Play Therapy in Pitt Meadows, BC

Photo of Jashmesh Sidhu - Wellness North Counselling, MEd, RCC, Counsellor
Wellness North Counselling
Counsellor, MEd, RCC
Verified Verified
Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y
Do you struggle with Anxiety, ADHD, OCD or depression? Do you get overwhelmed easily? Have challenges with your child/ youth's behaviour? I understand South Asian family dynamics and interpersonal difficulties. As a BIPOC professional with more than a decade experience in the field, I help you find peace and solutions. I support families and children/youth using CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, play therapy, EFT and Family systems. I am trained to help neuro-diverse folks and with couples I use Gottman method to make their marriage fulfilling. I am also an approved clinical supervisor. After therapy with me, people leave feeling hopeful.
Do you struggle with Anxiety, ADHD, OCD or depression? Do you get overwhelmed easily? Have challenges with your child/ youth's behaviour? I understand South Asian family dynamics and interpersonal difficulties. As a BIPOC professional with more than a decade experience in the field, I help you find peace and solutions. I support families and children/youth using CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, play therapy, EFT and Family systems. I am trained to help neuro-diverse folks and with couples I use Gottman method to make their marriage fulfilling. I am also an approved clinical supervisor. After therapy with me, people leave feeling hopeful.
(506) 501-9363 View (506) 501-9363
Photo of Mary Stanwood, MA, BCAT-R, RCC, Counsellor
Mary Stanwood
Counsellor, MA, BCAT-R, RCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y
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.
(778) 655-4119 View (778) 655-4119
Photo of Michelle Popielarz, BA, MC, CCC, Counsellor
Michelle Popielarz
Counsellor, BA, MC, CCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y
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.
(825) 501-0386 View (825) 501-0386
Photo of Gisella La Madrid, MA, RCC, ACS, Counsellor
Gisella La Madrid
Counsellor, MA, RCC, ACS
Verified Verified
Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y
With children we use toys and games as play/art therapy has proven to be an effective way to help kids.
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, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD, ODD, anger, trauma, relationship/school issues, and separation/divorce.
With children we use toys and games as play/art therapy has proven to be an effective way to help kids.
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, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD, ODD, anger, trauma, relationship/school issues, and separation/divorce.
(604) 862-8763 View (604) 862-8763
Photo of Yasaman Madanikia - Expressions Counselling, MCPAT, RCC, Counsellor
Expressions Counselling
Counsellor, MCPAT, RCC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y
I am passionate about working with clients who have experienced traumatic events or adverse childhood experience. My clients often feel high levels of trauma related symptoms, anxiety or depression and they want relief from their negative emotions, flashbacks or nightmares. They need a safe relationship through which they get unconditional support and guidance towards their mental health goals. I also specialize in working with women who have experienced various adverse experiences including physical violence, emotional abuse or sexual assault.
I am passionate about working with clients who have experienced traumatic events or adverse childhood experience. My clients often feel high levels of trauma related symptoms, anxiety or depression and they want relief from their negative emotions, flashbacks or nightmares. They need a safe relationship through which they get unconditional support and guidance towards their mental health goals. I also specialize in working with women who have experienced various adverse experiences including physical violence, emotional abuse or sexual assault.
(778) 762-0230 View (778) 762-0230
Photo of Richard Tatomir - Resolve Trauma Collective-Richard Tatomir & Assoc., MA, CCC, Counsellor
Resolve Trauma Collective-Richard Tatomir & Assoc.
Counsellor, MA, CCC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y
Did you know that trauma is stored in the body but so are the mechanisms to heal it? We are a network of independent trauma therapists specializing in body-oriented approaches that get to the root of your complex trauma to help you understand and Resolve it so you can live life to your full potential. Whether your trauma is from an accident, childhood, relationships, or even religious, racial, or sexual - or you are unsure, but are suffering nonetheless - we have a diverse team with lived and professional experience. Our founder, Richard Tatomir provides supervision and coaching of therapists, executives, and other leaders.
Did you know that trauma is stored in the body but so are the mechanisms to heal it? We are a network of independent trauma therapists specializing in body-oriented approaches that get to the root of your complex trauma to help you understand and Resolve it so you can live life to your full potential. Whether your trauma is from an accident, childhood, relationships, or even religious, racial, or sexual - or you are unsure, but are suffering nonetheless - we have a diverse team with lived and professional experience. Our founder, Richard Tatomir provides supervision and coaching of therapists, executives, and other leaders.
Photo of Diviam Gounden, MA, RCC, Counsellor
Diviam Gounden
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y
Enlighten Counselling & Psychotherapy was formed to provide counselling services to anyone needing assistance in various aspects of life. These include transitional life experiences, mental health issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, etc., and/or help addressing issues of stress, self-esteem, peer pressure, social isolation etc. The focus is you, the client. Your needs are important. I work collaboratively with you to find ways to overcome your concerns and reach your goals.
Enlighten Counselling & Psychotherapy was formed to provide counselling services to anyone needing assistance in various aspects of life. These include transitional life experiences, mental health issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, etc., and/or help addressing issues of stress, self-esteem, peer pressure, social isolation etc. The focus is you, the client. Your needs are important. I work collaboratively with you to find ways to overcome your concerns and reach your goals.
(604) 409-8486 View (604) 409-8486
Photo of Sam Fattahi, MSc, RCC, Counsellor
Sam Fattahi
Counsellor, MSc, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y
With over 10 years of professional experience, I have had the privilege of assisting individuals, couples, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds who have encountered trauma-related challenges resulting in conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and grief. My specialization lies in employing an integrative approach to ensure that every client receives personalized and empathetic care. As a trauma-informed counselor, I firmly believe in the unique strengths and narratives that each individual carries, recognizing the intrinsic value of their life journey in shaping their present circumstances.
With over 10 years of professional experience, I have had the privilege of assisting individuals, couples, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds who have encountered trauma-related challenges resulting in conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and grief. My specialization lies in employing an integrative approach to ensure that every client receives personalized and empathetic care. As a trauma-informed counselor, I firmly believe in the unique strengths and narratives that each individual carries, recognizing the intrinsic value of their life journey in shaping their present circumstances.
(587) 847-3099 View (587) 847-3099
Photo of Jill Havelock, BA/BEd, MC, RCC, CCTP, Counsellor
Jill Havelock
Counsellor, BA/BEd, MC, RCC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y
I specialize in providing therapeutic support to adults, teens, and children (ages 3 and up), utilizing a range of approaches. In my practice, I embrace the concept of Wabi-Sabi, which celebrates the beauty of imperfection, impermanence, and the incomplete. This philosophy informs my therapeutic approach by encouraging clients to find acceptance and peace in the natural flow of life, recognizing that growth often comes through embracing life’s imperfections and uncertainties. This mindset fosters resilience and allows clients to appreciate their journey, with all its flaws and triumphs, as a beautiful and meaningful experience.
I specialize in providing therapeutic support to adults, teens, and children (ages 3 and up), utilizing a range of approaches. In my practice, I embrace the concept of Wabi-Sabi, which celebrates the beauty of imperfection, impermanence, and the incomplete. This philosophy informs my therapeutic approach by encouraging clients to find acceptance and peace in the natural flow of life, recognizing that growth often comes through embracing life’s imperfections and uncertainties. This mindset fosters resilience and allows clients to appreciate their journey, with all its flaws and triumphs, as a beautiful and meaningful experience.
(587) 801-4254 View (587) 801-4254
Photo of Jennifer McKinnon, MA, RCC, Counsellor
Jennifer McKinnon
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y
Take the first step today and start feeling better tomorrow! I have helped clients go from a feeling of hopelessness in there current situation to feeling empowered and capable of making change that moves them in a positive direction in life. My clients are of all ages, struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, anger, loss, abuse, stress, communication issues, parent/child conflict and life transitions. I specialize in working with clients who have have experienced trauma and difficulties coping. it is important to find someone you can trust and who has the necessary skills and experience to help you thrive in life.
Take the first step today and start feeling better tomorrow! I have helped clients go from a feeling of hopelessness in there current situation to feeling empowered and capable of making change that moves them in a positive direction in life. My clients are of all ages, struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, anger, loss, abuse, stress, communication issues, parent/child conflict and life transitions. I specialize in working with clients who have have experienced trauma and difficulties coping. it is important to find someone you can trust and who has the necessary skills and experience to help you thrive in life.
(604) 210-7315 View (604) 210-7315

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Tara Leana Marshall - Kindred Counselling, MC, RCC, Counsellor
Kindred Counselling
Counsellor, MC, RCC
Verified Verified
Port Moody, BC V3H
Kindred Counselling has an amazing play therapy room that children and youth love! We have multiple toys and art supplies for them to express themselves.
We exclusively use EMDR with all of our clients at every age. We are now offering EMDR Intensives which is an accelerated way to do multiple hours of EMDR in a short period of time. We are client-centred, trauma-informed practitioners and our goal in every session is to create a safe, supportive, accepting environment which allows our clients to be themselves. In this authentic and safe space real change can occur. We believe in the life-changing benefits of EMDR for all ages. We respect our client's unique backgrounds and stories and foster a collaborative relationship to better create meaningful therapeutic goals.
Kindred Counselling has an amazing play therapy room that children and youth love! We have multiple toys and art supplies for them to express themselves.
We exclusively use EMDR with all of our clients at every age. We are now offering EMDR Intensives which is an accelerated way to do multiple hours of EMDR in a short period of time. We are client-centred, trauma-informed practitioners and our goal in every session is to create a safe, supportive, accepting environment which allows our clients to be themselves. In this authentic and safe space real change can occur. We believe in the life-changing benefits of EMDR for all ages. We respect our client's unique backgrounds and stories and foster a collaborative relationship to better create meaningful therapeutic goals.
(548) 800-4390 View (548) 800-4390
Photo of Laura Abraham, BA, MA, RCC, Counsellor
Laura Abraham
Counsellor, BA, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Langley, BC V1M
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.
(604) 256-5531 View (604) 256-5531
Photo of Ryan Mymko, MA, RCC, Counsellor
Ryan Mymko
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Port Moody, BC V3H
At Stellar Counselling, we offer play therapy, expressive arts, and acceptance and commitment therapy for kids tailored specifically to the unique needs of your child.
Is your child struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or autism that is affecting their behaviour, causing challenges at school, or impacting their motivation? As a parent, this can feel feel overwhelming. Whether your child has been dealing with these issues for sometime or they are recently diagnosed, I am here to help your child work through their feelings and emotions and develop new strategies on how to manage those feelings. By working together with you, the parent, I will offer strategies that you will be able to take home to help your child make the changes we work on in our sessions.
At Stellar Counselling, we offer play therapy, expressive arts, and acceptance and commitment therapy for kids tailored specifically to the unique needs of your child.
Is your child struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or autism that is affecting their behaviour, causing challenges at school, or impacting their motivation? As a parent, this can feel feel overwhelming. Whether your child has been dealing with these issues for sometime or they are recently diagnosed, I am here to help your child work through their feelings and emotions and develop new strategies on how to manage those feelings. By working together with you, the parent, I will offer strategies that you will be able to take home to help your child make the changes we work on in our sessions.
(778) 718-5740 View (778) 718-5740
Photo of Kurina Plaha - Healing Hearts Therapy, RPC-c, Counsellor
Kurina Plaha - Healing Hearts Therapy
Counsellor, RPC-c
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Coquitlam, BC V3B
Play and Expressive Therapy, along with talk therapy for youth, are used to assist your child in dealing with life's challenges by promoting self-awareness and autonomy.
Is your child facing challenges, leaving you in search of solutions? Together, we can uncover ways to ease their struggles and equip both them and you with the tools needed to move forward. Whether it's managing anxiety, addressing self-esteem issues, or dealing with anger outbursts, it's essential to remember that every behaviour serves a purpose. By exploring the underlying reasons behind your child's actions, we can collaborate to reduce their distress and foster growth. My mission is to empower children and youth to navigate life's challenges effectively, fostering confidence and self-trust along the way.
Play and Expressive Therapy, along with talk therapy for youth, are used to assist your child in dealing with life's challenges by promoting self-awareness and autonomy.
Is your child facing challenges, leaving you in search of solutions? Together, we can uncover ways to ease their struggles and equip both them and you with the tools needed to move forward. Whether it's managing anxiety, addressing self-esteem issues, or dealing with anger outbursts, it's essential to remember that every behaviour serves a purpose. By exploring the underlying reasons behind your child's actions, we can collaborate to reduce their distress and foster growth. My mission is to empower children and youth to navigate life's challenges effectively, fostering confidence and self-trust along the way.
(431) 306-2500 View (431) 306-2500
Photo of Gisella La Madrid - Strong Ties - Child & Family Services, MA, RCC, ACS, Counsellor
Strong Ties - Child & Family Services
Counsellor, MA, RCC, ACS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Langley, BC V2Y
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.
(604) 862-8763 View (604) 862-8763
Photo of Ivania Redpath - Liv Therapy Services, RCC, Counsellor
Liv Therapy Services
Counsellor, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Surrey, BC V4N
Some include EMDR, EFT, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy and the use of Sand tray.
My clients come from diverse backgrounds and live with anxiety, depression, trauma, mental health disorders, and attachment dysregulation. I work both virtually and in person with adults, youth, and children. During our sessions we work at regulating symptoms, increase a sense of control, and develop an increased understanding of your internal systems. For children clients, some are in a preverbal stage of development and it may be difficult to name or express their inner feelings. Play and Sand tray therapy offers an alternative to talking in which I use both directive and non directive approaches.
Some include EMDR, EFT, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy and the use of Sand tray.
My clients come from diverse backgrounds and live with anxiety, depression, trauma, mental health disorders, and attachment dysregulation. I work both virtually and in person with adults, youth, and children. During our sessions we work at regulating symptoms, increase a sense of control, and develop an increased understanding of your internal systems. For children clients, some are in a preverbal stage of development and it may be difficult to name or express their inner feelings. Play and Sand tray therapy offers an alternative to talking in which I use both directive and non directive approaches.
(807) 797-1139 View (807) 797-1139
Photo of Desiree D'Silva, MEd , RCC, CCC, Counsellor
Desiree D'Silva
Counsellor, MEd , RCC, CCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Langley, BC V2Y
I also offer Play Therapy for children and youth to allow them to express what may be impacting them in their day to day lives.
I am a Registered Clinical Counselor practicing EMDR, CBT and Play Therapy. I work with children, youth and adults. I have experience working with clients struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship difficulties. I work with you to identify the roots of the symptoms you are currently experiencing and make a plan for strategies that may be helpful for you. I strive to better understand your emotions and experiences so I can offer you strategies which may be beneficial for your unique situation. I offer a free consultation.
I also offer Play Therapy for children and youth to allow them to express what may be impacting them in their day to day lives.
I am a Registered Clinical Counselor practicing EMDR, CBT and Play Therapy. I work with children, youth and adults. I have experience working with clients struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship difficulties. I work with you to identify the roots of the symptoms you are currently experiencing and make a plan for strategies that may be helpful for you. I strive to better understand your emotions and experiences so I can offer you strategies which may be beneficial for your unique situation. I offer a free consultation.
(604) 359-5856 View (604) 359-5856
Bella Chan
Counsellor, MC, RCC
Verified Verified
Port Moody, BC V3H
Being a Chinese-Canadian myself I am particularly sensitive to cultural issues that may play a part in one's adjustment to a new environment.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 20 years of experience offering individual, couple and family therapy in Burnaby and the Tri-Cities. I believe therapy can be very helpful for individuals who want to move beyond their challenges and are willing to make changes to improve their quality of life. In therapy people may learn new skills, expand their coping strategies and increase self-understanding. By doing so they can enhance their functioning, develop more satisfying relationships and a more meaningful life.
Being a Chinese-Canadian myself I am particularly sensitive to cultural issues that may play a part in one's adjustment to a new environment.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 20 years of experience offering individual, couple and family therapy in Burnaby and the Tri-Cities. I believe therapy can be very helpful for individuals who want to move beyond their challenges and are willing to make changes to improve their quality of life. In therapy people may learn new skills, expand their coping strategies and increase self-understanding. By doing so they can enhance their functioning, develop more satisfying relationships and a more meaningful life.
(778) 764-1142 View (778) 764-1142
Photo of Nisha Ranjtisingh Sangwan, Phd ,  , MACP, RCC, Counsellor
Nisha Ranjtisingh Sangwan
Counsellor, Phd , , MACP, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Langley, BC V2Y
I use different modalities like CBT-Trauma lens, DBT, EFT (tapping techniques), Brain Spotting, and play therapy.
Mental health issues, especially traumatic experiences and major life stressors can significantly impact our daily lives, and make us feel disconnected from ourselves, our loved ones, and other important aspects of our lives. I believe that building such connections is the key to healing. Hence, my work focuses on helping my clients build healthier perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships. I am here for you with empathy and compassion. I am here to listen to you and together we will explore what happened.
I use different modalities like CBT-Trauma lens, DBT, EFT (tapping techniques), Brain Spotting, and play therapy.
Mental health issues, especially traumatic experiences and major life stressors can significantly impact our daily lives, and make us feel disconnected from ourselves, our loved ones, and other important aspects of our lives. I believe that building such connections is the key to healing. Hence, my work focuses on helping my clients build healthier perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships. I am here for you with empathy and compassion. I am here to listen to you and together we will explore what happened.
(604) 532-5340 View (604) 532-5340
Photo of Brandi Woods, BA, Counsellor
Brandi Woods
Counsellor, BA
Verified Verified
Surrey, BC V4N
I whole-heartedly trust that every individual has the innate ability to heal when met with genuine support in a safe, empathetic, and collaborative environment. Through a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive approach my hope is to walk alongside you on your wellness journey. My ambition is to foster a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust and authenticity to help support you in achieving your unique therapeutic goals. My approach is holistic, person centered, and strengths based. I draw on evidence-based techniques from emotion-focussed, mindfulness, and play therapies.
I whole-heartedly trust that every individual has the innate ability to heal when met with genuine support in a safe, empathetic, and collaborative environment. Through a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive approach my hope is to walk alongside you on your wellness journey. My ambition is to foster a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust and authenticity to help support you in achieving your unique therapeutic goals. My approach is holistic, person centered, and strengths based. I draw on evidence-based techniques from emotion-focussed, mindfulness, and play therapies.
(365) 536-2679 View (365) 536-2679

See more therapy options for Pitt Meadows

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.