Play Therapy in East York, ON
Playful Hearts Therapy (Play/ EMDR Therapy)
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, CPT-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
East York, ON M4C
I am a fully Certified Play Therapist and a Certified Play Therapy Supervisor through the Canadian Association for Play Therapy. I am a Certified EMDR Therapist and work with all ages using this modality. I have over 20 years of experience in working with children, youth and families from various ethno-racial backgrounds and in various mental health settings including child welfare, hospital, school, and the community. I am a service provider for Victim Services, the Internet Child Exploitation program at BOOST, Metis Nation of Ontario, Indigenous Services Canada, and previously for the 2-Spirited People of the First Nations.
I am a fully Certified Play Therapist and a Certified Play Therapy Supervisor through the Canadian Association for Play Therapy. I am a Certified EMDR Therapist and work with all ages using this modality. I have over 20 years of experience in working with children, youth and families from various ethno-racial backgrounds and in various mental health settings including child welfare, hospital, school, and the community. I am a service provider for Victim Services, the Internet Child Exploitation program at BOOST, Metis Nation of Ontario, Indigenous Services Canada, and previously for the 2-Spirited People of the First Nations.
Wiseman Counseling Services
Registered Psychotherapist, BEd, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
East York, ON M4B
*Currently accepting clients for waitlist* It takes a strong person to reach out for help and I applaud your first step in searching for a therapist. My focus is to help you, or your child/adolescent, to best understand your issue(s)/fears and to make them more tangible. If you are dealing with a trauma or loss I will help you move forward and see yourself as a survivor and regain control of your life. Our sessions can help you become more self-aware & understand the reasons behind behaviours, emotions and reactions.
*Currently accepting clients for waitlist* It takes a strong person to reach out for help and I applaud your first step in searching for a therapist. My focus is to help you, or your child/adolescent, to best understand your issue(s)/fears and to make them more tangible. If you are dealing with a trauma or loss I will help you move forward and see yourself as a survivor and regain control of your life. Our sessions can help you become more self-aware & understand the reasons behind behaviours, emotions and reactions.
I believe that connections between human beings are the most healing element in therapy. The reason why you would like to find a therapist may vary. To become calm and confident. To gain your power back, to become an author and the owner of your life... To see the forest at last, instead of being lost among the trees...To feel the taste and to start seeing the beauty of life again. To feel the healing power of connection with others. To feel joy without conditions "whens" or "ifs"...To feel that you live, not survive... My clients have different needs and goals in the therapy. Whatever is your need I will be there for you.
I believe that connections between human beings are the most healing element in therapy. The reason why you would like to find a therapist may vary. To become calm and confident. To gain your power back, to become an author and the owner of your life... To see the forest at last, instead of being lost among the trees...To feel the taste and to start seeing the beauty of life again. To feel the healing power of connection with others. To feel joy without conditions "whens" or "ifs"...To feel that you live, not survive... My clients have different needs and goals in the therapy. Whatever is your need I will be there for you.
Welcome to Therapedia Centre, where you can be matched with a psychotherapist who would best fit your therapeutic goals and needs. We are a team of psychotherapists from different cultural backgrounds, who welcome individuals from all lines of life, with all sorts of experiences, and choices of lifestyle. Whether you are struggling in your personal or romantic relationships or face conflicts in your professional fields or experience new challenges in your new roles (as a parent, partner, etc), our psychotherapists can provide new perspectives to help you manage your situation better. If you have been feeling stuck, we may help.
Welcome to Therapedia Centre, where you can be matched with a psychotherapist who would best fit your therapeutic goals and needs. We are a team of psychotherapists from different cultural backgrounds, who welcome individuals from all lines of life, with all sorts of experiences, and choices of lifestyle. Whether you are struggling in your personal or romantic relationships or face conflicts in your professional fields or experience new challenges in your new roles (as a parent, partner, etc), our psychotherapists can provide new perspectives to help you manage your situation better. If you have been feeling stuck, we may help.
For the young friends at wellbe, Kamal creates a safe, supported and enjoyable environment as they navigate the twists and turns of growing up and daily life. Building strong therapeutic relationships with her young clients is her utmost priority, as she believes that together, they can overcome any challenge that arises.
For the young friends at wellbe, Kamal creates a safe, supported and enjoyable environment as they navigate the twists and turns of growing up and daily life. Building strong therapeutic relationships with her young clients is her utmost priority, as she believes that together, they can overcome any challenge that arises.
More Therapists Nearby
I also offer Accelerated Resolution Therapy as well as play therapy.
Being vulnerable with anyone can feel really scary at times, especially with a complete stranger, so I commend you for your bravery in taking the first step to help yourself, which is starting to look for resources, which led to you reading this message. I don’t believe that there is a fix-all approach to people, so I do not apply one theoretical practice to all clients I work with. Human beings are diverse and dynamic, so any approach to your mental well being should be as well.
I also offer Accelerated Resolution Therapy as well as play therapy.
Being vulnerable with anyone can feel really scary at times, especially with a complete stranger, so I commend you for your bravery in taking the first step to help yourself, which is starting to look for resources, which led to you reading this message. I don’t believe that there is a fix-all approach to people, so I do not apply one theoretical practice to all clients I work with. Human beings are diverse and dynamic, so any approach to your mental well being should be as well.
Daniela Estrella - Children Teens Adults
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
North York, ON M1L
Is your child or teenager struggling socially or struggling in school? As a Counsellor with a focus on play therapy, I create a warm, nonjudgmental space where children can freely express themselves and engage in play that is meaningful to them. Play therapy can be effective in helping children with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, behavioral challenges, social skills development, and more. It allows children to develop coping skills, build resilience, and gain insight into their thoughts and feelings, empowering them to navigate life's challenges with confidence and resilience.
Is your child or teenager struggling socially or struggling in school? As a Counsellor with a focus on play therapy, I create a warm, nonjudgmental space where children can freely express themselves and engage in play that is meaningful to them. Play therapy can be effective in helping children with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, behavioral challenges, social skills development, and more. It allows children to develop coping skills, build resilience, and gain insight into their thoughts and feelings, empowering them to navigate life's challenges with confidence and resilience.
Can be talk, art, play, movement, storytelling, poetry, mindfulness, cultivating compassion.
Are you looking for support through a significant loss, making difficult career or lifestyle changes, in need of greater emotional balance, or want to develop more self-awareness and connection with your life? Life is challenging and can sometimes become overwhelming to be able to rebalance our emotional, mental or physical health on our own. With a compassionate therapist, you can be supported to be present to yourself and explore in a safe space what is happening and what is possible.
Can be talk, art, play, movement, storytelling, poetry, mindfulness, cultivating compassion.
Are you looking for support through a significant loss, making difficult career or lifestyle changes, in need of greater emotional balance, or want to develop more self-awareness and connection with your life? Life is challenging and can sometimes become overwhelming to be able to rebalance our emotional, mental or physical health on our own. With a compassionate therapist, you can be supported to be present to yourself and explore in a safe space what is happening and what is possible.
Happy Place Counselling & Psychotherapy
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4C
Caitlin also offers play & art based therapy, as well as virtual sessions for all ages.
Welcome to Happy Place Counselling & Psychotherapy, where our goal is to make therapy a Happy Place to be! How will we make our Happy Place yours? Good question! Here at HPCP we strive to offer experiential services to foster learning through creativity and unique experiences. Caitlin MacLean, MSW, RSW, specializes in working with children and youth, however these services are beneficial for all ages and abilities! Caitlin has experience working with children as well as adults, in a variety of settings. Caitlin has a diploma in Addiction and Mental Health, and completed her MSW with a specialization in Children and Their Families.
Caitlin also offers play & art based therapy, as well as virtual sessions for all ages.
Welcome to Happy Place Counselling & Psychotherapy, where our goal is to make therapy a Happy Place to be! How will we make our Happy Place yours? Good question! Here at HPCP we strive to offer experiential services to foster learning through creativity and unique experiences. Caitlin MacLean, MSW, RSW, specializes in working with children and youth, however these services are beneficial for all ages and abilities! Caitlin has experience working with children as well as adults, in a variety of settings. Caitlin has a diploma in Addiction and Mental Health, and completed her MSW with a specialization in Children and Their Families.
, psychodynamic family therapy) and play therapy (for children).
Since 2012, I have been providing psychological services to individuals (adults, adolescents, and children) and families. In my clinical practice, I help my clients navigate through difficult issues, such as trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions and identity, and work with my clients on a long-term basis to achieve their goals. I support clients from all walks of life (inclusive of all neurodivergences, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, races, cultures, and relationship types) in achieving their own unique vision of success.
, psychodynamic family therapy) and play therapy (for children).
Since 2012, I have been providing psychological services to individuals (adults, adolescents, and children) and families. In my clinical practice, I help my clients navigate through difficult issues, such as trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions and identity, and work with my clients on a long-term basis to achieve their goals. I support clients from all walks of life (inclusive of all neurodivergences, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, races, cultures, and relationship types) in achieving their own unique vision of success.
I work with couples and families, provide parenting and co-parenting counselling, and play therapy for children.
Therapy for adults and children based on exploration of your individual resources; Couple therapy; Face-to-face and online sessions are possible; Humanistic process-centered approach. Describe your experiences and worries. Share your feelings, whatever they are. A priori - they are reasonable and important. A therapeutic dialog is a main but not only technique I use. It helps you achieve a new level of awareness. The better you understand yourself the better you manage your life challenges.
I work with couples and families, provide parenting and co-parenting counselling, and play therapy for children.
Therapy for adults and children based on exploration of your individual resources; Couple therapy; Face-to-face and online sessions are possible; Humanistic process-centered approach. Describe your experiences and worries. Share your feelings, whatever they are. A priori - they are reasonable and important. A therapeutic dialog is a main but not only technique I use. It helps you achieve a new level of awareness. The better you understand yourself the better you manage your life challenges.
Children are invited to express themselves in counselling through art, puppetry, sand and play.
Welcome. I'm so glad you're here. I've been dedicated to the field of child, youth, and family mental health for over ten years. It's so tough to watch your child struggle and I believe that partnering with caregivers is key to helping young people reach their goals. I have extensive experience supporting clients with mental health concerns including, but not limited to: anxiety, depression, loss, family challenges, parent-child conflict and troubles with school. We'll work together to get you and your child where you want to be. I also work closely with young adults to understand that amazing yet completely confusing time in life.
Children are invited to express themselves in counselling through art, puppetry, sand and play.
Welcome. I'm so glad you're here. I've been dedicated to the field of child, youth, and family mental health for over ten years. It's so tough to watch your child struggle and I believe that partnering with caregivers is key to helping young people reach their goals. I have extensive experience supporting clients with mental health concerns including, but not limited to: anxiety, depression, loss, family challenges, parent-child conflict and troubles with school. We'll work together to get you and your child where you want to be. I also work closely with young adults to understand that amazing yet completely confusing time in life.
Leaside Child Therapy Centre
Registered Social Worker, BSc, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4G
I use a variety of play based activities, games, books, videos, puppets and role plays to help children learn new concepts, develop insight and learn new coping skills.
I am a Child and Family Therapist with over two decades of experience helping children, adolescents and adults (ages 4 and up) to develop or enhance their coping skills, tools and strategies to successfully manage life's challenges. I have a warm and engaging style that enables me to quickly connect with children, build a trusting relationship, and help them to develop the skills and abilities they need to succeed. I've worked at various Children's Mental Health Centres in Toronto prior to starting a private practice. I would be happy to be a part of your child/family's journey and a catalyst to their change/success.
I use a variety of play based activities, games, books, videos, puppets and role plays to help children learn new concepts, develop insight and learn new coping skills.
I am a Child and Family Therapist with over two decades of experience helping children, adolescents and adults (ages 4 and up) to develop or enhance their coping skills, tools and strategies to successfully manage life's challenges. I have a warm and engaging style that enables me to quickly connect with children, build a trusting relationship, and help them to develop the skills and abilities they need to succeed. I've worked at various Children's Mental Health Centres in Toronto prior to starting a private practice. I would be happy to be a part of your child/family's journey and a catalyst to their change/success.
Hello, I am a psychotherapist and a play therapist, offering Child, Youth, and Family psychotherapy services. I also offer individual adult psychotherapy services. Psychotherapy is provided to individuals and families experiencing trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, mood and behaviour regulation issues, self-esteem issues, life transitions, ADHD, Autism, bullying and other social concerns. CHILD: Children naturally communicate, understand, learn, and heal through play. Older children may benefit through a combination of Play Therapy and Talk Therapy.
Hello, I am a psychotherapist and a play therapist, offering Child, Youth, and Family psychotherapy services. I also offer individual adult psychotherapy services. Psychotherapy is provided to individuals and families experiencing trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, mood and behaviour regulation issues, self-esteem issues, life transitions, ADHD, Autism, bullying and other social concerns. CHILD: Children naturally communicate, understand, learn, and heal through play. Older children may benefit through a combination of Play Therapy and Talk Therapy.
My therapeutic toolkit includes approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, play therapy, and trauma counselling.
Are you facing the challenges of setting boundaries, dealing with work-related or school stress, navigating anxiety, or coping with trauma and grief that impact your daily life? You don't have to face these struggles alone. I'm here to support you at any stage of your life journey. I bring a holistic and culturally responsive approach to therapy, tailored to meet the unique needs of children, youth, adults, and families. My practice is firmly rooted in the belief that everyone possesses inherent strengths that can be harnessed for healing and growth.
My therapeutic toolkit includes approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, play therapy, and trauma counselling.
Are you facing the challenges of setting boundaries, dealing with work-related or school stress, navigating anxiety, or coping with trauma and grief that impact your daily life? You don't have to face these struggles alone. I'm here to support you at any stage of your life journey. I bring a holistic and culturally responsive approach to therapy, tailored to meet the unique needs of children, youth, adults, and families. My practice is firmly rooted in the belief that everyone possesses inherent strengths that can be harnessed for healing and growth.
Rachel integrates a variety of therapeutic approaches, such as Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, and Play Therapy.
“My therapist just gets me”… is exactly what wellbe social worker and therapist, Rachel strives to hear from her patients after every session. Rachel believes having a genuine connection to her clients is the most important part to any therapeutic relationship. Equipped with a Master’s degree in Social Work and specializing in children, teens, and their families, Rachel has supported patients from diverse walks of life and in various settings including schools, shelters, and children’s mental health agencies.
Rachel integrates a variety of therapeutic approaches, such as Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, and Play Therapy.
“My therapist just gets me”… is exactly what wellbe social worker and therapist, Rachel strives to hear from her patients after every session. Rachel believes having a genuine connection to her clients is the most important part to any therapeutic relationship. Equipped with a Master’s degree in Social Work and specializing in children, teens, and their families, Rachel has supported patients from diverse walks of life and in various settings including schools, shelters, and children’s mental health agencies.
I am trained in several modalities, and lean into anti-oppressive psychotherapy, attachment-based family therapy, play, and trauma-informed approaches.
Are you looking for a therapist who will celebrate you for you as you explore connecting to your truths and healing? Would you like to feel seen, have your voice heard, and get active support when going through a life transition? I offer a kind and gentle approach to address the impacts of trauma, anxiety, depression, and complex stressors. As a therapist who is black, trans, and queer, I bring my whole authentic self to create a safer container for the therapist and client relationship. Together we can process trauma or complex situations, and develop tools for advocating and supporting you.
I am trained in several modalities, and lean into anti-oppressive psychotherapy, attachment-based family therapy, play, and trauma-informed approaches.
Are you looking for a therapist who will celebrate you for you as you explore connecting to your truths and healing? Would you like to feel seen, have your voice heard, and get active support when going through a life transition? I offer a kind and gentle approach to address the impacts of trauma, anxiety, depression, and complex stressors. As a therapist who is black, trans, and queer, I bring my whole authentic self to create a safer container for the therapist and client relationship. Together we can process trauma or complex situations, and develop tools for advocating and supporting you.
We offer 20+ yrs of experience working with children, youth & adults, specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders & neurodiversity: Tourette’s Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder (Level 1 ASD/Asperger's), ADD/ADHD, Anxiety and OCD; Learning Disabilities & Giftedness. Dr. Stephens and her team are dedicated to providing clarity of diagnoses, practical strategies and therapeutic support to improve everyday lives of children, teens, adults and their families. We also offer academic planning and support, adhd coaching, and individual therapy for school/career/social related stressors in English, French, Mandarin, Spanish and Romanian.
We offer 20+ yrs of experience working with children, youth & adults, specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders & neurodiversity: Tourette’s Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder (Level 1 ASD/Asperger's), ADD/ADHD, Anxiety and OCD; Learning Disabilities & Giftedness. Dr. Stephens and her team are dedicated to providing clarity of diagnoses, practical strategies and therapeutic support to improve everyday lives of children, teens, adults and their families. We also offer academic planning and support, adhd coaching, and individual therapy for school/career/social related stressors in English, French, Mandarin, Spanish and Romanian.
Sunspring Counselling specializes in psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and parents' own healing journey. You want your child to have the best opportunity to thrive in life, yet you may see them struggling at home or school. For yourself, you want to shift patterns that are blocking you from making the progress and enjoying life. I help when anxiety and emotions, relationships, trauma or past experiences, inattention, learning, behaviour, and school or work concerns are holding your child or yourself back. Join me on a path toward reaching greater confidence, personal success, and realizing one’s true potential.
Sunspring Counselling specializes in psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and parents' own healing journey. You want your child to have the best opportunity to thrive in life, yet you may see them struggling at home or school. For yourself, you want to shift patterns that are blocking you from making the progress and enjoying life. I help when anxiety and emotions, relationships, trauma or past experiences, inattention, learning, behaviour, and school or work concerns are holding your child or yourself back. Join me on a path toward reaching greater confidence, personal success, and realizing one’s true potential.
Phone or online video support for Frontline Healthcare Workers for Covid-19 Pandemic. Stress, anxiety, burnout, PTSD. You want change and are open to looking at yourself in a new way. I offer a space to explore ways to incorporate feelings into your existence and integrate them with your thinking mind, so that you can make more informed choices about how to live. I believe you have the inner knowledge to grow and live more in harmony with who you really are. By listening well, being present and responding genuinely, I will help you tap into your own resources.
Phone or online video support for Frontline Healthcare Workers for Covid-19 Pandemic. Stress, anxiety, burnout, PTSD. You want change and are open to looking at yourself in a new way. I offer a space to explore ways to incorporate feelings into your existence and integrate them with your thinking mind, so that you can make more informed choices about how to live. I believe you have the inner knowledge to grow and live more in harmony with who you really are. By listening well, being present and responding genuinely, I will help you tap into your own resources.
Claudine Wells - Registered Psychotherapist
Registered Psychotherapist, CertCri, BA, BEd, MEd, OACCPP
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4C (Online Only)
A key element in choosing a professional is the level of ease and comfort that exists between you and your therapist. I am flexible, easy to talk to and have great interpersonal skills. My belief is that change management and transformation occur when people make decisions that are strategic and focused. I can assist you in dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, addictions, abuse, poor self-image, family problems and other issues that are stopping you from 'living' your life. What about your children? Are they being bullied? Learning development problems? Exhibiting 'at-risk' behaviours? I can help!
A key element in choosing a professional is the level of ease and comfort that exists between you and your therapist. I am flexible, easy to talk to and have great interpersonal skills. My belief is that change management and transformation occur when people make decisions that are strategic and focused. I can assist you in dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, addictions, abuse, poor self-image, family problems and other issues that are stopping you from 'living' your life. What about your children? Are they being bullied? Learning development problems? Exhibiting 'at-risk' behaviours? I can help!
Hi, I'm Dr. Kim Edwards a Clinical and Health Psychologist registered in Ontario and New York. I am the Founder of MindFit, a leading 20+ clinician private practice, or what I prefer to call a "mental health gym". Seeking support can be stigmatizing and impersonal - but it doesn't need to be! Just like a typical gym, MindFit is designed to be accessible and inviting to anyone looking to improve their emotional well-being. I use effective, evidence-based treatments and most importantly, do everything I can to ensure you feel supported, accepted, and valued. Still not sure? Check out my reviews at ratemds.com or Google!
Hi, I'm Dr. Kim Edwards a Clinical and Health Psychologist registered in Ontario and New York. I am the Founder of MindFit, a leading 20+ clinician private practice, or what I prefer to call a "mental health gym". Seeking support can be stigmatizing and impersonal - but it doesn't need to be! Just like a typical gym, MindFit is designed to be accessible and inviting to anyone looking to improve their emotional well-being. I use effective, evidence-based treatments and most importantly, do everything I can to ensure you feel supported, accepted, and valued. Still not sure? Check out my reviews at ratemds.com or Google!
Creative Psychological Services
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4S (Online Only)
My patients come to me because they struggle or are distressed. They struggle to find meaningful solutions to problems in their life or the life of their child. Included are stress or trauma, learning and school-related concerns, depression, anxiety, coping, and relationship problems. The distress people experience is often related to the time and effort they have already put in to find solutions that, at least initially, seem out of reach. Also related, is the fact that my patients are usually successful in life. It is uncomfortable to be generally competent and face a situation where that competence has seemingly vanished.
My patients come to me because they struggle or are distressed. They struggle to find meaningful solutions to problems in their life or the life of their child. Included are stress or trauma, learning and school-related concerns, depression, anxiety, coping, and relationship problems. The distress people experience is often related to the time and effort they have already put in to find solutions that, at least initially, seem out of reach. Also related, is the fact that my patients are usually successful in life. It is uncomfortable to be generally competent and face a situation where that competence has seemingly vanished.
My practice offers counselling to young people, adults and specialized separation/parenting services for families. Challenges experienced by clients may include: navigating family change, stress, anxiety, peer/romantic relationships, self-regulation, and managing behaviours (ADHD, OCD, ODD). As a Collaborative Family Professional, I work with parents wanting to minimize conflict for their family as they go through transition and change. I provide emotional support throughout the out-of-court process, help caregivers build skills to co-parent, and neutrally facilitate meetings during the collaborative process.
My practice offers counselling to young people, adults and specialized separation/parenting services for families. Challenges experienced by clients may include: navigating family change, stress, anxiety, peer/romantic relationships, self-regulation, and managing behaviours (ADHD, OCD, ODD). As a Collaborative Family Professional, I work with parents wanting to minimize conflict for their family as they go through transition and change. I provide emotional support throughout the out-of-court process, help caregivers build skills to co-parent, and neutrally facilitate meetings during the collaborative process.
Susan Leopold Studios
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, MPS, RPsych, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4L (Online Only)
Do you wish things were different? I work with diverse clients facing life's transitions and challenges. My theoretical framework is relational, using both talk therapy and/or creative/expressive arts modalities. Following your lead, I listen/witness and attune carefully in order to attend to your specific need. We start with where you are most comfortable, which means that talking, imagery, dreamwork and silence are all welcome. Although I work flexibly between short term talk therapy (psychodynamic psychotherapy) and expressive/creative arts, we safely build our relationship, while co-creating in our therapeutic studio space.
Do you wish things were different? I work with diverse clients facing life's transitions and challenges. My theoretical framework is relational, using both talk therapy and/or creative/expressive arts modalities. Following your lead, I listen/witness and attune carefully in order to attend to your specific need. We start with where you are most comfortable, which means that talking, imagery, dreamwork and silence are all welcome. Although I work flexibly between short term talk therapy (psychodynamic psychotherapy) and expressive/creative arts, we safely build our relationship, while co-creating in our therapeutic studio space.
See more therapy options for East York
Nearby Play Therapy Counsellors Searches for East York
- Etobicoke
- Maple
- Markham
- Mississauga
- North York
- Pickering
- Richmond Hill
- Scarborough
- Thornhill
- Toronto
- Vaughan
- Woodbridge
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.