Play Therapy in Abbotsford, BC
Using a combination of CBT, solution focused, emotion-focused and/or play/art therapy, we will create a plan around your goals.
Do you often feel anxiety crowding your thoughts? Or do you worry about “little things” and cannot understand why others dismiss your worries so easily? You are not alone. Together we can work on coping strategies to help manage your anxiety, stress, and general overwhelming feelings in daily life. I bring experience, education, and passion to my practice. With over a decade of professional experience counselling children, teens, and adults, I help support them through anxiety, stress, parenting, spiritual questions, and other life challenges.
Using a combination of CBT, solution focused, emotion-focused and/or play/art therapy, we will create a plan around your goals.
Do you often feel anxiety crowding your thoughts? Or do you worry about “little things” and cannot understand why others dismiss your worries so easily? You are not alone. Together we can work on coping strategies to help manage your anxiety, stress, and general overwhelming feelings in daily life. I bring experience, education, and passion to my practice. With over a decade of professional experience counselling children, teens, and adults, I help support them through anxiety, stress, parenting, spiritual questions, and other life challenges.
Ruby Dhaliwal
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MA, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Abbotsford, BC V2T
Some therapeutic interventions I draw from include: Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness & CBT (MCBT), Trauma Informed Therapy, Brief Solution-Focused Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Play Therapy.
Are you struggling with overwhelming anxiety, depression, and difficulty coping with unpleasant thoughts and feelings? Are you finding that the things you once used to enjoy, such as sports/exercise, academics, art, or social interactions with others are no longer serving a purpose, like they used to? Sometimes, things may happen that are beyond our control or understanding, which may in turn affect the way we feel or behave. I believe in an integrative approach and meeting you where you are at. An overarching theme of my practice is based on you and your unique needs and strengths and helping you improve your quality of life.
Some therapeutic interventions I draw from include: Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness & CBT (MCBT), Trauma Informed Therapy, Brief Solution-Focused Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Play Therapy.
Are you struggling with overwhelming anxiety, depression, and difficulty coping with unpleasant thoughts and feelings? Are you finding that the things you once used to enjoy, such as sports/exercise, academics, art, or social interactions with others are no longer serving a purpose, like they used to? Sometimes, things may happen that are beyond our control or understanding, which may in turn affect the way we feel or behave. I believe in an integrative approach and meeting you where you are at. An overarching theme of my practice is based on you and your unique needs and strengths and helping you improve your quality of life.
I have been trained in mental health, couples and trauma including EMDR and Play Therapy.
Maureen French is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology. She has had a fascination of how individuals and relationships work from a young age. Maureen has over 15 years counselling experience in variety of government, community, health care / hospital and private counselling settings as well as in patient and out-patient psychiatric settings. Maureen offers counselling, support and consultation with adolescents, family and adult relationship issues. Maureen is a skilled play therapist who has worked extensively with child with complex trauma including developing and facilitating parenting programs and trauma informed programs.
I have been trained in mental health, couples and trauma including EMDR and Play Therapy.
Maureen French is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology. She has had a fascination of how individuals and relationships work from a young age. Maureen has over 15 years counselling experience in variety of government, community, health care / hospital and private counselling settings as well as in patient and out-patient psychiatric settings. Maureen offers counselling, support and consultation with adolescents, family and adult relationship issues. Maureen is a skilled play therapist who has worked extensively with child with complex trauma including developing and facilitating parenting programs and trauma informed programs.
Expressive Child Therapies
Counsellor, MA, CCC, RCC, SPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Abbotsford, BC V2S
I use play, sand tray, expressive arts and parent/child attachment therapies interweaved with EMDR.
Parenting is the most invested relationship one can partake in. There are many tasks and challenges involved in guiding little people towards becoming adults. Life can force families to face events that impact children's ability to feel safe and function successfully. This is when it becomes key to incorporate "it takes a whole community to raise a child", and I believe that people do the best they can with what they know. I have dedicated 23 years to helping children express their needs. And I can help increase your "knowing" so that we can enrich your child's relationships and increase their tolerance for the difficult stuff
I use play, sand tray, expressive arts and parent/child attachment therapies interweaved with EMDR.
Parenting is the most invested relationship one can partake in. There are many tasks and challenges involved in guiding little people towards becoming adults. Life can force families to face events that impact children's ability to feel safe and function successfully. This is when it becomes key to incorporate "it takes a whole community to raise a child", and I believe that people do the best they can with what they know. I have dedicated 23 years to helping children express their needs. And I can help increase your "knowing" so that we can enrich your child's relationships and increase their tolerance for the difficult stuff
Play and expressive therapies integrate the use of verbal counselling with play, sand play, art therapy and are very experiential.
Is your child demonstrating challenging behaviours like social anxiety, school adjustments, verbal aggression or hitting and fighting, or having difficulty with peer or familial relationships? As a parent, are you trying to understand why this is happening? Children/youth sometimes demonstrate challenging behaviours due to a variety of reasons. With remarkable insight, compassion and commitment to working with children, Monica helps children/youth work through and manage identified issues and concerns and learn new coping strategies.
Play and expressive therapies integrate the use of verbal counselling with play, sand play, art therapy and are very experiential.
Is your child demonstrating challenging behaviours like social anxiety, school adjustments, verbal aggression or hitting and fighting, or having difficulty with peer or familial relationships? As a parent, are you trying to understand why this is happening? Children/youth sometimes demonstrate challenging behaviours due to a variety of reasons. With remarkable insight, compassion and commitment to working with children, Monica helps children/youth work through and manage identified issues and concerns and learn new coping strategies.
Chayne den Ouden
Licensed Professional Counsellor, BED, MA Psyc, RCC
Verified Verified
Abbotsford, BC V3G
Using an eclectic approach of play, sand tray, solution focused therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, mindfulness, feminist theory, and psychotherapy I work with my clients to find calm and healing.
I works specifically with youth, families, and women facing anxiety, self regulation issues, depression, life or family changes, women's issues, and trauma. My clients need a space to process adverse life experiences as well as set appropriate goals which may help them to move forward or learn to let go. My clients want someone to listen to them empathically while also challenging any distorted beliefs or obstacles that may be in the way of their healing.
Using an eclectic approach of play, sand tray, solution focused therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, mindfulness, feminist theory, and psychotherapy I work with my clients to find calm and healing.
I works specifically with youth, families, and women facing anxiety, self regulation issues, depression, life or family changes, women's issues, and trauma. My clients need a space to process adverse life experiences as well as set appropriate goals which may help them to move forward or learn to let go. My clients want someone to listen to them empathically while also challenging any distorted beliefs or obstacles that may be in the way of their healing.
I have taken additional training in CBT, DBT, ACT, SFT, Play Therapy, and EFT to best suit my client’s needs.
Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light- Albus Dumbledore. I like to implement a client-centered approach whereby I take my years of experience and training to adjust a therapeutic approach to best suit each one of my clients. I have eight years of experience working with children and families with special needs, including children diagnosed with Autism, OCD, ADD, FSD, Conduct Disorder, Depression, Pain Disorders, Neurodivergency, Brain Injuries, and Anxiety.
I have taken additional training in CBT, DBT, ACT, SFT, Play Therapy, and EFT to best suit my client’s needs.
Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light- Albus Dumbledore. I like to implement a client-centered approach whereby I take my years of experience and training to adjust a therapeutic approach to best suit each one of my clients. I have eight years of experience working with children and families with special needs, including children diagnosed with Autism, OCD, ADD, FSD, Conduct Disorder, Depression, Pain Disorders, Neurodivergency, Brain Injuries, and Anxiety.
Are you ready to process traumatic experiences and cross the bridge to a healthier you? Some of these experiences may be chronic pain, phobias, flashbacks, nightmares, obsessions, depression and anxiety. Decades ago, when I entered my therapist's office the first time, I was skeptical and nervous wondering how talking with a stranger would help me feel better. Surprisingly, I was able to understand the complexities of my issues and experience life in more meaningful ways. I am dedicated to help you break free from the experiences that are holding you back and develop resilience to live a fulfilling life.
Are you ready to process traumatic experiences and cross the bridge to a healthier you? Some of these experiences may be chronic pain, phobias, flashbacks, nightmares, obsessions, depression and anxiety. Decades ago, when I entered my therapist's office the first time, I was skeptical and nervous wondering how talking with a stranger would help me feel better. Surprisingly, I was able to understand the complexities of my issues and experience life in more meaningful ways. I am dedicated to help you break free from the experiences that are holding you back and develop resilience to live a fulfilling life.
I love walking beside children, teens and young adults who have big emotions - helping them learn to navigate how to see them and handle them in a way that feels more effective for them! I try to bring in their parents as much as is needed to allow for a systemically supported change for the better!
I love walking beside children, teens and young adults who have big emotions - helping them learn to navigate how to see them and handle them in a way that feels more effective for them! I try to bring in their parents as much as is needed to allow for a systemically supported change for the better!
My name is Erica and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) at Straight Path Counselling. It is with a sincere heart that I would like to offer a safe and confidential space for you to share your emotions, thoughts, and experiences without judgment. Through integrating compassion, understanding, personal experience, and current evidence-based therapeutic approaches, my goal is to help you on your path in life, equipping you with the necessary tools to navigate life struggles.
My name is Erica and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) at Straight Path Counselling. It is with a sincere heart that I would like to offer a safe and confidential space for you to share your emotions, thoughts, and experiences without judgment. Through integrating compassion, understanding, personal experience, and current evidence-based therapeutic approaches, my goal is to help you on your path in life, equipping you with the necessary tools to navigate life struggles.
Are you feeling stuck at a crossroads, unsure of the right direction for yourself or your family? I’m here to support you in navigating life’s challenges, whether you’re seeking personal growth for yourself, guidance for your child, or both. For adults, particularly those dealing with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, or anger, I offer a compassionate approach to help you develop coping strategies, regain control, and move toward a more peaceful state of mind. Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, you can build resilience and find calm amidst the chaos. Whether you're dealing with a recent separation, divorce,
Are you feeling stuck at a crossroads, unsure of the right direction for yourself or your family? I’m here to support you in navigating life’s challenges, whether you’re seeking personal growth for yourself, guidance for your child, or both. For adults, particularly those dealing with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, or anger, I offer a compassionate approach to help you develop coping strategies, regain control, and move toward a more peaceful state of mind. Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, you can build resilience and find calm amidst the chaos. Whether you're dealing with a recent separation, divorce,
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I've been in practice for clinical counselling since 2010. Over the course of time, I have adopted a practical and evidence-based approach to clinical counselling. Some of my areas of expertise are anxiety, depression, inter-personal relationships, family of origin challenges, career/work and trauma. I have years of additional training under my belt but I've found that it comes down to the relationship between the counsellor and the client. In this case, it's what you know AND who you want in your corner. I enjoy working with a variety of clients, and most especially those who are ready to do the work to get the life the want!
I've been in practice for clinical counselling since 2010. Over the course of time, I have adopted a practical and evidence-based approach to clinical counselling. Some of my areas of expertise are anxiety, depression, inter-personal relationships, family of origin challenges, career/work and trauma. I have years of additional training under my belt but I've found that it comes down to the relationship between the counsellor and the client. In this case, it's what you know AND who you want in your corner. I enjoy working with a variety of clients, and most especially those who are ready to do the work to get the life the want!
Життя — це подорож, і на цій дорозі ми стикаємося з різними викликами, невизначеністю та моментами глибоких змін. Саме в такі часи наявність підтримуючої професійної допомоги - може змінити все. Я тут, щоб бути вашим провідником, партнером та психологом. Я щаслива поділитися з вами своїм двадцятирічним досвідом психотерапії , коучингу та менторства. Безліч разів я була свідком неймовірної внутрішньої сили , стійкості та глибинного самопізнання. Уявіть собі простір, де ви можете досліджувати свої найпотаємніші думки, долати перешкоди та уявляти майбутнє, наповнене зростанням і самореалізацією.
Життя — це подорож, і на цій дорозі ми стикаємося з різними викликами, невизначеністю та моментами глибоких змін. Саме в такі часи наявність підтримуючої професійної допомоги - може змінити все. Я тут, щоб бути вашим провідником, партнером та психологом. Я щаслива поділитися з вами своїм двадцятирічним досвідом психотерапії , коучингу та менторства. Безліч разів я була свідком неймовірної внутрішньої сили , стійкості та глибинного самопізнання. Уявіть собі простір, де ви можете досліджувати свої найпотаємніші думки, долати перешкоди та уявляти майбутнє, наповнене зростанням і самореалізацією.
My clinical expertise focuses on anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment, neurodiversity, life transitions, abuse, and relationship issues. I have provided psychological services in non-profit and private practice. I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds, and draw on a variety of interventions designed to help people be curious about their problems and explore new ways to approach interpersonal challenges. I am Certified in Lifespan Integration therapy and also have EMDR training. My research explored how some parents of twice-exceptional children thrived despite the extra challenges they faced raising complex kids.
My clinical expertise focuses on anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment, neurodiversity, life transitions, abuse, and relationship issues. I have provided psychological services in non-profit and private practice. I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds, and draw on a variety of interventions designed to help people be curious about their problems and explore new ways to approach interpersonal challenges. I am Certified in Lifespan Integration therapy and also have EMDR training. My research explored how some parents of twice-exceptional children thrived despite the extra challenges they faced raising complex kids.
A registered counsellor since 1994, I have worked with a wide array of clients. I have done much work with marriages and relationships and have developed a system that generally makes a significant difference within 6 sessions. For six years, I worked as an elementary school counsellor, working with over 450 children for a wide variety of needs. For 20 years, I worked extensively with Level 3 foster children, mostly teens. I also served as a prison chaplain so am familiar with criminal justice issues and addictions. Because of the diversity of my experience, I can generally relate to most clients.
A registered counsellor since 1994, I have worked with a wide array of clients. I have done much work with marriages and relationships and have developed a system that generally makes a significant difference within 6 sessions. For six years, I worked as an elementary school counsellor, working with over 450 children for a wide variety of needs. For 20 years, I worked extensively with Level 3 foster children, mostly teens. I also served as a prison chaplain so am familiar with criminal justice issues and addictions. Because of the diversity of my experience, I can generally relate to most clients.
If life feels overwhelming or perhaps feels like you are in emotional pain and are having trouble coping, I meet clients where they are at in their struggles and help them to unpack their emotions and offer strategies for increased resilliancy. I practice from a strength and client-centred approach. I have worked with children and youth for over 8 years and apply this knowledge in my clinical work with children youth and families. Being a father myself, I can relate to some of the hardships that families endure and stand beside my clients to offer support and validation.
If life feels overwhelming or perhaps feels like you are in emotional pain and are having trouble coping, I meet clients where they are at in their struggles and help them to unpack their emotions and offer strategies for increased resilliancy. I practice from a strength and client-centred approach. I have worked with children and youth for over 8 years and apply this knowledge in my clinical work with children youth and families. Being a father myself, I can relate to some of the hardships that families endure and stand beside my clients to offer support and validation.
Hi, my name is Amrit. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor. I use a motivational, Cognitive Behavioural, goal-setting approach. In other words, I work with my clients by guiding and helping them gain confidence and new ways of thinking that will enable them to find their strengths and achieve their goals. My counselling services are fully confidential, non-judgmental, and safe for all clients ranging from youth to elderly, female and male. Sessions empathize with client accomplishments, self-care, and mindfulness.
Hi, my name is Amrit. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor. I use a motivational, Cognitive Behavioural, goal-setting approach. In other words, I work with my clients by guiding and helping them gain confidence and new ways of thinking that will enable them to find their strengths and achieve their goals. My counselling services are fully confidential, non-judgmental, and safe for all clients ranging from youth to elderly, female and male. Sessions empathize with client accomplishments, self-care, and mindfulness.
Jalene Davies Counselling & Consulting
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Abbotsford, BC V2S
People come to a place in their lives where they have been wounded in their relationships or experiences. Everyone has their story that has caused them to be in the place they are currently. And sometimes parts of our story interfere with us being able to move forward. We may find ourselves irritable, cranky, depressed, snappy, sarcastic, anxious, defensive, sensitive and protective. All of which are coping strategies for the hurt that has been suffered. These coping stances interfere with connections which is opposite of what we are longing for. All of us our craving to be in relationship.
People come to a place in their lives where they have been wounded in their relationships or experiences. Everyone has their story that has caused them to be in the place they are currently. And sometimes parts of our story interfere with us being able to move forward. We may find ourselves irritable, cranky, depressed, snappy, sarcastic, anxious, defensive, sensitive and protective. All of which are coping strategies for the hurt that has been suffered. These coping stances interfere with connections which is opposite of what we are longing for. All of us our craving to be in relationship.
Life can feel overwhelming when you're juggling multiple roles as a parent, a professional, or simply trying to manage personal challenges. Whether you’re a parent facing the pressures of raising children, a woman feeling the weight of expectations, or a healthcare professional dealing with burnout, the stress can take its toll. You may be struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, or the need to find balance in a demanding life. I work with parents, women, and healthcare professionals who want to feel supported, reduce stress, and create a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Life can feel overwhelming when you're juggling multiple roles as a parent, a professional, or simply trying to manage personal challenges. Whether you’re a parent facing the pressures of raising children, a woman feeling the weight of expectations, or a healthcare professional dealing with burnout, the stress can take its toll. You may be struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, or the need to find balance in a demanding life. I work with parents, women, and healthcare professionals who want to feel supported, reduce stress, and create a healthier, more fulfilling life.
I can share with you that even before my training as a social worker, I knew working with children, young people, and families of all designs, brought me joy. Whether this joy came from my early days as a camp counsellor, as a recreation support worker, or from my paid social work employment in supporting families, or working with young people struggling with substance use, or in supporting young people in their challenges with autism, my practice focus has always been in working alongside others to feel less alone, to feel heard, to feel seen.
I can share with you that even before my training as a social worker, I knew working with children, young people, and families of all designs, brought me joy. Whether this joy came from my early days as a camp counsellor, as a recreation support worker, or from my paid social work employment in supporting families, or working with young people struggling with substance use, or in supporting young people in their challenges with autism, my practice focus has always been in working alongside others to feel less alone, to feel heard, to feel seen.
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Play Therapy Counsellors
Who is play therapy for?
Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioural difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.
Why do people need play therapy?
Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behaviour and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.
What happens in play therapy?
A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.
What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?
Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.
How long does play therapy last?
Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behaviour.