Play Therapy in Etobicoke, ON
Brynne McArthur
Occupational Therapist, OT Reg, (Ont)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Etobicoke, ON M9C
My work as an occupational therapist takes a family-centred, play-based, and holistic approach to care.
I entered the field of occupational therapy as I have a passion for helping people live their lives to the fullest. I have been working with children of all ages and abilities for over 10 years, and absolutely love being a part of a child's growth and learning. As a paediatric occupational therapist, I provide intervention and strategies that help children and youth meet their developmental milestones, overcome sensory challenges, and improve self-care, play, and emotional regulation skills.
My work as an occupational therapist takes a family-centred, play-based, and holistic approach to care.
I entered the field of occupational therapy as I have a passion for helping people live their lives to the fullest. I have been working with children of all ages and abilities for over 10 years, and absolutely love being a part of a child's growth and learning. As a paediatric occupational therapist, I provide intervention and strategies that help children and youth meet their developmental milestones, overcome sensory challenges, and improve self-care, play, and emotional regulation skills.
The modalities I have experience with include: CBT, DBT, Attachment Focused Models (DDP), Family Therapy, Play Focused therapies (Thera play), EMDR and trauma informed treatment.
With over 10 years of experience working with children, teens & families, I know that we can all use help at different points in our life to take care of our mental health. By sharing our inner thoughts, feelings and emotions within a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship, we can find ways to heal from past traumas and make sense of difficult life experiences. We can learn how to cope with stress and change, develop better communication skills, have healthier relationships and resolve family conflicts.
The modalities I have experience with include: CBT, DBT, Attachment Focused Models (DDP), Family Therapy, Play Focused therapies (Thera play), EMDR and trauma informed treatment.
With over 10 years of experience working with children, teens & families, I know that we can all use help at different points in our life to take care of our mental health. By sharing our inner thoughts, feelings and emotions within a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship, we can find ways to heal from past traumas and make sense of difficult life experiences. We can learn how to cope with stress and change, develop better communication skills, have healthier relationships and resolve family conflicts.
Gerardo Quintero
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, CCPA, OACCPP, RP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Etobicoke, ON M9P
Gerardo received his master's degree in psychotherapy, and postgraduate certification in gestalt psychotherapy, a certificate in emotion focused therapy, sex therapy, play therapy, CBT cognitive behavioral therapy, brief & narrative therapy and hypnotherapy.
Gerardo is a registered Psychotherapist and Canadian certified counsellor with broad experience working with adult, couples, adolescents, and children. He has more than 20 years of counseling experience. He uses his knowledge & experience in psychotherapy, human relationships and human development to improve and heal a wide range of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, Phobias, eating disorders, addictions; and personal challenges such as perfectionism, anger management, stress, procrastination, self-esteem, self-harming; relationship troubles on communication, intimacy or lack of trust.
Gerardo received his master's degree in psychotherapy, and postgraduate certification in gestalt psychotherapy, a certificate in emotion focused therapy, sex therapy, play therapy, CBT cognitive behavioral therapy, brief & narrative therapy and hypnotherapy.
Gerardo is a registered Psychotherapist and Canadian certified counsellor with broad experience working with adult, couples, adolescents, and children. He has more than 20 years of counseling experience. He uses his knowledge & experience in psychotherapy, human relationships and human development to improve and heal a wide range of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, Phobias, eating disorders, addictions; and personal challenges such as perfectionism, anger management, stress, procrastination, self-esteem, self-harming; relationship troubles on communication, intimacy or lack of trust.
Rebecca Pimentel
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Etobicoke, ON M8Z
I practice using a wide range of therapeutic modalities, including but not limited to, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Emotionally Based Therapy.
I understand that starting therapy can be challenging, but also deeply rewarding. Whether you are looking for something specific out of therapy or have no idea where to begin, I will be here every step of the way and help you navigate your life with confidence. It may be that you are starting therapy because the stress of everyday life has taken control or maybe something significant has happened in your life that needs some extra care and attention. Whatever the reason may be, it is valued, accepted, and honoured within the four walls of my office.
I practice using a wide range of therapeutic modalities, including but not limited to, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Emotionally Based Therapy.
I understand that starting therapy can be challenging, but also deeply rewarding. Whether you are looking for something specific out of therapy or have no idea where to begin, I will be here every step of the way and help you navigate your life with confidence. It may be that you are starting therapy because the stress of everyday life has taken control or maybe something significant has happened in your life that needs some extra care and attention. Whatever the reason may be, it is valued, accepted, and honoured within the four walls of my office.
Michelle Carter
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, OCT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Etobicoke, ON M9A
I am also a member of the Canadian Association of Play Therapists and an Ontario Certified Teacher with 10+ years of experience.
Life provides many challenges. It takes courage and strength to be vulnerable with someone. Take a moment to be proud of yourself for taking the first step. I can provide a safe, compassionate, and non-judgemental space for you to share your story. I would love to hear it. I help individuals, children, and couples, gain better balance, manage stress, and improve their mental well-being. When working with adults, I meet you where you are, using strategies that support your unique needs. I use play therapy techniques with young people, allowing them to explore and share their experiences in a supportive environment.
I am also a member of the Canadian Association of Play Therapists and an Ontario Certified Teacher with 10+ years of experience.
Life provides many challenges. It takes courage and strength to be vulnerable with someone. Take a moment to be proud of yourself for taking the first step. I can provide a safe, compassionate, and non-judgemental space for you to share your story. I would love to hear it. I help individuals, children, and couples, gain better balance, manage stress, and improve their mental well-being. When working with adults, I meet you where you are, using strategies that support your unique needs. I use play therapy techniques with young people, allowing them to explore and share their experiences in a supportive environment.
Heddy Swigger
Registered Social Worker, BSc, MSW, RSW, CPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Etobicoke, ON M9C
I am a Certified Play Therapist with the Canadian Association for Play Therapy and I love using play to reach each child in a developmentally meaningful way.
The team at Tessellate Child and Family Therapy and I are here to support all children ages 3 to 18 years old, their caregivers, and their families. I pride myself on developing playful, creative, and engaging strategies that are designed with each specific child in mind. All of my work with children and families starts from a trauma-informed lens to ensure I am creating a safe space for all who visit. I support children and families in learning new ways to understand and cope with a number of mental health and behavioural challenges in a holistic way.
I am a Certified Play Therapist with the Canadian Association for Play Therapy and I love using play to reach each child in a developmentally meaningful way.
The team at Tessellate Child and Family Therapy and I are here to support all children ages 3 to 18 years old, their caregivers, and their families. I pride myself on developing playful, creative, and engaging strategies that are designed with each specific child in mind. All of my work with children and families starts from a trauma-informed lens to ensure I am creating a safe space for all who visit. I support children and families in learning new ways to understand and cope with a number of mental health and behavioural challenges in a holistic way.
Thought & Feeling: Brenda Tsang
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Etobicoke, ON M8W
The topics include: mindful parenting, the Core Autism Parenting Skills training and Attachment Play-based Parenting training.
Proud to speak Chinese & Mandarin! No Wait List! If you need someone to talk to, it is my honour to be your companion! I have 10 years of experience working with a wide range of emotional, behavioural and relationship challenges. I help people establish their coping strategies, explore their strengths, and decide their own direction to get through life’s challenges. I will collaborate and accompany you to achieve optimal life successes at any age. Though my career, I've developed specialized skills in supporting children, adolescents, and adults with neurodevelopmental disorders: ASD, ADD/ADHD, learning & intellectual disabilities.
The topics include: mindful parenting, the Core Autism Parenting Skills training and Attachment Play-based Parenting training.
Proud to speak Chinese & Mandarin! No Wait List! If you need someone to talk to, it is my honour to be your companion! I have 10 years of experience working with a wide range of emotional, behavioural and relationship challenges. I help people establish their coping strategies, explore their strengths, and decide their own direction to get through life’s challenges. I will collaborate and accompany you to achieve optimal life successes at any age. Though my career, I've developed specialized skills in supporting children, adolescents, and adults with neurodevelopmental disorders: ASD, ADD/ADHD, learning & intellectual disabilities.
Parvaneh Moallef A. @Mindful Psychology
Psychological Associate, CPsych, Assoc
Verified Verified
Etobicoke, ON M8W
We treat chronic unhappiness, irritability/anger, depression, anxiety, social anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain in adults, adolescents and children; use mindfulness and play therapy with children; and offer non-pharmaceutical interventions to address social-emotional, behavioural, and attention challenges commonly experienced by individuals diagnosed with ADHD / Learning Disabilities.
I am a registered member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario, licensed to practice in the areas of Clinical Psychology & School Psychology, with over 20 years of experience. I am the Clinic Director at Mindful Psychology, where we provide psychological services to children, teens, and adults. Our Services: Psychotherapy and Psychological, Psycho-Educational & Psycho-Vocational Assessments. We provide comprehensive clinical reports with recommendations for school/workplace to help our clients succeed in their personal, academic & professional lives. We also assess and treat psychological injuries (work injury/auto accident).
We treat chronic unhappiness, irritability/anger, depression, anxiety, social anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain in adults, adolescents and children; use mindfulness and play therapy with children; and offer non-pharmaceutical interventions to address social-emotional, behavioural, and attention challenges commonly experienced by individuals diagnosed with ADHD / Learning Disabilities.
I am a registered member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario, licensed to practice in the areas of Clinical Psychology & School Psychology, with over 20 years of experience. I am the Clinic Director at Mindful Psychology, where we provide psychological services to children, teens, and adults. Our Services: Psychotherapy and Psychological, Psycho-Educational & Psycho-Vocational Assessments. We provide comprehensive clinical reports with recommendations for school/workplace to help our clients succeed in their personal, academic & professional lives. We also assess and treat psychological injuries (work injury/auto accident).
ReNu Counselling & Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MC:AT, DVATI, RP(Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Etobicoke, ON M9A
I routinely incorporate a blended approach with verbal and non-verbal therapies such as Somatic therapies, Mindfulness, CBT, Behavior Therapy, and Art, and Play Therapy to tailor to each person's unique needs.
I view my clients as the experts in their own lives, and my role is to support their journey towards healing through containment, compassion, collaboration, creativity, and curiosity. I work with children, adolescents, their families, and early adults who are struggling with a range of social, emotional, and behavioural challenges.
I routinely incorporate a blended approach with verbal and non-verbal therapies such as Somatic therapies, Mindfulness, CBT, Behavior Therapy, and Art, and Play Therapy to tailor to each person's unique needs.
I view my clients as the experts in their own lives, and my role is to support their journey towards healing through containment, compassion, collaboration, creativity, and curiosity. I work with children, adolescents, their families, and early adults who are struggling with a range of social, emotional, and behavioural challenges.
Trevor Birrell
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Etobicoke, ON M8V (Online Only)
I offer Expressive Arts Therapy, Play Therapy, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for individuals (children, adolescents, and adults), couples, and families.
Sometimes in life, the challenges we face seem insurmountable. The loss too great. The grief unbearable. We were never meant to do this alone. We are designed for relationship. Allow me to bear witness to your journey. To celebrate your successes and grieve your losses. Let me use our relationship to shed a light on who you are alone and who you are in the world.
I offer Expressive Arts Therapy, Play Therapy, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for individuals (children, adolescents, and adults), couples, and families.
Sometimes in life, the challenges we face seem insurmountable. The loss too great. The grief unbearable. We were never meant to do this alone. We are designed for relationship. Allow me to bear witness to your journey. To celebrate your successes and grieve your losses. Let me use our relationship to shed a light on who you are alone and who you are in the world.
Fiona Green
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP (Q), P-RDT, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Etobicoke, ON M8V
I offer deeply compassionate client-centered services for adolescents and adults. I am trained in the evidence-based models of Psychodynamic, ACT, CBT, and Narrative therapy as well as the Creative Arts Therapies, with an expertise in Drama Therapy (Role theory, Psychodrama, Improv, etc.). I interweave these modalities to best suit my client’s needs. My therapy approach goes beyond talk therapy, to also be embodied, creatively expressive, and somatically based. In this way emotions, memories, and presenting issues are explored and processed not only with words but with movement, metaphors, play, and body relaxation techniques.
I offer deeply compassionate client-centered services for adolescents and adults. I am trained in the evidence-based models of Psychodynamic, ACT, CBT, and Narrative therapy as well as the Creative Arts Therapies, with an expertise in Drama Therapy (Role theory, Psychodrama, Improv, etc.). I interweave these modalities to best suit my client’s needs. My therapy approach goes beyond talk therapy, to also be embodied, creatively expressive, and somatically based. In this way emotions, memories, and presenting issues are explored and processed not only with words but with movement, metaphors, play, and body relaxation techniques.
15 Second Videos
Rebecca Pimentel
Thought & Feeling: Brenda Tsang
Trevor Birrell
Donna L. McIldoon
Counselling 2 Wellness
Hi there, I am a Child/Youth & Family psychotherapist (RSW)/Paediatric specialist offering therapy to children & their families regarding social/emotional/behavioral challenges & complex family dynamics. I use creative methods (movement, writing, art, music, play, sand play) to supplement evidence based Behavioural Therapy (CBT, DBT) approaches. Not a general therapist- services are very specialized to children's needs and attunement is given to their attachment & relationships during therapy sessions. ONTARIO-WIDE virtual, in person and Clinicial Supervision offered.
Hi there, I am a Child/Youth & Family psychotherapist (RSW)/Paediatric specialist offering therapy to children & their families regarding social/emotional/behavioral challenges & complex family dynamics. I use creative methods (movement, writing, art, music, play, sand play) to supplement evidence based Behavioural Therapy (CBT, DBT) approaches. Not a general therapist- services are very specialized to children's needs and attunement is given to their attachment & relationships during therapy sessions. ONTARIO-WIDE virtual, in person and Clinicial Supervision offered.
Hello! My name is Jordan, and I am a psychotherapy intern practicing under supervision (RP Qualifying) to complete my Masters in Counselling Psychology. We all face times in our lives where we feel lost, helpless, or insufficient, and in these times a little assistance goes a long way. I believe that when the complexity of our lives becomes disruptive and overwhelming, therapy can be an excellent tool for making positive and lasting changes. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, finding motivation, or just want to talk about a personal experience, I am eager to support you along your journey of self-development.
Hello! My name is Jordan, and I am a psychotherapy intern practicing under supervision (RP Qualifying) to complete my Masters in Counselling Psychology. We all face times in our lives where we feel lost, helpless, or insufficient, and in these times a little assistance goes a long way. I believe that when the complexity of our lives becomes disruptive and overwhelming, therapy can be an excellent tool for making positive and lasting changes. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, finding motivation, or just want to talk about a personal experience, I am eager to support you along your journey of self-development.
My approach as therapist is to provide a supportive environment, serving as a container to explorer and access inner potential. Therapeutic sessions includes narrative psychotherapies, expressive arts therapy, client centred to name some. I believe when we provide the right conditions for ourselves, we open doors to growth rediscovering our own potentials within. I facilitate sessions tailored to serve clients on their individualized needs, on a mutual, trusting, collaborative connection. Exploring tools within and finding meaningful life. In private practice since 2007, I am a Registered Psychotherapist. On Palliative Care sector.
My approach as therapist is to provide a supportive environment, serving as a container to explorer and access inner potential. Therapeutic sessions includes narrative psychotherapies, expressive arts therapy, client centred to name some. I believe when we provide the right conditions for ourselves, we open doors to growth rediscovering our own potentials within. I facilitate sessions tailored to serve clients on their individualized needs, on a mutual, trusting, collaborative connection. Exploring tools within and finding meaningful life. In private practice since 2007, I am a Registered Psychotherapist. On Palliative Care sector.
Sharmarke Dualeh
Registered Psychotherapist, BA Hons, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Etobicoke, ON M9V
In my experience working in the mental health sector for the last 5 years, therapy is often sought after someone has suffered long enough or until the symptoms become unmanageable. It is my hope that as we continue to de-stigmatize mental health more people can feel comfortable utilizing this valuable service as a preventative measure and not as a last resort. My approach as a therapist is simple: helping others increase awareness and insight into their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I believe through careful introspection and analysis we can reach a level of compassion and acceptance for ourselves and others.
In my experience working in the mental health sector for the last 5 years, therapy is often sought after someone has suffered long enough or until the symptoms become unmanageable. It is my hope that as we continue to de-stigmatize mental health more people can feel comfortable utilizing this valuable service as a preventative measure and not as a last resort. My approach as a therapist is simple: helping others increase awareness and insight into their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I believe through careful introspection and analysis we can reach a level of compassion and acceptance for ourselves and others.
I am a doctoral level psychologist with 12 years of clinical and research experience. I provide assessment, therapy, and consultation to help children, adolescents, and adults through academic, social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties. By building a genuine and caring therapeutic relationship, I help clients adapt and grow when faced with challenges. I also guide my clients to tap into their strengths so that they can make the most comfortable choices in order to move forward. Along the way, we work together to create new strategies while modifying existing ones so that clients and their families will become more resilient.
I am a doctoral level psychologist with 12 years of clinical and research experience. I provide assessment, therapy, and consultation to help children, adolescents, and adults through academic, social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties. By building a genuine and caring therapeutic relationship, I help clients adapt and grow when faced with challenges. I also guide my clients to tap into their strengths so that they can make the most comfortable choices in order to move forward. Along the way, we work together to create new strategies while modifying existing ones so that clients and their families will become more resilient.
Therapy space often starts as a brave space, because of your decision to entrust your story with a stranger, in this case, me :). My responsibility as your therapist is to turn the brave space into a safe space for every part of you. I often think about the therapy as the process of putting together puzzles that don’t come with the original image. My role as your therapist is to accompany you to explore each piece with curiosity and acceptance, so that you can make sense of your pieces and construct images that feel authentic to you.
Therapy space often starts as a brave space, because of your decision to entrust your story with a stranger, in this case, me :). My responsibility as your therapist is to turn the brave space into a safe space for every part of you. I often think about the therapy as the process of putting together puzzles that don’t come with the original image. My role as your therapist is to accompany you to explore each piece with curiosity and acceptance, so that you can make sense of your pieces and construct images that feel authentic to you.
Donna L. McIldoon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MDiv, RP, RMFT
Verified Verified
Etobicoke, ON M8X (Online Only)
Welcome! I am a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Psychotherapist. I consider it a privilege to come alongside individuals, couples and families at times of stress and transition, providing a safe and respectful space in which to explore change. Having been through a few of life's transitions myself, I bring care, compassion and respect to my work, recognizing that it takes courage to seek help. I am equipped with many types of therapy, and draw on them all as they relate to client's struggles. We will collaboratively identify themes which may be blocking forward movement, finding strategies for change.
Welcome! I am a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Psychotherapist. I consider it a privilege to come alongside individuals, couples and families at times of stress and transition, providing a safe and respectful space in which to explore change. Having been through a few of life's transitions myself, I bring care, compassion and respect to my work, recognizing that it takes courage to seek help. I am equipped with many types of therapy, and draw on them all as they relate to client's struggles. We will collaboratively identify themes which may be blocking forward movement, finding strategies for change.
Angela Masuzzo
Registered Social Service Worker, RSSW, CYC, CH, NLPP
Verified Verified
Etobicoke, ON M8Z
Maybe you have tried therapy in the past or explored different venues to overcome difficult situations, but you feel stuck! I have experience working with adults, children/adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief/loss, codependency tendencies, emotional/physical abuse, sexual abuse as well as life transition stressors. I also work with couples providing an active participation to identify their issue, focusing on change-oriented interventions guiding both to understand their individual roles and learn new harmonious strategies.
Maybe you have tried therapy in the past or explored different venues to overcome difficult situations, but you feel stuck! I have experience working with adults, children/adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief/loss, codependency tendencies, emotional/physical abuse, sexual abuse as well as life transition stressors. I also work with couples providing an active participation to identify their issue, focusing on change-oriented interventions guiding both to understand their individual roles and learn new harmonious strategies.
We seem to face new obstacles each and every day. Is it a challenge managing the changes in your life? Do you wish you felt more confident about yourself and your relationships? I imagine that there is a part of you that wants things to get better and for life to feel fuller. I’d like to be there to support you through these experiences and help you to build a more fulfilling life.
We seem to face new obstacles each and every day. Is it a challenge managing the changes in your life? Do you wish you felt more confident about yourself and your relationships? I imagine that there is a part of you that wants things to get better and for life to feel fuller. I’d like to be there to support you through these experiences and help you to build a more fulfilling life.
See more therapy options for Etobicoke
Nearby Play Therapy Counsellors Searches for Etobicoke
- Bolton
- Brampton
- East York
- Maple
- Mississauga
- North York
- 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.