Therapists in Niagara Falls, ON
It can be a difficult process finding the right therapist, and I am here to help. I'm Dr. Lesley Miller, a Clinical Psychologist licensed by the College of Psychologists of Ontario. At Brookside Psychologists, we have many experienced, licensed psychotherapists and psychologists available to work with you. We're located in St. Catharines and Burlington.
It can be a difficult process finding the right therapist, and I am here to help. I'm Dr. Lesley Miller, a Clinical Psychologist licensed by the College of Psychologists of Ontario. At Brookside Psychologists, we have many experienced, licensed psychotherapists and psychologists available to work with you. We're located in St. Catharines and Burlington.
Holistic Wellness Therapies
Psychologist, MA, MSW, CPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Niagara Falls, ON L2H
We are a team of dedicated & experienced Social Workers and Psychologists. If you are feeling lost, confused, unlike yourself, or simply want to understand yourself - we've got you covered. As a parent, if you are having difficulties with understanding your Childs emotions or behaviours, our highly experienced social worker can support you on your parenting journey. Our therapists help a variety of concerns including grief, depression, anxiety, OCD, burnout, stress, life transitions, parenting, identity, spirituality and so much more. We also offer psychological assessments and psychoeducational assessments. We are here to support!
We are a team of dedicated & experienced Social Workers and Psychologists. If you are feeling lost, confused, unlike yourself, or simply want to understand yourself - we've got you covered. As a parent, if you are having difficulties with understanding your Childs emotions or behaviours, our highly experienced social worker can support you on your parenting journey. Our therapists help a variety of concerns including grief, depression, anxiety, OCD, burnout, stress, life transitions, parenting, identity, spirituality and so much more. We also offer psychological assessments and psychoeducational assessments. We are here to support!
More Therapists Nearby
Ulla Woodard - Clinical Supervisor
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, CMFSW, MHt
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Saint Catharines, ON L2S (Online Only)
I have vacancy to supervise a few counsellors/ therapists. My style is to follow your individual style and provide suggestions to fit your treatment methodology of choice. I believe supervision can effectively support continuous professional growth whether a new or already seasoned therapist.
I have vacancy to supervise a few counsellors/ therapists. My style is to follow your individual style and provide suggestions to fit your treatment methodology of choice. I believe supervision can effectively support continuous professional growth whether a new or already seasoned therapist.
Online Therapists
I draw from a range of modalities, including Mindfulness, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Play and Narrative Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy, to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for my clients.
As a vocational and mental health counselor, my mission is to provide highly effective, life-changing, and personalized care to my clients. I bring a unique perspective to work with culturally diverse populations, children, adults, and families. I am particularly skilled in vocational rehabilitation and pain management, helping clients who have been involved in workplace or motor vehicle accidents. I also provide guidance and counseling to those dealing with a range of mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression, panic disorder, stress management, trauma, relationship issues, grief, and other life challenges.
I draw from a range of modalities, including Mindfulness, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Play and Narrative Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy, to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for my clients.
As a vocational and mental health counselor, my mission is to provide highly effective, life-changing, and personalized care to my clients. I bring a unique perspective to work with culturally diverse populations, children, adults, and families. I am particularly skilled in vocational rehabilitation and pain management, helping clients who have been involved in workplace or motor vehicle accidents. I also provide guidance and counseling to those dealing with a range of mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression, panic disorder, stress management, trauma, relationship issues, grief, and other life challenges.
At CBM, we provide psychological and counselling services for children, adolescents, adults, couples and families struggling with any number of challenging situations. Our multicultural and integrated team is made up of highly trained and qualified mental health and educational professionals, with many years of experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds. Our range of services include psycho-educational and psychological assessments (for children, adolescents & adults), individual counselling/psychotherapy, play therapy, art therapy, couples counselling and family therapy.
At CBM, we provide psychological and counselling services for children, adolescents, adults, couples and families struggling with any number of challenging situations. Our multicultural and integrated team is made up of highly trained and qualified mental health and educational professionals, with many years of experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds. Our range of services include psycho-educational and psychological assessments (for children, adolescents & adults), individual counselling/psychotherapy, play therapy, art therapy, couples counselling and family therapy.
Shiva Movafaghian
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, PTI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M2K
Are you a parent feeling overwhelmed by worry, uncertainty, or fear about your child's future? I am a dedicated child &youth therapist, with more than 15 years experience, specializing in play therapy. I am the founder of Alpha Child Therapy Centre. My expertise encompasses cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, art therapy, or family therapy and coaching parents in their parenthood journey. My goal is to provide compassionate support and empowering young minds to thrive. I create safe and supportive connection with my clients. I am passionate about mental well-being and guiding my clients towards brighter tomorrows.
Are you a parent feeling overwhelmed by worry, uncertainty, or fear about your child's future? I am a dedicated child &youth therapist, with more than 15 years experience, specializing in play therapy. I am the founder of Alpha Child Therapy Centre. My expertise encompasses cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, art therapy, or family therapy and coaching parents in their parenthood journey. My goal is to provide compassionate support and empowering young minds to thrive. I create safe and supportive connection with my clients. I am passionate about mental well-being and guiding my clients towards brighter tomorrows.
The free demo version of Talk2Alex is available on Google Play and the Apple app store, so please feel.
Core Centre Inc. provides assessment, consultation and counselling for children, youth and adults. Through our platform we provide online consultations, counselling and therapy with registered psychologists, psychotherapists and social workers. They can assist with a variety of issues, including: learning/academic struggles, behavioural difficulties, developmental delays, autism and relationship problems, among many other challenges.
The free demo version of Talk2Alex is available on Google Play and the Apple app store, so please feel.
Core Centre Inc. provides assessment, consultation and counselling for children, youth and adults. Through our platform we provide online consultations, counselling and therapy with registered psychologists, psychotherapists and social workers. They can assist with a variety of issues, including: learning/academic struggles, behavioural difficulties, developmental delays, autism and relationship problems, among many other challenges.
I am a registered Psychotherapist and Arts therapist, specializing in ANXIETY & DEPRESSION, offering CBT, mindfulness, Solution focused therapy for adults, kids, and teens challenged with anxiousness, fears, emotion regulation, parenting concerns, divorce, self esteem, illness, grief and loss. Creative therapies are facilitated in tandem with talk based psychotherapy utilizing CBT and mindfulness, incorporating visualization, art, music, play, writing and movement. I encourage a deeper connection and balance between mind and body promoting self-awareness and well being.
I am a registered Psychotherapist and Arts therapist, specializing in ANXIETY & DEPRESSION, offering CBT, mindfulness, Solution focused therapy for adults, kids, and teens challenged with anxiousness, fears, emotion regulation, parenting concerns, divorce, self esteem, illness, grief and loss. Creative therapies are facilitated in tandem with talk based psychotherapy utilizing CBT and mindfulness, incorporating visualization, art, music, play, writing and movement. I encourage a deeper connection and balance between mind and body promoting self-awareness and well being.
I am a licensed psychologist with dual registration as a Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychologist and a Family Psychologist. I provide psychotherapy for toddlers (ages 2-5), play therapy for children (ages 6-11), talk therapy for preteens and teens (ages 12-18), and family therapy. Additionally, I offer comprehensive assessments for children and adolescents, including psychoeducational, ADHD, and diagnostic/social-emotional evaluations. These cover learning disorders, giftedness, mental health disorders, developmental concerns and assessments for post-secondary education planning.
I am a licensed psychologist with dual registration as a Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychologist and a Family Psychologist. I provide psychotherapy for toddlers (ages 2-5), play therapy for children (ages 6-11), talk therapy for preteens and teens (ages 12-18), and family therapy. Additionally, I offer comprehensive assessments for children and adolescents, including psychoeducational, ADHD, and diagnostic/social-emotional evaluations. These cover learning disorders, giftedness, mental health disorders, developmental concerns and assessments for post-secondary education planning.
, 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.
Parvaneh Moallef A. @Mindful Psychology
Psychological Associate, CPsych, Assoc
Verified Verified
Mississauga, ON L5G
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).
Are you wanting to feel good and have more ease in your life? Are you a parent worried about your child who may be having challenges? Are you a partner wanting to learn to communicate and connect more lovingly in your relationship? You are in the right place. NuVista Menthal Health - Toronto is a specialized treatment Centre that focuses on both brain based healing approaches and psychotherapy. Most symptoms are directly connected to our brain patterns and the clinic offers multiple forms of treatment to target brain regulation and overall healing. Take a virtual clinic tour here: https://www.youtube.com/
Are you wanting to feel good and have more ease in your life? Are you a parent worried about your child who may be having challenges? Are you a partner wanting to learn to communicate and connect more lovingly in your relationship? You are in the right place. NuVista Menthal Health - Toronto is a specialized treatment Centre that focuses on both brain based healing approaches and psychotherapy. Most symptoms are directly connected to our brain patterns and the clinic offers multiple forms of treatment to target brain regulation and overall healing. Take a virtual clinic tour here: https://www.youtube.com/
Reluctant to be here or excited to dive in? Feeling overwhelmed with anxiety or stress? Struggling with depression or PTSD? Experiencing problems in your relationships? Does your anger feel out of control? Wondering if you have ADHD? Unable to connect to others romantically? Worrying about your child’s performance in school? We offer evidence-based therapy to reduce anxiety, increase mood, improve behaviour, and boost social relationships. We also offer comprehensive psychological assessments to answer any of your looming diagnostic questions.
Reluctant to be here or excited to dive in? Feeling overwhelmed with anxiety or stress? Struggling with depression or PTSD? Experiencing problems in your relationships? Does your anger feel out of control? Wondering if you have ADHD? Unable to connect to others romantically? Worrying about your child’s performance in school? We offer evidence-based therapy to reduce anxiety, increase mood, improve behaviour, and boost social relationships. We also offer comprehensive psychological assessments to answer any of your looming diagnostic questions.
In children and youth under 18 years of age, the common issues we support include anxiety, depression, grief/loss, trauma, behaviour problems, divorce/family separation, drug and alcohol abuse, body image / food issues, screen addiction, learning difficulties, developmental delays, temper tantrums, separation anxiety and more. For parents, we help with unresolved childhood trauma, perinatal and postpartum depression and anxiety, positive discipline skills, stress reduction/mindfulness training, and parent-child bonding and attachment. For adults we deal with a wide spectrum of issues including depression, relationship issues & more.
In children and youth under 18 years of age, the common issues we support include anxiety, depression, grief/loss, trauma, behaviour problems, divorce/family separation, drug and alcohol abuse, body image / food issues, screen addiction, learning difficulties, developmental delays, temper tantrums, separation anxiety and more. For parents, we help with unresolved childhood trauma, perinatal and postpartum depression and anxiety, positive discipline skills, stress reduction/mindfulness training, and parent-child bonding and attachment. For adults we deal with a wide spectrum of issues including depression, relationship issues & more.
Dr. Liz is a registered Psychologist who provides clinical assessment and intervention for children, youth and young adults struggling with developmental issues, educational challenges, ADHD, anxiety and other mental health challenges. Dr. Liz is tenacious in creating optimal learning environments that facilitate success. Elementary, high school, college and university students can and do benefit from psycho-educational assessment and intervention. Her goal is to help navigate through life's challenges one step at a time . She is a strong believer in Neurodiversity and the science of happiness.
Dr. Liz is a registered Psychologist who provides clinical assessment and intervention for children, youth and young adults struggling with developmental issues, educational challenges, ADHD, anxiety and other mental health challenges. Dr. Liz is tenacious in creating optimal learning environments that facilitate success. Elementary, high school, college and university students can and do benefit from psycho-educational assessment and intervention. Her goal is to help navigate through life's challenges one step at a time . She is a strong believer in Neurodiversity and the science of happiness.
We are located at the heart of Mississauga just across from the Square One shopping centre.
We are located at the heart of Mississauga just across from the Square One shopping centre.
I believe the best approach to client care involves a thorough and sound understanding of both psychological and neuropsychological factors that contribute to individual health. For this reason, I value the assessment process and utilize theoretical assessment knowledge to provide the best care and evidence-based services for my clients. My background in brain-based behaviour, knowledge and application of various neuropsychological/ cognitive theories, and dedication to client-centered assessment ensures comprehensive testing of clients’ needs.
I believe the best approach to client care involves a thorough and sound understanding of both psychological and neuropsychological factors that contribute to individual health. For this reason, I value the assessment process and utilize theoretical assessment knowledge to provide the best care and evidence-based services for my clients. My background in brain-based behaviour, knowledge and application of various neuropsychological/ cognitive theories, and dedication to client-centered assessment ensures comprehensive testing of clients’ needs.
Peter Stathakos & Associates Inc
Registered Social Worker, BBA, MDiv, MSW, CMAT, CSAT
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M6C
Customized treatment plans for Individuals/Couples struggling with sexual dysfunctions and addictions. Sexual Trauma, Porn Addiction, Love Addiction and Sex Crimes are my specialties. This includes the person experiencing these challenges, and their partners and families who are confused and hurt. According to Parole Services, I have never had someone sexual re-offend while under my care and have only had 5 couples ever separate under my care. I can help with sexual enhancement, growing in intimacy, and relationship recovery. Imagine the possibilities that good therapy can have in your life!!
Customized treatment plans for Individuals/Couples struggling with sexual dysfunctions and addictions. Sexual Trauma, Porn Addiction, Love Addiction and Sex Crimes are my specialties. This includes the person experiencing these challenges, and their partners and families who are confused and hurt. According to Parole Services, I have never had someone sexual re-offend while under my care and have only had 5 couples ever separate under my care. I can help with sexual enhancement, growing in intimacy, and relationship recovery. Imagine the possibilities that good therapy can have in your life!!
What you see is what you get when you come to Dr. Kris for assessment, consultation or therapy. I am known for a no-nonsense approach. I have worked in a variety of systems (hospitals, school boards, and mental health facilities) so I am uniquely poised to help you navigate your child/adolescent's learning or mental health issue. Grownups also need help managing their own challenges and so I offer therapy to adults struggling with a variety of general life stressors as well as anxiety, depression and PTSD. I am trauma-informed and offer a variety of modalities.
What you see is what you get when you come to Dr. Kris for assessment, consultation or therapy. I am known for a no-nonsense approach. I have worked in a variety of systems (hospitals, school boards, and mental health facilities) so I am uniquely poised to help you navigate your child/adolescent's learning or mental health issue. Grownups also need help managing their own challenges and so I offer therapy to adults struggling with a variety of general life stressors as well as anxiety, depression and PTSD. I am trauma-informed and offer a variety of modalities.
Exalted Mind & Wellness Inc.
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, BA
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Brampton, ON L6T
Our mission at Exalted Mind & Wellness is to support individuals in providing psychological, emotional/mental care to heal and improve your life. The name Aliya, translates to "Exalted" "One who climbs upwards", a meaning that has played an important role throughout my journey. When one struggles with mental health concerns, they often feel down and not like themselves; nor may they view themselves in positive regards, our vision is to empower every individual through to "ascend forward" and strengthen their abilities to overcome their mental health challenges, and to start viewing themselves positively climbing upwards.
Our mission at Exalted Mind & Wellness is to support individuals in providing psychological, emotional/mental care to heal and improve your life. The name Aliya, translates to "Exalted" "One who climbs upwards", a meaning that has played an important role throughout my journey. When one struggles with mental health concerns, they often feel down and not like themselves; nor may they view themselves in positive regards, our vision is to empower every individual through to "ascend forward" and strengthen their abilities to overcome their mental health challenges, and to start viewing themselves positively climbing upwards.
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.
Therapy allows you to develop new insights about yourself, to challenge patterns that no longer work for you, and to build a set of unique skills that allow you to navigate your world in a more fulfilling way. I am a member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario, and completed my PhD in Clinical Psychology at York University, with a focus on children, youth and families. I provide treatment to clients experiencing difficulties ranging from depression and anxiety, to complex trauma and family-related challenges. Outside of work you might find me spending time with family, walking my dog, camping, reading, or sampling ice cream.
Therapy allows you to develop new insights about yourself, to challenge patterns that no longer work for you, and to build a set of unique skills that allow you to navigate your world in a more fulfilling way. I am a member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario, and completed my PhD in Clinical Psychology at York University, with a focus on children, youth and families. I provide treatment to clients experiencing difficulties ranging from depression and anxiety, to complex trauma and family-related challenges. Outside of work you might find me spending time with family, walking my dog, camping, reading, or sampling ice cream.
It is natural to need professional support when struggling with mental health. Here are examples of some issues that our therapists can help you with: anger management, anxiety/stress and depression management, addiction, burnout, relationship counseling, or couples counseling, marital & pre-marital therapy, family conflicts, modern parenting, blended families, children and divorce, teen issues, relationship problems, instability, conflict or communication issues, dating issues, infidelity peer relationships Illness or disease diagnoses bereavement, grief and loss counselling, career and corporate coaching, etc.
It is natural to need professional support when struggling with mental health. Here are examples of some issues that our therapists can help you with: anger management, anxiety/stress and depression management, addiction, burnout, relationship counseling, or couples counseling, marital & pre-marital therapy, family conflicts, modern parenting, blended families, children and divorce, teen issues, relationship problems, instability, conflict or communication issues, dating issues, infidelity peer relationships Illness or disease diagnoses bereavement, grief and loss counselling, career and corporate coaching, etc.
Dr. Frida Marshi Nasser
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hamilton, ON L8R (Online Only)
I am a clinical and rehabilitation psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. I work in a private practice, Life Psychology Clinic, providing psychological treatment for children, adolescents, and adults, and psychological assessment services for adults. I provide therapy for a wide variety of psychological difficulties, which include mood and anxiety disorders, personality disorders, adjustment to loss and change, developmental disorders, anger and stress management, self-esteem difficulties, behavior problems, interpersonal and relational issues, school and learning issues, parenting, and many other.
I am a clinical and rehabilitation psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. I work in a private practice, Life Psychology Clinic, providing psychological treatment for children, adolescents, and adults, and psychological assessment services for adults. I provide therapy for a wide variety of psychological difficulties, which include mood and anxiety disorders, personality disorders, adjustment to loss and change, developmental disorders, anger and stress management, self-esteem difficulties, behavior problems, interpersonal and relational issues, school and learning issues, parenting, and many other.
Storrie, Velikonja and Associates
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych, CCAT(MB, CMLE(O)
Verified Verified
Burlington, ON L7R
Storrie, Velikonja and Associates provide psychological, neuropsychological, psychovocational, and psychoeducational assessment services. We offer treatment of mood difficulties, brain injury, learning disorders, communication, parenting issues, and PTSD in first responders. Our multidisciplinary clinics target concussion, dementia, and autism. We also work with a wide range of mood disorder and personality challenges across the life span.
Storrie, Velikonja and Associates provide psychological, neuropsychological, psychovocational, and psychoeducational assessment services. We offer treatment of mood difficulties, brain injury, learning disorders, communication, parenting issues, and PTSD in first responders. Our multidisciplinary clinics target concussion, dementia, and autism. We also work with a wide range of mood disorder and personality challenges across the life span.
See more therapy options for Niagara Falls
Nearby Play Therapy Counsellors Searches for Niagara Falls
- Burlington
- Dundas
- East York
- Grimsby
- Hamilton
- Niagara on the Lake
- Oakville
- Saint Catharines
- Stoney Creek
- Toronto
- Waterdown
- Welland
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.