Play Therapy in Gibsons, BC
Sarah Joseph
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Gibsons, BC V0N (Online Only)
Hi, I'm Sarah. I enjoy working with couples and parents. I provide practical tools to clients that will help them reduce conflict and misbehaviour while strengthening connection. My goal is to provide tangible, practical tools to busy families and couples that can make a real difference in their day-to-day lives. I am a registered social worker, with a Masters in Social Work with post graduate studies in treating trauma, a Positive Discipline Trainer and Author.
Hi, I'm Sarah. I enjoy working with couples and parents. I provide practical tools to clients that will help them reduce conflict and misbehaviour while strengthening connection. My goal is to provide tangible, practical tools to busy families and couples that can make a real difference in their day-to-day lives. I am a registered social worker, with a Masters in Social Work with post graduate studies in treating trauma, a Positive Discipline Trainer and Author.
Welcome, and thanks for checking out my profile. I'm a Registered Clinical Counsellor working in Vancouver and on the Sunshine Coast. I work with my clients toward identifying and demystifying some of the more persistent problems that stand in the way of waking up each day feeling happy and hopeful about life. I believe we all have the capacity for change and that each of us can work with the challenges we have, no matter how difficult they are. Whether you're feeling just a little stuck or completely overwhelmed, I will work with you to help you shift perspective and create positive and lasting changes.
Welcome, and thanks for checking out my profile. I'm a Registered Clinical Counsellor working in Vancouver and on the Sunshine Coast. I work with my clients toward identifying and demystifying some of the more persistent problems that stand in the way of waking up each day feeling happy and hopeful about life. I believe we all have the capacity for change and that each of us can work with the challenges we have, no matter how difficult they are. Whether you're feeling just a little stuck or completely overwhelmed, I will work with you to help you shift perspective and create positive and lasting changes.
I believe that each person and family is unique and deserves a unique approach to therapy. My practice is primarily informed by cognitive behavioral therapy (including mindfulness and acceptance, and commitment), as well as dialectical behavioral, interpersonal, and solution-focused therapy. I am a registered social worker with the BC College of Social Workers, and received my Master of Social Work from the University of British Columbia, as well as an undergraduate degree in Psychology.
I believe that each person and family is unique and deserves a unique approach to therapy. My practice is primarily informed by cognitive behavioral therapy (including mindfulness and acceptance, and commitment), as well as dialectical behavioral, interpersonal, and solution-focused therapy. I am a registered social worker with the BC College of Social Workers, and received my Master of Social Work from the University of British Columbia, as well as an undergraduate degree in Psychology.
Tidal Art Therapy & Counselling (Heather Bergh)
Counsellor, MA, CCC
Verified Verified
Gibsons, BC V0N
Not accepting new clients
Everyone sails through their own rough seas. Whether you, your child or family have been battling waves for some time, or a rogue wave has hit unexpectedly, I’m glad you’ve found your way here. I believe that everyone has within them the ability and potential to change their own lives for the better. When you are feeling lost, having the courage to be creative can provide a new perspective.
Everyone sails through their own rough seas. Whether you, your child or family have been battling waves for some time, or a rogue wave has hit unexpectedly, I’m glad you’ve found your way here. I believe that everyone has within them the ability and potential to change their own lives for the better. When you are feeling lost, having the courage to be creative can provide a new perspective.
Laura provides her clients the opportunity to explore personal problems and potentials, resolve conflicts, and facilitate self awareness and understanding. Laura’s view of healing is holistic, paying attention to not only what is said but how the body responds. Through a mindfulness based approach, Laura creates space and opportunity for clients to explore and connect to their inner needs while providing a safe space for these needs to be expressed. This approach allows mind/body integration. Through this process, clients begin to experience clarity, balance and rest.
Laura provides her clients the opportunity to explore personal problems and potentials, resolve conflicts, and facilitate self awareness and understanding. Laura’s view of healing is holistic, paying attention to not only what is said but how the body responds. Through a mindfulness based approach, Laura creates space and opportunity for clients to explore and connect to their inner needs while providing a safe space for these needs to be expressed. This approach allows mind/body integration. Through this process, clients begin to experience clarity, balance and rest.
Reaching out for support can be a scary and overwhelming process, having a supportive therapeutic relationship can help ease that burden. I believe in a collaborative approach to assist you in living a life in line with your true self. I work with clients facing a range of issues looking for a safe environment to find balance and purpose. I bring my real self into our shared space and work with you to cultivate compassion and understanding.
Reaching out for support can be a scary and overwhelming process, having a supportive therapeutic relationship can help ease that burden. I believe in a collaborative approach to assist you in living a life in line with your true self. I work with clients facing a range of issues looking for a safe environment to find balance and purpose. I bring my real self into our shared space and work with you to cultivate compassion and understanding.
More Therapists Nearby
I use play, attachment and somatic modalities to create a holistic environment for growth.
Are you concerned about your child's mental health or well-being? Do you feel like your family is struggling to connect or communicate effectively? If so, you're not alone. Raising children and youth can be challenging, especially in today's fast-paced and complex world. That's where I come in. As a therapist, my goal is to help children, youth and families connect with the healing power of nature, build resilience, and find joy and meaning in their lives. Whether your child is struggling with a mental health issue or simply needs extra support during a difficult time, I can help.
I use play, attachment and somatic modalities to create a holistic environment for growth.
Are you concerned about your child's mental health or well-being? Do you feel like your family is struggling to connect or communicate effectively? If so, you're not alone. Raising children and youth can be challenging, especially in today's fast-paced and complex world. That's where I come in. As a therapist, my goal is to help children, youth and families connect with the healing power of nature, build resilience, and find joy and meaning in their lives. Whether your child is struggling with a mental health issue or simply needs extra support during a difficult time, I can help.
New Clients Welcome! I work with individuals, couples and families who are struggling with their emotions (guilt/shame, anger, depression, PTSD & anxiety). When we identify the deeper wounds, we can move towards healing. I help clients to become emotionally resilient using therapy to grow, emerge stronger and more peaceful. My approach includes trauma-informed CBT, DBT, EFT, somatic and mindfulness-based therapies. I encourage self love and compassion. “Love has the intense ability to heal the wounds from the blows that life gives us.” Sue Johnson
New Clients Welcome! I work with individuals, couples and families who are struggling with their emotions (guilt/shame, anger, depression, PTSD & anxiety). When we identify the deeper wounds, we can move towards healing. I help clients to become emotionally resilient using therapy to grow, emerge stronger and more peaceful. My approach includes trauma-informed CBT, DBT, EFT, somatic and mindfulness-based therapies. I encourage self love and compassion. “Love has the intense ability to heal the wounds from the blows that life gives us.” Sue Johnson
My goodness mental health and relationship challenges can be wild, and you don't need to navigate them alone. Whether this is for yourself, family, dependent, or relationship, I am deeply passionate about mental health and certain positive change can occur together. While therapy can seem nebulous, I believe in demystifying the counselling process, using evidence-based best practices, and empowering you through education and insights to address the roots of your concerns.
My goodness mental health and relationship challenges can be wild, and you don't need to navigate them alone. Whether this is for yourself, family, dependent, or relationship, I am deeply passionate about mental health and certain positive change can occur together. While therapy can seem nebulous, I believe in demystifying the counselling process, using evidence-based best practices, and empowering you through education and insights to address the roots of your concerns.
Healing Waves Counselling
Counsellor, MC, RCC, ACCT, CCPA, CPTA
Verified Verified
Britannia Beach, BC V0N
Healing Waves Counselling was created to provide people with a different type of healing experience. We live in such a fast-paced society where we are constantly striving to compete, do better, and make more money that we forget to be present. We want people to be able to work through their trauma and have them feel comfortable in their own skin, to reconnect people with themselves, reconnect with nature and the earth. Reconnecting to the environment and our surroundings can be so healing and grounding. We are here to walk with the client side by side on their journey. They are the experts of their own
Healing Waves Counselling was created to provide people with a different type of healing experience. We live in such a fast-paced society where we are constantly striving to compete, do better, and make more money that we forget to be present. We want people to be able to work through their trauma and have them feel comfortable in their own skin, to reconnect people with themselves, reconnect with nature and the earth. Reconnecting to the environment and our surroundings can be so healing and grounding. We are here to walk with the client side by side on their journey. They are the experts of their own
Online Therapists
I am a RCC who specializes in working with children, youth and families to achieve balance, harmony and connection to self through various play modalities. I am an Advanced Neuroscience in the Sand Tray therapist (NSST), who trained with Madeleine DeLittle in Fort Langley. I also have training in Synergetic Play Therapy (SPT) and Observed Experiential Integration (OEI), born out of EMDR to help those with PTSD, or traumatic experiences. I work from an attachment lens, built on family systems, mindfulness & person cantered approach. I attune to each individual clients needs to help them deepen their healing experience.
I am a RCC who specializes in working with children, youth and families to achieve balance, harmony and connection to self through various play modalities. I am an Advanced Neuroscience in the Sand Tray therapist (NSST), who trained with Madeleine DeLittle in Fort Langley. I also have training in Synergetic Play Therapy (SPT) and Observed Experiential Integration (OEI), born out of EMDR to help those with PTSD, or traumatic experiences. I work from an attachment lens, built on family systems, mindfulness & person cantered approach. I attune to each individual clients needs to help them deepen their healing experience.
Strong Ties - Child & Family Services
Counsellor, MA, RCC, ACS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Coquitlam, BC V3B
With children we use play and expressive therapy; our play room has a variety of toys, games, and art material that kids enjoy.
Are you a parent worried that your child might be struggling? Are you considering that your teen might need extra support? Are you a parent in the midst of family changes who needs extra tools to support your kids? We got you. Strong Ties – Child & Family Services is a specialized counselling clinic that focuses on helping children, adolescents and families. Some of the issues we focus on include behavioural issues, anxiety, depression, ADHD, ODD, anger, trauma, relationship/school issues, and separation/divorce.
With children we use play and expressive therapy; our play room has a variety of toys, games, and art material that kids enjoy.
Are you a parent worried that your child might be struggling? Are you considering that your teen might need extra support? Are you a parent in the midst of family changes who needs extra tools to support your kids? We got you. Strong Ties – Child & Family Services is a specialized counselling clinic that focuses on helping children, adolescents and families. Some of the issues we focus on include behavioural issues, anxiety, depression, ADHD, ODD, anger, trauma, relationship/school issues, and separation/divorce.
For teens and younger clients, I utilize expressive mediums, nature, and play-based methods to facilitate emotional expression and connection.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by stress, trauma, or parenting? Do you find yourself struggling with emotional challenges or are you seeking support for your child or teen who is struggling? I’m a Registered Counsellor specializing in a holistic approach that integrates mindfulness, compassion & trauma-informed care to support individuals, teens, children & families on their journey to healing and growth. At the heart of my practice is a commitment to mindfulness and compassion. This helps clients explore their struggles with curiosity and kindness while enhancing self-awareness, reducing stress, and building emotional resilience.
For teens and younger clients, I utilize expressive mediums, nature, and play-based methods to facilitate emotional expression and connection.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by stress, trauma, or parenting? Do you find yourself struggling with emotional challenges or are you seeking support for your child or teen who is struggling? I’m a Registered Counsellor specializing in a holistic approach that integrates mindfulness, compassion & trauma-informed care to support individuals, teens, children & families on their journey to healing and growth. At the heart of my practice is a commitment to mindfulness and compassion. This helps clients explore their struggles with curiosity and kindness while enhancing self-awareness, reducing stress, and building emotional resilience.
Her approaches are integrated and are based on Person-centred Theory, Attachment Theory, and Family Systemic Theory, and are merged with Emotion Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
May is a registered clinical counsellor under BCACC. She is an individual, couples, and family therapist. She has rich experience in helping children, youth, and family. May is dedicated to helping parents find ways to navigate the challenges of raising their children. She has a skill for observing family dynamics which can help to strengthen the relationships children, teenagers, and young adults have with their parents as well as help them to release their stress and overcome the challenges they are struggling with.
Her approaches are integrated and are based on Person-centred Theory, Attachment Theory, and Family Systemic Theory, and are merged with Emotion Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
May is a registered clinical counsellor under BCACC. She is an individual, couples, and family therapist. She has rich experience in helping children, youth, and family. May is dedicated to helping parents find ways to navigate the challenges of raising their children. She has a skill for observing family dynamics which can help to strengthen the relationships children, teenagers, and young adults have with their parents as well as help them to release their stress and overcome the challenges they are struggling with.
Besides being a Registered Clinical Counsellor, I have experience and training in Play Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, and am a Registered Art Therapist.
Ridge Meadows Counselling works with children, youth, and parents on issues including anxiety, anger management, depression and behaviour or emotional issues. I have worked with families for over 25 years, and as a mother of four girls, I understand the struggles of family life, of dealing with different personalities, needs, and the constant struggles that can occur. Ridge Meadows Counselling helps parents and children navigate through the tough childhood years, helps adolescence and young adults through their difficult times, and help people renew their sense of hope.
Besides being a Registered Clinical Counsellor, I have experience and training in Play Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, and am a Registered Art Therapist.
Ridge Meadows Counselling works with children, youth, and parents on issues including anxiety, anger management, depression and behaviour or emotional issues. I have worked with families for over 25 years, and as a mother of four girls, I understand the struggles of family life, of dealing with different personalities, needs, and the constant struggles that can occur. Ridge Meadows Counselling helps parents and children navigate through the tough childhood years, helps adolescence and young adults through their difficult times, and help people renew their sense of hope.
Paola Zorrilla Steenbock
Licensed Professional Counsellor, RCC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
West Vancouver, BC V7V
Waitlist for new clients
Using creative methods like art, movement, and play therapy, I explore challenges from new perspectives.
Currently only accepting child clients. In therapy, I strive for a safe, judgment-free space to explore your needs and values. I support kids (<12) and their parents navigating neurodiversity, big or overwhelming emotions, coping, and self-care—essential amid a neurotypical-centric world. Collaboratively, using conversation, art, play, or somatic methods, we explore how to meet your needs. Together, we navigate an often isolating, unaccommodating world to understand how it influences your experiences, relationships, and environments. We aim to understand cultural norms, rewriting expectations to align with your unmasked self.
Using creative methods like art, movement, and play therapy, I explore challenges from new perspectives.
Currently only accepting child clients. In therapy, I strive for a safe, judgment-free space to explore your needs and values. I support kids (<12) and their parents navigating neurodiversity, big or overwhelming emotions, coping, and self-care—essential amid a neurotypical-centric world. Collaboratively, using conversation, art, play, or somatic methods, we explore how to meet your needs. Together, we navigate an often isolating, unaccommodating world to understand how it influences your experiences, relationships, and environments. We aim to understand cultural norms, rewriting expectations to align with your unmasked self.
She offers expertise in child and adolescent mental health, family therapy, individual counselling, art/play therapy, separation and divorce, collaborative divorce, and psychological/diagnostic assessment.
Dr. Lisa Ferrari is a registered clinical psychologist who has been providing psychological services and counselling for over 18 years. In addition to her private practice, she has worked in clinical settings such as child and youth mental health, and child and family counselling centres. Dr. Ferrari has also held positions as an Adjunct Faculty member position at the Adler School for Professional Psychology and Clinical Supervisor for community child and family trauma counselling programs. She has also consulted with school personnel, on supporting children and youth with various behavioural, and emotional difficulties.
She offers expertise in child and adolescent mental health, family therapy, individual counselling, art/play therapy, separation and divorce, collaborative divorce, and psychological/diagnostic assessment.
Dr. Lisa Ferrari is a registered clinical psychologist who has been providing psychological services and counselling for over 18 years. In addition to her private practice, she has worked in clinical settings such as child and youth mental health, and child and family counselling centres. Dr. Ferrari has also held positions as an Adjunct Faculty member position at the Adler School for Professional Psychology and Clinical Supervisor for community child and family trauma counselling programs. She has also consulted with school personnel, on supporting children and youth with various behavioural, and emotional difficulties.
I will walk with you through it, as your therapeutic partner, and bring in play and humour as we work together.
I am a therapist who empowers you through meaningful care. I have been there- the struggle, the trauma, the trouble navigating difficult and overwhelming feelings, and the pain of not feeling like yourself or having much hope. I know that seeking therapy isn’t an easy step and I commend you for starting your journey by looking to therapy. I am here to support you in finding what is best for you to reach your goals. If you work with me I promise you a safe space where you can process difficult feelings, and work through triggers that are no longer serving you.
I will walk with you through it, as your therapeutic partner, and bring in play and humour as we work together.
I am a therapist who empowers you through meaningful care. I have been there- the struggle, the trauma, the trouble navigating difficult and overwhelming feelings, and the pain of not feeling like yourself or having much hope. I know that seeking therapy isn’t an easy step and I commend you for starting your journey by looking to therapy. I am here to support you in finding what is best for you to reach your goals. If you work with me I promise you a safe space where you can process difficult feelings, and work through triggers that are no longer serving you.
I offer diverse treatment modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Therapy (EMDR), Hypnotherapy, and Play Therapy for children.
I specialize in guiding individuals through various life challenges, helping adults, teenagers, children, and families find their way to psychological well-being. My expertise lies in treating a range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety (such as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.), behavioral problems, relational issues, and parenting challenges. I am also skilled in crisis management, providing support and guidance during times of acute distress.
I offer diverse treatment modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Therapy (EMDR), Hypnotherapy, and Play Therapy for children.
I specialize in guiding individuals through various life challenges, helping adults, teenagers, children, and families find their way to psychological well-being. My expertise lies in treating a range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety (such as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.), behavioral problems, relational issues, and parenting challenges. I am also skilled in crisis management, providing support and guidance during times of acute distress.
My practice is dedicated to supporting children ages 5 to 12 years of age who are experiencing difficulties associated with anxiety-related disorders and general anxious thoughts and feelings. I offer evidence-based practice and intervention using effective treatment modalities, such as Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, expressive therapy, and mindfulness, to address a number of challenges related to childhood anxiety. I utilize a child-centered approach to build balance and connection through a focus on a child's strengths, problem-solving, coping skills, and play.
My practice is dedicated to supporting children ages 5 to 12 years of age who are experiencing difficulties associated with anxiety-related disorders and general anxious thoughts and feelings. I offer evidence-based practice and intervention using effective treatment modalities, such as Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, expressive therapy, and mindfulness, to address a number of challenges related to childhood anxiety. I utilize a child-centered approach to build balance and connection through a focus on a child's strengths, problem-solving, coping skills, and play.
Seeking support on your journey to change, healing or self expansion? The Expressive Arts & I will put creativity at the heart of your therapeutic experience. I facilitate a safe container to enter into the imaginal: the spacious realm of images, story, sculpture, sound, metaphor, colour and free-play (to name a few). In art-making you can move away from everyday expectations & habitual responses into a new state of living your possibility & freedom. This felt sense of change - body, mind, soul - can profoundly impact your ability to reimagine present difficulties, learn new coping skills, ignite joy and expand your play range.
Seeking support on your journey to change, healing or self expansion? The Expressive Arts & I will put creativity at the heart of your therapeutic experience. I facilitate a safe container to enter into the imaginal: the spacious realm of images, story, sculpture, sound, metaphor, colour and free-play (to name a few). In art-making you can move away from everyday expectations & habitual responses into a new state of living your possibility & freedom. This felt sense of change - body, mind, soul - can profoundly impact your ability to reimagine present difficulties, learn new coping skills, ignite joy and expand your play range.
FASD Institute - Natascha Lawrence and Associates
Counsellor, MA, RCC, BCRPT
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V6H
Natascha Lawrence (she/her/hers pronouns) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, BC Registered Play Therapist, and Certified Synergetic Play Therapist Supervisor. Natascha is a multiracial POC and first generation Canadian. Natascha specializes in working with children, youth, and adults with neurodiversity such as FASD, ASD, and ADHD. Natascha also specializes in supporting folx who have experiences complex trauma. With over 15 years of experience, Natascha has experience working with folx across different modalities. More importantly, Natascha is a caregiver to an amazing child diagnosed with FASD.
Natascha Lawrence (she/her/hers pronouns) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, BC Registered Play Therapist, and Certified Synergetic Play Therapist Supervisor. Natascha is a multiracial POC and first generation Canadian. Natascha specializes in working with children, youth, and adults with neurodiversity such as FASD, ASD, and ADHD. Natascha also specializes in supporting folx who have experiences complex trauma. With over 15 years of experience, Natascha has experience working with folx across different modalities. More importantly, Natascha is a caregiver to an amazing child diagnosed with FASD.
She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) and Synergetic Play Therapy (SPT) along with CBT and DBT.
Caitlin views counselling as a collaborative journey of support, growth, and transformation. She believes in the innate strength and resilience that human beings possess to grow, heal, and overcome adversity. She supports individual adults, children, youth, parents/caregivers, first-responders, and families to heal from traumatic experiences through trauma therapy. She supports all ages process grief and loss, mental health/psychiatric distress, childhood/family of origin violence, and relational challenges of abandonment/neglect. She is honoured to offer in-person sessions in Squamish, B.C., as well as online and phone sessions.
She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) and Synergetic Play Therapy (SPT) along with CBT and DBT.
Caitlin views counselling as a collaborative journey of support, growth, and transformation. She believes in the innate strength and resilience that human beings possess to grow, heal, and overcome adversity. She supports individual adults, children, youth, parents/caregivers, first-responders, and families to heal from traumatic experiences through trauma therapy. She supports all ages process grief and loss, mental health/psychiatric distress, childhood/family of origin violence, and relational challenges of abandonment/neglect. She is honoured to offer in-person sessions in Squamish, B.C., as well as online and phone sessions.
I invite you to grow and maintain happiness through a Solution Focused approach. In my 11 years of experience working with children and families, I focus on their existing strengths to help them build capacity for their desired change. This can be applied in many ways, including therapeutic intervention using arts, crafts, and techniques such as externalizing and storytelling as a medium to facilitate future thinking conversations. I specialise in play therapy, the management of anxiety, depression, divorce, and behavioural difficulties.
I invite you to grow and maintain happiness through a Solution Focused approach. In my 11 years of experience working with children and families, I focus on their existing strengths to help them build capacity for their desired change. This can be applied in many ways, including therapeutic intervention using arts, crafts, and techniques such as externalizing and storytelling as a medium to facilitate future thinking conversations. I specialise in play therapy, the management of anxiety, depression, divorce, and behavioural difficulties.
Candice Birch
Counsellor, MEd, RCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
North Vancouver, BC V7P
Waitlist for new clients
My nurturing, caring, and play-based approach builds a safe environment through which children and adolescents can share and express their emotions in a developmentally appropriate way.
I believe in the importance of a supportive and trusting therapeutic relationship. I have been an elementary school teacher for over ten years and have taught, coached, and counselled children of all ages. As a teacher, I enjoyed creating opportunities for learning and growth that also supported the emotional and psychological growth of my students. My passion for helping children in this capacity inspired a move from teaching to counselling. I counsel children, adolescents, and young adults from a client centered approach.
My nurturing, caring, and play-based approach builds a safe environment through which children and adolescents can share and express their emotions in a developmentally appropriate way.
I believe in the importance of a supportive and trusting therapeutic relationship. I have been an elementary school teacher for over ten years and have taught, coached, and counselled children of all ages. As a teacher, I enjoyed creating opportunities for learning and growth that also supported the emotional and psychological growth of my students. My passion for helping children in this capacity inspired a move from teaching to counselling. I counsel children, adolescents, and young adults from a client centered approach.
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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.