emotional regulation programs
Community-based prevention and early intervention initiatives
His work is guided by a simple but powerful belief:
When fathers are supported to engage with confidence, presence, and purpose, children thrive.
How Gabriel Can Support You
Counselling & Parent Coaching
Play Therapy & Attachment Repair
Nature-Based & Experiential Programs
Relationship & Family Support
Parenting Education & Workshops
Early Childhood & Fatherhood Programs
Whether you’re preparing for parenthood, navigating early family life, or seeking deeper connection with your child, Gabriel’s work offers practical, evidence-based support grounded in warmth, clarity, and real-world understanding.
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