Play Therapy in Surrey, BC
I provide Play and Sand Tray Therapy for children 13 and under. Children express their worries, fears, and confusion in a variety of behaviors from aggression to withdrawal. With their still rapidly developing brains and language centers, children don't yet have the capacity to accurately express themselves through words. That doesn't mean that they aren't communicating! They are constantly "talking" to us through their behaviors and actions. The challenge for the caring adults in their lives is to unravel what they are trying to say through their behavior.
I provide Play and Sand Tray Therapy for children 13 and under. Children express their worries, fears, and confusion in a variety of behaviors from aggression to withdrawal. With their still rapidly developing brains and language centers, children don't yet have the capacity to accurately express themselves through words. That doesn't mean that they aren't communicating! They are constantly "talking" to us through their behaviors and actions. The challenge for the caring adults in their lives is to unravel what they are trying to say through their behavior.
Play and Art Therapy is an effective tool for children and teens struggling with anxiety, depression, emotional adjustment issues, ADHD or Aspergers.
"Change is possible, and the right therapy will instill confidence, awaken insight, and nurture growth. Together we will help you discover and heal so that you can feel better and live the life and have the relationships you want." Are you dealing with Anxiety? Depression? Anger? Relationhsip Issues? Call me and discuss how I can help you find balance and happiness." 604 992-7220
Play and Art Therapy is an effective tool for children and teens struggling with anxiety, depression, emotional adjustment issues, ADHD or Aspergers.
"Change is possible, and the right therapy will instill confidence, awaken insight, and nurture growth. Together we will help you discover and heal so that you can feel better and live the life and have the relationships you want." Are you dealing with Anxiety? Depression? Anger? Relationhsip Issues? Call me and discuss how I can help you find balance and happiness." 604 992-7220
I have advanced training in Bereavement, Indigenous Focusing Therapy & Complex Trauma, Play Therapy, Burnout, Attachment Somatic Therapy, and Eating Disorder Prevention & Recovery.
I'm passionate about empowering individuals who have lived through traumatic experiences, are facing grief & loss, or struggling with a health crisis to reorient themselves towards a healing pathway & restore their resiliency! My counselling practice is informed by over 15 years of experience supporting patients in the health care system, & focuses on promoting nurturing, healing, & balancing practices. I offer a welcoming space for individuals who are feeling stuck or living with grief, trauma, eating disorders, transition, & chronic illness. I provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive, gender-affirming, queer-friendly care.
I have advanced training in Bereavement, Indigenous Focusing Therapy & Complex Trauma, Play Therapy, Burnout, Attachment Somatic Therapy, and Eating Disorder Prevention & Recovery.
I'm passionate about empowering individuals who have lived through traumatic experiences, are facing grief & loss, or struggling with a health crisis to reorient themselves towards a healing pathway & restore their resiliency! My counselling practice is informed by over 15 years of experience supporting patients in the health care system, & focuses on promoting nurturing, healing, & balancing practices. I offer a welcoming space for individuals who are feeling stuck or living with grief, trauma, eating disorders, transition, & chronic illness. I provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive, gender-affirming, queer-friendly care.
I primarily use Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Play Therapy when working with children.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#17576) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and an approved provider for the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP). I offer counselling in both English and Punjabi. I view all clients as resilient individuals who have the ability to recover and thrive from difficult life experiences. As a counsellor, my role is to help clients access their resilience and support them in achieving their unique goals.
I primarily use Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Play Therapy when working with children.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#17576) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and an approved provider for the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP). I offer counselling in both English and Punjabi. I view all clients as resilient individuals who have the ability to recover and thrive from difficult life experiences. As a counsellor, my role is to help clients access their resilience and support them in achieving their unique goals.
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.
My strategies and interventions are based in solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, child-centered play therapy, person-centered therapy, and structural family therapy to help individuals move towards positive change.
When supporting children, youth and families, I have a collaborative therapeutic approach. My goal is to strengthen the social, emotional, and behavioral relationships within oneself and the family system by providing a safe, trusting, nurturing, empathic and non-judgemental space to all individuals. I am mindful in my approach when working with diverse family systems. I work through a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed lens to support these individuals and their unique experiences.
My strategies and interventions are based in solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, child-centered play therapy, person-centered therapy, and structural family therapy to help individuals move towards positive change.
When supporting children, youth and families, I have a collaborative therapeutic approach. My goal is to strengthen the social, emotional, and behavioral relationships within oneself and the family system by providing a safe, trusting, nurturing, empathic and non-judgemental space to all individuals. I am mindful in my approach when working with diverse family systems. I work through a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed lens to support these individuals and their unique experiences.
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.
My office is an all inclusive and safe space for my clients and I care for the well being of all my clients using a collaborative and strength based approach. I often use a variety of approaches including ACT, CBT, DBT, EMDR, Mindfulness, and Play Therapy. In addition to working with children and youth, I also work vastly along with LGBTQ+, young adults, and adults whom present concerns of anxiety, depression, trauma, amid others.
My office is an all inclusive and safe space for my clients and I care for the well being of all my clients using a collaborative and strength based approach. I often use a variety of approaches including ACT, CBT, DBT, EMDR, Mindfulness, and Play Therapy. In addition to working with children and youth, I also work vastly along with LGBTQ+, young adults, and adults whom present concerns of anxiety, depression, trauma, amid others.
When working with children and teens, I incorporate play based strategies.
Are you feeling stuck? Therapy can help you move forward from what's keeping you stuck. I would love to work with you so that you can live the life that you desire. I work predominately with issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety/stress, self-esteem, anger, relationships, divorce, career dissatisfaction and grief/loss. My goal is to create a safe space which is respectful, insightful and supportive.
When working with children and teens, I incorporate play based strategies.
Are you feeling stuck? Therapy can help you move forward from what's keeping you stuck. I would love to work with you so that you can live the life that you desire. I work predominately with issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety/stress, self-esteem, anger, relationships, divorce, career dissatisfaction and grief/loss. My goal is to create a safe space which is respectful, insightful and supportive.
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.
I offer a combination of expressive arts therapy and play therapy to clients who are neurodiverse, have developmental challenges, have suffered trauma, loss, or who have complex family situations. I seek to attune to the client, providing support through empathic listening, whilst also offering a range of arts and play possibilities to explore. Change is possible as the client feels honoured in their unique way of being, whilst grounding and utilizing tools to express authentic aspects of themself. The client discovers resources within themselves that help them overcome obstacles and challenges.
I offer a combination of expressive arts therapy and play therapy to clients who are neurodiverse, have developmental challenges, have suffered trauma, loss, or who have complex family situations. I seek to attune to the client, providing support through empathic listening, whilst also offering a range of arts and play possibilities to explore. Change is possible as the client feels honoured in their unique way of being, whilst grounding and utilizing tools to express authentic aspects of themself. The client discovers resources within themselves that help them overcome obstacles and challenges.
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I have about 20 years of counselling experience in play therapy, parenting, marital discord, low self-esteem, trauma, self harm, and children, youth and adult mental health issues.
I am passionate and dedicated to providing psychotherapy from a systemic, holistic (bio-psycho-social-spiritual) and client-centered approach. I believe that you are the expert in yourself and my role is to support you in finding your own pathway of health. I am here to help you and your loved ones to live your lives to the fullest! I am also dedicated to support parents with ADHD kids and teens as I have 2 sons with ADHD too. I made a wonderful online ADHD Parenting course in Chinese and English for those who needs to know how to help their kids and teens to thrive.
I have about 20 years of counselling experience in play therapy, parenting, marital discord, low self-esteem, trauma, self harm, and children, youth and adult mental health issues.
I am passionate and dedicated to providing psychotherapy from a systemic, holistic (bio-psycho-social-spiritual) and client-centered approach. I believe that you are the expert in yourself and my role is to support you in finding your own pathway of health. I am here to help you and your loved ones to live your lives to the fullest! I am also dedicated to support parents with ADHD kids and teens as I have 2 sons with ADHD too. I made a wonderful online ADHD Parenting course in Chinese and English for those who needs to know how to help their kids and teens to thrive.
As a licensed professional counsellor, Lisa is trained in trauma-informed practice, child-centered play therapy, somatic therapy, person-centered, CBT, emotion focused and attachment theory. Through her studies she completed extensive research on children with learning disabilities and their families and provides guidance, coping skills, support and hope to these families. Along with families and children, Lisa works closely with individual adults with mental and emotional health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress as well as offering couples counselling.
As a licensed professional counsellor, Lisa is trained in trauma-informed practice, child-centered play therapy, somatic therapy, person-centered, CBT, emotion focused and attachment theory. Through her studies she completed extensive research on children with learning disabilities and their families and provides guidance, coping skills, support and hope to these families. Along with families and children, Lisa works closely with individual adults with mental and emotional health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress as well as offering couples counselling.
Mary Tuhkala Counselling And Play Therapy
Counsellor, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Surrey, BC V3S
I would love to connect and talk more about how play therapy can make a positive difference in your child's life.
Does your child struggle with expressing their emotions? Are they facing challenges that seem difficult to talk about? Are they struggling with confidence and self-esteem? My play therapy approach helps children navigate their emotions, behaviors, and challenges through the power of play. My playroom work is a gentle, effective way for children to communicate their thoughts and feelings in an age-appropriate way such as through toys, games, and creative activities.
I would love to connect and talk more about how play therapy can make a positive difference in your child's life.
Does your child struggle with expressing their emotions? Are they facing challenges that seem difficult to talk about? Are they struggling with confidence and self-esteem? My play therapy approach helps children navigate their emotions, behaviors, and challenges through the power of play. My playroom work is a gentle, effective way for children to communicate their thoughts and feelings in an age-appropriate way such as through toys, games, and creative activities.
Tamana Shahsamand Counselling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Surrey, BC V3R
My therapeutic approach is integrative, utilizing a combination of CBT, ACT, SFT, mindfulness, art and play therapy.
You may find yourself dealing with challenges that have altered the structure of your life, as you knew it before. When things around us change, we can sometimes feel overwhelmed by the unknown and not feel prepared to adjust to new realities. These factors can trigger different emotions making us feel stuck or not able to move forward. My area of focus is diverse and includes; anxiety, depression, addiction, low self-esteem, grief, loss, unexpected life changes, crises, relationship issues, difficult family dynamics, health challenges, work, and school stress. My aim remains steadfast in helping clients find healthy ways to cope.
My therapeutic approach is integrative, utilizing a combination of CBT, ACT, SFT, mindfulness, art and play therapy.
You may find yourself dealing with challenges that have altered the structure of your life, as you knew it before. When things around us change, we can sometimes feel overwhelmed by the unknown and not feel prepared to adjust to new realities. These factors can trigger different emotions making us feel stuck or not able to move forward. My area of focus is diverse and includes; anxiety, depression, addiction, low self-esteem, grief, loss, unexpected life changes, crises, relationship issues, difficult family dynamics, health challenges, work, and school stress. My aim remains steadfast in helping clients find healthy ways to cope.
Erin Miller Schumann
Counsellor, MCP-AT, RCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Surrey, BC V3X
Waitlist for new clients
My areas of expertise include trauma-informed care for those with neurodivergence, members of the LGBTQ+ community, gender and sexuality counselling, religious trauma, somatic body based counselling, and play therapy.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Counselling Art Therapist. I am CVAP and FNHA qualified. I believe that everyone should have access to holistic equity-based counselling. As such, I am passionate about creating a safe, respectful, and validating space for you to explore your mental health and lived experiences through traditional talk therapy with the option of art and the art making process. Sometimes words do not get our important thoughts and feelings quite right, and art can be a great way to explore what lies within. No art experience needed!
My areas of expertise include trauma-informed care for those with neurodivergence, members of the LGBTQ+ community, gender and sexuality counselling, religious trauma, somatic body based counselling, and play therapy.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Counselling Art Therapist. I am CVAP and FNHA qualified. I believe that everyone should have access to holistic equity-based counselling. As such, I am passionate about creating a safe, respectful, and validating space for you to explore your mental health and lived experiences through traditional talk therapy with the option of art and the art making process. Sometimes words do not get our important thoughts and feelings quite right, and art can be a great way to explore what lies within. No art experience needed!
For teens and younger clients, I utilize expressive mediums, nature, and play-based methods to facilitate emotional expression and connection.
Do you find yourself overwhelmed with stress, parenting & 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, parents & caregivers on their journey to healing and growth. At the heart of my practice is a commitment to client centred care, mindfulness and compassion. I help clients explore their struggles with curiosity and kindness while helping them enhance their self-awareness, reduce stress, and build emotional resilience.
For teens and younger clients, I utilize expressive mediums, nature, and play-based methods to facilitate emotional expression and connection.
Do you find yourself overwhelmed with stress, parenting & 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, parents & caregivers on their journey to healing and growth. At the heart of my practice is a commitment to client centred care, mindfulness and compassion. I help clients explore their struggles with curiosity and kindness while helping them enhance their self-awareness, reduce stress, and build emotional resilience.
As a trauma-informed clinical counsellor and play therapist, I am dedicated to helping children, youth, and families feel more connected and confident. I believe that individuals have an innate wisdom and creativity that guides their healing journey. Working with children, I draw from an integrative non-directive play therapy approach. Through art and play, children can freely process their experiences in a safe and non-judgemental environment. Working with youth, I integrate art, somatic, and talk-based therapies to help clients navigate social-emotional concerns, anxiety, depression, sexuality and gender concerns, and trauma.
As a trauma-informed clinical counsellor and play therapist, I am dedicated to helping children, youth, and families feel more connected and confident. I believe that individuals have an innate wisdom and creativity that guides their healing journey. Working with children, I draw from an integrative non-directive play therapy approach. Through art and play, children can freely process their experiences in a safe and non-judgemental environment. Working with youth, I integrate art, somatic, and talk-based therapies to help clients navigate social-emotional concerns, anxiety, depression, sexuality and gender concerns, and trauma.
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.
Nathalie Scott
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RCSW, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Surrey, BC V3T
As a registered play therapist, I specialize in supporting children and their parents improve emotion regulation, process traumatic experiences and learn new coping skills.
I offer child & adult psychotherapy for trauma, anxiety, grief and depression. I’m dedicated to helping you and your child thrive again. I also aim to strengthen family relationships along the way.
As a registered play therapist, I specialize in supporting children and their parents improve emotion regulation, process traumatic experiences and learn new coping skills.
I offer child & adult psychotherapy for trauma, anxiety, grief and depression. I’m dedicated to helping you and your child thrive again. I also aim to strengthen family relationships along the way.
See more therapy options for Surrey
Nearby Play Therapy Counsellors Searches for Surrey
- Burnaby
- Coquitlam
- Delta
- Langley
- Maple Ridge
- New Westminster
- Pitt Meadows
- Port Coquitlam
- Port Moody
- Richmond
- Vancouver
- White Rock
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.