Play Therapy in Paris, ON
Virtual sessions currently available, there is a waitlist for in-person. Are you feeling overwhelmed by life's stressors? Are you having difficulty with managing your child's behaviour or mental health concerns? Do you want to improve the relationships with the people around you? I am a Registered Social Worker and use a non-judgmental approach to create a safe environment to provide support. I have a special interest in working with children/adolescents, families and individuals and often use a play-based approach to make treatment fun and engaging.
Virtual sessions currently available, there is a waitlist for in-person. Are you feeling overwhelmed by life's stressors? Are you having difficulty with managing your child's behaviour or mental health concerns? Do you want to improve the relationships with the people around you? I am a Registered Social Worker and use a non-judgmental approach to create a safe environment to provide support. I have a special interest in working with children/adolescents, families and individuals and often use a play-based approach to make treatment fun and engaging.
Rebecca Brown Psychotherapy
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Paris, ON N3L
If you’re a parent looking for the right service for your child/youth, then look no further! My compassionate, playful nature works well with children as I integrate evidenced based therapies through their language of play and curiosity. These skills also translate in my work with adults through a trauma and attachment treatment lens. Between my experience working with children, teens, and adults, my skills are wide and will be best used to support you or your loved one in the therapeutic journey.
If you’re a parent looking for the right service for your child/youth, then look no further! My compassionate, playful nature works well with children as I integrate evidenced based therapies through their language of play and curiosity. These skills also translate in my work with adults through a trauma and attachment treatment lens. Between my experience working with children, teens, and adults, my skills are wide and will be best used to support you or your loved one in the therapeutic journey.
We offer private In-person, phone and video Counselling and Psychotherapy services in Paris, Ontario. Are you struggling to understand and cope with challenges in your personal or professional life? Cobblestone Counselling and Psychotherapy group offers children, individuals, families and couples counselling. Like all services at Cobblestone, Counselling services are focused on treating people holistically. We see the person as a whole and employ a person centred, collaborative and integrative approach to counselling and therapy. Finding a therapist uniquely fitting to your needs is significant to us at Cobblestone.
We offer private In-person, phone and video Counselling and Psychotherapy services in Paris, Ontario. Are you struggling to understand and cope with challenges in your personal or professional life? Cobblestone Counselling and Psychotherapy group offers children, individuals, families and couples counselling. Like all services at Cobblestone, Counselling services are focused on treating people holistically. We see the person as a whole and employ a person centred, collaborative and integrative approach to counselling and therapy. Finding a therapist uniquely fitting to your needs is significant to us at Cobblestone.
Do you or your child have big feelings that make days tough? Is it hard to make choices? Is change hard to deal with? Is getting along with others hard? If you’re looking for ways to be your best self, there are many options to explore. I can help you find the best way that works for you.
Do you or your child have big feelings that make days tough? Is it hard to make choices? Is change hard to deal with? Is getting along with others hard? If you’re looking for ways to be your best self, there are many options to explore. I can help you find the best way that works for you.
Alexander Kunashko
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW, BA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Paris, ON N3L
Coronavirus concerns? Video chat (Skype) and phone-based appointments available! Has life become too stressful? Can you no longer cope? Is life not as enjoyable as it used to be? Do you struggle with any of the following: Depression, Trauma, Anxiety, Relationship Issues, Grief, Insomnia, or Stress? Sometimes life can feel overwhelming and seem hopeless. Instead of suffering alone, let me help you. I am a great listener who is compassionate and non-judgmental. I will work hard to earn your trust, understand what the root issues are, and then problem solve effective solutions that will suit your unique needs.
Coronavirus concerns? Video chat (Skype) and phone-based appointments available! Has life become too stressful? Can you no longer cope? Is life not as enjoyable as it used to be? Do you struggle with any of the following: Depression, Trauma, Anxiety, Relationship Issues, Grief, Insomnia, or Stress? Sometimes life can feel overwhelming and seem hopeless. Instead of suffering alone, let me help you. I am a great listener who is compassionate and non-judgmental. I will work hard to earn your trust, understand what the root issues are, and then problem solve effective solutions that will suit your unique needs.
More Therapists Nearby
Benjamin MacMillan
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, RP (Q)
Verified Verified
Brantford, ON N3S
I have additional training in child centered play therapy.
Is stress, fear or thoughts about the past weighing you down? Do you struggle to experience meaning and satisfaction in your daily life? I offer a calm and encouraging space to explore your concerns in a way that is both wholistic and practical.
I have additional training in child centered play therapy.
Is stress, fear or thoughts about the past weighing you down? Do you struggle to experience meaning and satisfaction in your daily life? I offer a calm and encouraging space to explore your concerns in a way that is both wholistic and practical.
The Play Clinic provides a safe and secure place for children, youth, adults, and families to heal as they work through emotional, behavioural, and relational issues. Jodie is Certified Play Therapist Supervisor, IFSI Approved Clinical Consultant, Certified EMDR therapist, Certified Trauma Professional II, and a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider. Jodie spent the last 10 years focused on specializing in children's behavioural and mental health, seeking out consultation from leading therapeutic experts to be able to support clients of all ages healing and well being.
The Play Clinic provides a safe and secure place for children, youth, adults, and families to heal as they work through emotional, behavioural, and relational issues. Jodie is Certified Play Therapist Supervisor, IFSI Approved Clinical Consultant, Certified EMDR therapist, Certified Trauma Professional II, and a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider. Jodie spent the last 10 years focused on specializing in children's behavioural and mental health, seeking out consultation from leading therapeutic experts to be able to support clients of all ages healing and well being.
As a registered social worker, I work with a variety of challenges and people using various approaches, including play therapy, sandtray therapy, EMDR, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and solution-brief therapy.
Currently accepting new clients. Are you worried about your child or teen? Perhaps you are struggling with dealing with traumatic experiences. Young children need an approach that is tailored to their development, and it is for this reason that I offer an approach that is child-centered using both directive and non-directive play therapy. I provide counselling to children, teens and their families that might be dealing with emotional, social or behavioral issues, or that might be struggling with mental health difficulties. Using a trauma-focused approach, I also offer EMDR therapy to adults that have undergone trauma.
As a registered social worker, I work with a variety of challenges and people using various approaches, including play therapy, sandtray therapy, EMDR, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and solution-brief therapy.
Currently accepting new clients. Are you worried about your child or teen? Perhaps you are struggling with dealing with traumatic experiences. Young children need an approach that is tailored to their development, and it is for this reason that I offer an approach that is child-centered using both directive and non-directive play therapy. I provide counselling to children, teens and their families that might be dealing with emotional, social or behavioral issues, or that might be struggling with mental health difficulties. Using a trauma-focused approach, I also offer EMDR therapy to adults that have undergone trauma.
The Couch Counselling and Support Services
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
Brantford, ON N3S
The Couch have clinicians with their own specialities such as EMDR, CBT, SFT, Play therapy and trauma informed.
Registered Psychotherapist who specialises in Sanitary Therapy for both young and old, CBT, and SFT. Lori has been working with the First Nations community for the past seven years and has been supervising clinical workers for the last four years. The Couch Counselling also offers many psychotherapist to help suit the needs and availability of all clients. Please call to find the perfect fit or look online at thecouchcounselling.com and see the many professionals. Here to help you make the changes in your life so you can live a healthier and productive life.
The Couch have clinicians with their own specialities such as EMDR, CBT, SFT, Play therapy and trauma informed.
Registered Psychotherapist who specialises in Sanitary Therapy for both young and old, CBT, and SFT. Lori has been working with the First Nations community for the past seven years and has been supervising clinical workers for the last four years. The Couch Counselling also offers many psychotherapist to help suit the needs and availability of all clients. Please call to find the perfect fit or look online at thecouchcounselling.com and see the many professionals. Here to help you make the changes in your life so you can live a healthier and productive life.
As a child psychotherapist, my approach involves keen observation of a child's play, drawings, words, and behavior. Through this process, I help children verbalize the thoughts and emotions underlying their challenging behaviors. I tailor my methods to each individual child or family, ensuring an age-appropriate approach. Maintaining a neutral and non-directive stance, I create an atmosphere where children and adolescents feel free to express themselves without fear of punishment or rejection. This fosters trust and understanding, allowing them to communicate their hopes and fears ultimately shaping their perception of the world.
As a child psychotherapist, my approach involves keen observation of a child's play, drawings, words, and behavior. Through this process, I help children verbalize the thoughts and emotions underlying their challenging behaviors. I tailor my methods to each individual child or family, ensuring an age-appropriate approach. Maintaining a neutral and non-directive stance, I create an atmosphere where children and adolescents feel free to express themselves without fear of punishment or rejection. This fosters trust and understanding, allowing them to communicate their hopes and fears ultimately shaping their perception of the world.
Fawne Ferguson
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, RP(Q), BEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brantford, ON N3T
As a child-therapist, I use play-based interventions to help your child process their experiences and practice coping skills to help them feel better.
Your child has been experiencing BIG emotions and, as hard as you try, you are not sure how to help them manage these feelings. You’re exhausted and feeling lost. You are feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of parenting and balancing the demands of work, relationships, and taking care of yourself. It is time to figure this out. As a mother of two young children, I get it. My name is Fawne and I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). I have a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Counselling Psychology.
As a child-therapist, I use play-based interventions to help your child process their experiences and practice coping skills to help them feel better.
Your child has been experiencing BIG emotions and, as hard as you try, you are not sure how to help them manage these feelings. You’re exhausted and feeling lost. You are feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of parenting and balancing the demands of work, relationships, and taking care of yourself. It is time to figure this out. As a mother of two young children, I get it. My name is Fawne and I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). I have a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Counselling Psychology.
Tina J. Smith & Associates
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Cambridge, ON N1P
Tina J. Smith & Associates supports the "whole family" (children, adolescents, teens, adults, couples, and families). It is our passion to help restore hope and healing by walking a journey alongside you. Everyone is faced with suffering in their life, and "at times" this suffering seems overwhelming. Counselling and psychotherapy provide an opportunity to gain insight, tools, and treatment toward restoration and healing. We believe hope and healing are greater when individuals, couples, and families receive care and support from our specialized therapists from within our "family team."
Tina J. Smith & Associates supports the "whole family" (children, adolescents, teens, adults, couples, and families). It is our passion to help restore hope and healing by walking a journey alongside you. Everyone is faced with suffering in their life, and "at times" this suffering seems overwhelming. Counselling and psychotherapy provide an opportunity to gain insight, tools, and treatment toward restoration and healing. We believe hope and healing are greater when individuals, couples, and families receive care and support from our specialized therapists from within our "family team."
We all have within us a profound sense of knowing that helps us to live the life we ought to be living. When our lives are not aligning with this inner wisdom, we experience isolation, depression, and feel unfulfilled, stuck, and bored. We find ourselves in old repetitive patterns, jobs, and relationships that are no longer serving us. I can help you address these issues and guide you to explore the deepest parts of your self so that you can begin to live your authentic life.
We all have within us a profound sense of knowing that helps us to live the life we ought to be living. When our lives are not aligning with this inner wisdom, we experience isolation, depression, and feel unfulfilled, stuck, and bored. We find ourselves in old repetitive patterns, jobs, and relationships that are no longer serving us. I can help you address these issues and guide you to explore the deepest parts of your self so that you can begin to live your authentic life.
Are you carrying the pain of traumatic memories with you on a day to day basis? Would you like relief from flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, nightmares and symptoms of trauma? I am a Certified EMDR therapist who specializes in supporting individuals in processing traumatic experiences to reduce symptoms. In counselling, I work to help individuals to identify, strengthen and develop their coping skills by creating an empathic space to explore feelings. I am passionate about offering strength-based counselling to help individuals work towards well-being and find ways to maintain connections with what is important to them.
Are you carrying the pain of traumatic memories with you on a day to day basis? Would you like relief from flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, nightmares and symptoms of trauma? I am a Certified EMDR therapist who specializes in supporting individuals in processing traumatic experiences to reduce symptoms. In counselling, I work to help individuals to identify, strengthen and develop their coping skills by creating an empathic space to explore feelings. I am passionate about offering strength-based counselling to help individuals work towards well-being and find ways to maintain connections with what is important to them.
I am a trauma specialist. I have worked with children, adolescents and adults. I am currently offering Face to Face sessions making use of a large office. I do offer video conference through Microsoft Teams. I am utilizing EMDR and Trauma Focused CBT. You can be assured that the treatment modalities that I use are grounded in best practices to ensure that you will see positive changes in your life. I graduated with a Masters of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University in 1993, so I have a solid track record of Clinical Social Work Employment in the community and my Private Practice.
I am a trauma specialist. I have worked with children, adolescents and adults. I am currently offering Face to Face sessions making use of a large office. I do offer video conference through Microsoft Teams. I am utilizing EMDR and Trauma Focused CBT. You can be assured that the treatment modalities that I use are grounded in best practices to ensure that you will see positive changes in your life. I graduated with a Masters of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University in 1993, so I have a solid track record of Clinical Social Work Employment in the community and my Private Practice.
Ryanna Barban
Registered Social Worker, MSW, BSW, RSW, BA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brantford, ON N3S
Our lives are not entirely defined by what has happened to us but rather by how we choose to make sense of it and who we choose to be as a result. My vocation and commitment to supporting individuals to overcome adversity, trauma, and problems in living are rooted in the Ubuntu philosophy. Providing support across all age groups, I promote inner self-discovery and self-mastery. I offer unique individual-specific approaches to empower self-actualization by challenging unhelpful beliefs, improving self-concept, working through painful experiences, accessing resources, and changing unhealthy habits to live more authentically.
Our lives are not entirely defined by what has happened to us but rather by how we choose to make sense of it and who we choose to be as a result. My vocation and commitment to supporting individuals to overcome adversity, trauma, and problems in living are rooted in the Ubuntu philosophy. Providing support across all age groups, I promote inner self-discovery and self-mastery. I offer unique individual-specific approaches to empower self-actualization by challenging unhelpful beliefs, improving self-concept, working through painful experiences, accessing resources, and changing unhealthy habits to live more authentically.
Rachel Birley
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, PMH-C, CHyp, OAMHP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Brantford, ON N3R
I provide psychotherapy for individuals and families who may be dealing with a variety of issues and concerns. We all face different challenges in life that may impact us differently than others, therefore, no issue is seen as less important or not as severe as another. I believe in equality across all clients and building a therapeutic relationship around that. I am a therapist who uses a client-centered approach to the counselling relationship. I believe in working together with my clients toward a common goal using a variety of strategies and techniques that would best suit their individual needs.
I provide psychotherapy for individuals and families who may be dealing with a variety of issues and concerns. We all face different challenges in life that may impact us differently than others, therefore, no issue is seen as less important or not as severe as another. I believe in equality across all clients and building a therapeutic relationship around that. I am a therapist who uses a client-centered approach to the counselling relationship. I believe in working together with my clients toward a common goal using a variety of strategies and techniques that would best suit their individual needs.
Strength Counselling Services
Counsellor, MEd, RCC, CCC, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
Cambridge, ON N1P (Online Only)
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
Vera Kelim
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MPsy, OAMHP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Cambridge, ON N1P
Thanks for reading this :) I work with challenging emotions, difficult periods of your life, career changing, life priorities. I additionally trained to support you in stress, trauma, and grieving. My special area of experience is work with Children, Teens, and Parents. Any questions about parenting, development, processing difficult experiences and emotions: I'm here to help you. Psychotherapy is my vocation, and I've been working in private and group counselling for over 20 years. I'm fluent in both Russian and English.
Thanks for reading this :) I work with challenging emotions, difficult periods of your life, career changing, life priorities. I additionally trained to support you in stress, trauma, and grieving. My special area of experience is work with Children, Teens, and Parents. Any questions about parenting, development, processing difficult experiences and emotions: I'm here to help you. Psychotherapy is my vocation, and I've been working in private and group counselling for over 20 years. I'm fluent in both Russian and English.
Dr. Jodie Lockey-Duesling 'the Neurodivergent Intuitive Therapist'
Registered Social Worker, BA, MACP, RSW, DCP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Brantford, ON N3T (Online Only)
I have over 15 years of specialized and certified experience, with a focus on adult and child autism/adhd, hormonal changes, athletic, executive career coaching, inner child wounds, attachment injury, hoarding, grief, anxiety, depression, soul/intuitive and trauma. I am passionate supporting women, including busy moms who want their identity and holistic connection to their world. One size does not fit all; thus, I am unique because I utilize integrative, somatic, EMDR, cognitive, behavioural, emotional and neurofeedback! Let’s align mind, body and soul, using neuroscience to create new neural pathways and regulate nervous systems!
I have over 15 years of specialized and certified experience, with a focus on adult and child autism/adhd, hormonal changes, athletic, executive career coaching, inner child wounds, attachment injury, hoarding, grief, anxiety, depression, soul/intuitive and trauma. I am passionate supporting women, including busy moms who want their identity and holistic connection to their world. One size does not fit all; thus, I am unique because I utilize integrative, somatic, EMDR, cognitive, behavioural, emotional and neurofeedback! Let’s align mind, body and soul, using neuroscience to create new neural pathways and regulate nervous systems!
Brant Mental Health Solutions is a private counselling and psychology centre in Paris, Ontario. Our team of 18 mental health professionals are able to work with; children, teens, adults, couples and families. We offer virtual and in person counselling options and equine therapy at two beautiful farms in Brantford. Our team is made up of Registered Social Workers, Registered Psychotherapists, Psychologists and other mental health professionals.
Brant Mental Health Solutions is a private counselling and psychology centre in Paris, Ontario. Our team of 18 mental health professionals are able to work with; children, teens, adults, couples and families. We offer virtual and in person counselling options and equine therapy at two beautiful farms in Brantford. Our team is made up of Registered Social Workers, Registered Psychotherapists, Psychologists and other mental health professionals.
Kristen Turner
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, RP(Q)
Verified Verified
Cambridge, ON N1P
Do you feel like your child is a stranger to you? Have you noticed their grades dropping in school or them pulling away from friends? Do you notice your child becoming absorbed in social media and less interested in their extracurriculars? Are they setting high standards for themselves? Does your child get upset and they can’t tell you why? Is your child yelling or crying for long periods of time, and you don’t know what to do? Do you feel like your teen doesn’t talk to you? You are not alone. Children and teens grow up quickly, and these sudden changes can be more than just growing pains.
Do you feel like your child is a stranger to you? Have you noticed their grades dropping in school or them pulling away from friends? Do you notice your child becoming absorbed in social media and less interested in their extracurriculars? Are they setting high standards for themselves? Does your child get upset and they can’t tell you why? Is your child yelling or crying for long periods of time, and you don’t know what to do? Do you feel like your teen doesn’t talk to you? You are not alone. Children and teens grow up quickly, and these sudden changes can be more than just growing pains.
Established in 1983, Guthrie and Associates has served many thousands of couples, families and individuals like you. We were the first private counselling clinic to practice in Brantford. Building a strong reputation over the past thirty-eight years, we are a recognized place in the community and receive referrals from many professionals, including doctors, lawyers, social workers and clergy. Our skilled team of counsellors include both Clinical Social Workers and a Registered Psychotherapist. Whatever issue, challenge or hurdle you may be facing, our team of caring and competent counsellors are here for you in your time of need.
Established in 1983, Guthrie and Associates has served many thousands of couples, families and individuals like you. We were the first private counselling clinic to practice in Brantford. Building a strong reputation over the past thirty-eight years, we are a recognized place in the community and receive referrals from many professionals, including doctors, lawyers, social workers and clergy. Our skilled team of counsellors include both Clinical Social Workers and a Registered Psychotherapist. Whatever issue, challenge or hurdle you may be facing, our team of caring and competent counsellors are here for you in your time of need.
Jenny Lehmann
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist, BA, BSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, ON N1P
If you are reading this, you have already taken the most challenging step on your path to healing and growth, and that’s reaching out for support. It can be incredibly overwhelming starting to focus on your mental health and wanting to make changes but not knowing where to begin, this is where I come in. My commitment is to create a safe and supportive environment for all individuals and one that emphasizes growth and development in a non-judgemental manner to help support clients’ goals and ultimately living happy and meaningful lives.
If you are reading this, you have already taken the most challenging step on your path to healing and growth, and that’s reaching out for support. It can be incredibly overwhelming starting to focus on your mental health and wanting to make changes but not knowing where to begin, this is where I come in. My commitment is to create a safe and supportive environment for all individuals and one that emphasizes growth and development in a non-judgemental manner to help support clients’ goals and ultimately living happy and meaningful lives.
Patricia James - Psychotherapist And Workplace Mental Health Consultant
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, CNP, RN, BScN, BA Psyc
Verified Verified
Brantford, ON N3T
As a Certified Nurse Psychotherapist (CNP) and a Registered Psychotherapist (RP), I counsel and support individuals and their families experiencing issues such as depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, trauma, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, attention deficit disorders and addiction issues. We also offer workplace mental health consultant services to help employers develop an effective employee mental health and wellness program tailored to the workplace environment. To customize a workplace mental health program from our service menu please see our Consulting Programs page for our workplace mental health programs.
As a Certified Nurse Psychotherapist (CNP) and a Registered Psychotherapist (RP), I counsel and support individuals and their families experiencing issues such as depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, trauma, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, attention deficit disorders and addiction issues. We also offer workplace mental health consultant services to help employers develop an effective employee mental health and wellness program tailored to the workplace environment. To customize a workplace mental health program from our service menu please see our Consulting Programs page for our workplace mental health programs.
See more therapy options for Paris
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.