Play Therapy in Thornhill, ON
![Photo of Fataneh Farnia, PhD, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/72ba46c8-6bdc-41de-96be-0ac5d8fb9e37/2/320x400.png)
Children and youth often experience strong emotions (anxiety, sadness, anger, fear) that are the roots of their behavioral challenges, self- and emotion dysregulation, and other adjustment issues. These issues negatively impact their quality of life. Through play and art therapy, I facilitate and witness the unfolding of children's lived experiences. I help them to explore and express their thoughts, emotions and memories that may not be easily expressed using words. Through interacting with their personal symbols in the play or their art, children gain self-acceptance which is the bridge to healing the inner pain and trauma.
Children and youth often experience strong emotions (anxiety, sadness, anger, fear) that are the roots of their behavioral challenges, self- and emotion dysregulation, and other adjustment issues. These issues negatively impact their quality of life. Through play and art therapy, I facilitate and witness the unfolding of children's lived experiences. I help them to explore and express their thoughts, emotions and memories that may not be easily expressed using words. Through interacting with their personal symbols in the play or their art, children gain self-acceptance which is the bridge to healing the inner pain and trauma.
![Photo of Homaira Ghazvini Nejad- Rp (Qualifying), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/462451e0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Homaira Ghazvini Nejad- Rp (Qualifying)
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Thornhill, ON L3T
Happiness is a direction, not a place. I am experienced in providing counselling services for individuals, families and couples with anxiety, OCD, anger, depression, bereavement (grief) and PTSD issues. I can help the clients to learn or improve their communication skills, and marital conflict solution strategies. Pre-marriage and marriage, infidelity, and divorce counselling services are provided. Play therapy will be provided for children with behavioural problems.
Happiness is a direction, not a place. I am experienced in providing counselling services for individuals, families and couples with anxiety, OCD, anger, depression, bereavement (grief) and PTSD issues. I can help the clients to learn or improve their communication skills, and marital conflict solution strategies. Pre-marriage and marriage, infidelity, and divorce counselling services are provided. Play therapy will be provided for children with behavioural problems.
![Photo of Meagan Wachtel, RP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4884620d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Do you feel stuck in your life? Do you feel stressed, sad or anxious? Are you going through some significant changes in your family and relationships? Many people struggle to cope when change happens. Reaching out for support is a great way to strengthen your ability to handle change, stress and emotional challenges. I am a registered psychotherapist specializing in working with families, individuals, children, youth and couples. I work with my clients to strengthen and build coping & life skills. I also work with clients to help them process difficult experiences- moving forward towards a healthier and more productive life.
Do you feel stuck in your life? Do you feel stressed, sad or anxious? Are you going through some significant changes in your family and relationships? Many people struggle to cope when change happens. Reaching out for support is a great way to strengthen your ability to handle change, stress and emotional challenges. I am a registered psychotherapist specializing in working with families, individuals, children, youth and couples. I work with my clients to strengthen and build coping & life skills. I also work with clients to help them process difficult experiences- moving forward towards a healthier and more productive life.
![Photo of Cathy Ierullo, CPsych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c435931-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a registered Clinical and School Psychologist and the Clinical Director of the New Path Psychology Centre. I have extensive experience in working with children, adolescents, young adults and their families who are experiencing learning, communication/social, emotional, behavioural, and anxiety/depression needs. Through comprehensive assessments I determine each individual's strengths and needs and use a variety of evidence-based treatments to support skill development. With a multi-disciplinary team of Speech-Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapists we can facilitate growth in many developmental areas.
I am a registered Clinical and School Psychologist and the Clinical Director of the New Path Psychology Centre. I have extensive experience in working with children, adolescents, young adults and their families who are experiencing learning, communication/social, emotional, behavioural, and anxiety/depression needs. Through comprehensive assessments I determine each individual's strengths and needs and use a variety of evidence-based treatments to support skill development. With a multi-disciplinary team of Speech-Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapists we can facilitate growth in many developmental areas.
![Photo of Shimah Hajmohammadi - Purple Life Clinic, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/918862b1-7a81-486d-a5f0-c354d9ee60a6/2/320x400.png)
Discover your path to mental wellness with compassionate care at Purple Life Psychology Clinic. Our experienced team offers personalized support to help you navigate life's challenges and thrive . Take the first step towards a brighter tomorrow with us.
Discover your path to mental wellness with compassionate care at Purple Life Psychology Clinic. Our experienced team offers personalized support to help you navigate life's challenges and thrive . Take the first step towards a brighter tomorrow with us.
![Photo of Stefanie Gorendar - York Region Healing Arts, BA, Hons, MA, RP, ECPC, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f30be33e-4614-4011-a3ff-e35bd99d8522/2/320x400.png)
York Region Healing Arts
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, Hons, MA, RP, ECPC
Verified Verified
Thornhill, ON L3T
Are you looking to make some positive changes in your life? Are you tired of being stuck in a rut? If you are struggling with life transitions, relationship difficulties, stress, anxiety or depression we provide a warm environment to explore those struggles in order to work with you to create the life that you want to live. Stefanie is a registered psychotherapist and certified life coach and utilizes skills from both areas to work through those difficulties. We also offer flexible scheduling times such as weekdays, evenings, and weekends.
Are you looking to make some positive changes in your life? Are you tired of being stuck in a rut? If you are struggling with life transitions, relationship difficulties, stress, anxiety or depression we provide a warm environment to explore those struggles in order to work with you to create the life that you want to live. Stefanie is a registered psychotherapist and certified life coach and utilizes skills from both areas to work through those difficulties. We also offer flexible scheduling times such as weekdays, evenings, and weekends.
![Photo of Hanit Isakovan, MA, RP, OACCPP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e54e4fc3-b1cd-4824-8bfa-98c24baa0756/2/320x400.jpeg)
Anxious? Sad? Depressed? Frustrated? Hopeless? Take control of your happiness by contacting me today! I provide high quality science-based clinical assessment and treatment programs in the areas of children, youth, individual, family, couple and group therapy.
Anxious? Sad? Depressed? Frustrated? Hopeless? Take control of your happiness by contacting me today! I provide high quality science-based clinical assessment and treatment programs in the areas of children, youth, individual, family, couple and group therapy.
![Photo of Gillian LaMariana, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d3e1cbc9-52a1-410f-928a-a59646d1f489/2/320x400.jpeg)
My approach to therapy is Attachment and Interpersonal Neuroscience Based. Adult Attachment Theory (rooted in Attachment science) will uncover the ways our early attachment experiences in childhood, impact our relationships in adulthood. Interpersonal Neuroscience (rooted in Polyvagal Theory) focuses on the role of our nervous system, and why we respond to/interpret “threat” the way we do.
My approach to therapy is Attachment and Interpersonal Neuroscience Based. Adult Attachment Theory (rooted in Attachment science) will uncover the ways our early attachment experiences in childhood, impact our relationships in adulthood. Interpersonal Neuroscience (rooted in Polyvagal Theory) focuses on the role of our nervous system, and why we respond to/interpret “threat” the way we do.
![Photo of Christina Skoulos - Christina Skoulos, RP, TCHt, CFRC, RKin, RYT, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1cf150ec-e877-4bd1-9d59-38c44cb11432/3/320x400.jpeg)
Christina Skoulos
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, TCHt, CFRC, RKin, RYT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Thornhill, ON L3T
Are you feeling overwhelmed, lost, stuck, down, anxious, stressed, or seeking answers? Would you like to improve your health and well-being and create deeper healing, improved relationships, lasting change, and transformation in your life? Perhaps you find yourself lacking time, focus, energy, drive, connection, and have no idea how to start improving things. We all have times in life when we may feel this way. With everything going on in the world these days, it's not easy to not feel this way. But you can finally stop trying to do it all alone now. Whatever your needs may be, I am here to offer support.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, lost, stuck, down, anxious, stressed, or seeking answers? Would you like to improve your health and well-being and create deeper healing, improved relationships, lasting change, and transformation in your life? Perhaps you find yourself lacking time, focus, energy, drive, connection, and have no idea how to start improving things. We all have times in life when we may feel this way. With everything going on in the world these days, it's not easy to not feel this way. But you can finally stop trying to do it all alone now. Whatever your needs may be, I am here to offer support.
![Photo of Lina Vishnevsky - LV Therapy , MSW, RSW, BEd, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47b88c99-644e-4e73-b1d6-a2e8b061f200/3/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome! My name is Lina and I am a Registered Social Worker. Life is all about relationships; relationship with ourselves, our parents, our partners, children, friends, neighbors, colleagues, etc. Relationships often bring us joy, purpose and meaning in life but can also be the source of feelings of anger, sadness, grief, worry and disappointment. I am here to help support you with the various relationships in your life and to help you feel more happy and fulfilled.
Welcome! My name is Lina and I am a Registered Social Worker. Life is all about relationships; relationship with ourselves, our parents, our partners, children, friends, neighbors, colleagues, etc. Relationships often bring us joy, purpose and meaning in life but can also be the source of feelings of anger, sadness, grief, worry and disappointment. I am here to help support you with the various relationships in your life and to help you feel more happy and fulfilled.
![Photo of Alana Warner, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/95435d0a-0c31-4a83-ba3a-c20dd4ddfb1e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alana Warner
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Thornhill, ON L4J (Online Only)
Do you struggle with thoughts of perfectionism and low self esteem? Do you beat yourself up for your mistakes and shortcomings? Are you struggling with a transition in your life, such as becoming a parent, graduating school or starting a new job? Do you feel stuck and struggle to cope? You are not alone, I am here to help.
Do you struggle with thoughts of perfectionism and low self esteem? Do you beat yourself up for your mistakes and shortcomings? Are you struggling with a transition in your life, such as becoming a parent, graduating school or starting a new job? Do you feel stuck and struggle to cope? You are not alone, I am here to help.
![Photo of Josh Kline, RP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9947fc4d-fd7e-4ae5-bc76-57f62e15cdae/1/320x400.jpeg)
Coming from a humanistic perspective, I'm interested in helping people who are on a journey towards self- discovery. They are interested in better understanding themselves and the problems they face. They are open to challenging themselves and working collaboratively to address any concerns they may have.
Coming from a humanistic perspective, I'm interested in helping people who are on a journey towards self- discovery. They are interested in better understanding themselves and the problems they face. They are open to challenging themselves and working collaboratively to address any concerns they may have.
![Photo of Dr. Marina Heifetz - Mindful Psychology & Wellness Centre, PhD, CPsych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8729cbce-0e9d-4979-88e0-dae12b75d9de/1/320x400.png)
Mindful Psychology & Wellness Centre
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Thornhill, ON L3T
"How do I help my child keep their cool?" "How do I connect with my teen?" Parenting is hard. In fact, it may be the hardest thing we do in our lives. We live in a world that is increasingly becoming busier, competitive, and full of stressors. At Mindful Psychology and Wellness Centre we are here to support your family's journey and guide you in nurturing kindness, resilience, and confidence in your child and your relationship with them. As parents and professionals, we know how tricky life can get and we are here to help you find the right care for you.
"How do I help my child keep their cool?" "How do I connect with my teen?" Parenting is hard. In fact, it may be the hardest thing we do in our lives. We live in a world that is increasingly becoming busier, competitive, and full of stressors. At Mindful Psychology and Wellness Centre we are here to support your family's journey and guide you in nurturing kindness, resilience, and confidence in your child and your relationship with them. As parents and professionals, we know how tricky life can get and we are here to help you find the right care for you.
![Photo of Gauri Mathur - Vaughan Counselling & Psychotherapy, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/04dbd629-a6c8-4894-9eae-8f393321bb91/3/320x400.jpeg)
Vaughan Counselling & Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Thornhill, ON L3T
Accepting New Clients! Welcome to our page! Whether you stumbled this page because of a recent break-up, divorce, an addiction you want to break, marriage problems or just looking to find ways to cope with your stress, you found the right place. We specialize in CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Inner Child Work and other modalities to assist you. We can provide you with tools to help you cope but can also assist you in finding and healing the core issue.
Accepting New Clients! Welcome to our page! Whether you stumbled this page because of a recent break-up, divorce, an addiction you want to break, marriage problems or just looking to find ways to cope with your stress, you found the right place. We specialize in CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Inner Child Work and other modalities to assist you. We can provide you with tools to help you cope but can also assist you in finding and healing the core issue.
![Photo of Nidhi Gupta, RP, CPC, BSc, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/38c4373e-d2d1-4669-8502-57db12ae0f69/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nidhi Gupta
Counsellor, RP, CPC, BSc
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Thornhill, ON L3T (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I WORK WITH PEOPLE WHO WANT TO BE THE BEST THEY CAN BE. Life can often get in our way, and things can catch up with us and we suddenly realize this is not the life we want for ourselves. Painful, emotional feelings from our past can affect our self-esteem, all our relationships, esp intimate ones, and conflict occurs. Relationships are at our core, and understanding ourselves oft through the lens of difficult relationships help us learn how to be more compassionate, nurture self-love, be better communicators, and to create more trust and belief in oneself. I am often referred to as the "Happiness Locator" & Self Esteem Coach.
I WORK WITH PEOPLE WHO WANT TO BE THE BEST THEY CAN BE. Life can often get in our way, and things can catch up with us and we suddenly realize this is not the life we want for ourselves. Painful, emotional feelings from our past can affect our self-esteem, all our relationships, esp intimate ones, and conflict occurs. Relationships are at our core, and understanding ourselves oft through the lens of difficult relationships help us learn how to be more compassionate, nurture self-love, be better communicators, and to create more trust and belief in oneself. I am often referred to as the "Happiness Locator" & Self Esteem Coach.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Kelsey Castron, BA, MA, RP(Q), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6f3b571e-e51c-49d8-b671-c4cf394ff524/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kelsey Castron
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, MA, RP(Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M2K (Online Only)
My therapeutic approach is integrative with various evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Play based therapy, and Mindfulness based Therapy.
Welcome! My name is Kelsey and I am so happy you landed here. My background as a Behaviour therapist working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been a leading factor in branching out into the mental health field. I enjoy working with clients of all ages, but have a particular focus helping adults/parents in support for the development and overall wellbeing of children.. I have experience helping individuals with various challenges including anxiety, depression, stress, impulsivity, focus and attention, trauma and post-traumatic stress, grief, and self-esteem.
My therapeutic approach is integrative with various evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Play based therapy, and Mindfulness based Therapy.
Welcome! My name is Kelsey and I am so happy you landed here. My background as a Behaviour therapist working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been a leading factor in branching out into the mental health field. I enjoy working with clients of all ages, but have a particular focus helping adults/parents in support for the development and overall wellbeing of children.. I have experience helping individuals with various challenges including anxiety, depression, stress, impulsivity, focus and attention, trauma and post-traumatic stress, grief, and self-esteem.
![Photo of Jodi Miller, MEdPsy, RP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7cd403f5-87d6-4e27-be69-59820382b8ba/1/320x400.jpeg)
This includes play therapy (which is a child's natural language and way of communicating and exploring their inner world), talk therapy for adolescents and adults, family therapy, parent support (including parent-infant psychotherapy) as well as support groups for children.
I have worked with children adolescents, parents and families for over 20 years in the fields of Education and Psychology. I have a passion for giving children and adolescents a voice, working across cultures, with intergenerational and complex trauma, as well as behavioral and attachment challenges. These challenges can present in multiple ways including anxiety, depression, behavioural challenges, difficulty with relationships and poor school performance. I work from a systemic, trauma informed, client-centered perspective helping children, adolescents, parents and families to feel validated, connected and understood.
This includes play therapy (which is a child's natural language and way of communicating and exploring their inner world), talk therapy for adolescents and adults, family therapy, parent support (including parent-infant psychotherapy) as well as support groups for children.
I have worked with children adolescents, parents and families for over 20 years in the fields of Education and Psychology. I have a passion for giving children and adolescents a voice, working across cultures, with intergenerational and complex trauma, as well as behavioral and attachment challenges. These challenges can present in multiple ways including anxiety, depression, behavioural challenges, difficulty with relationships and poor school performance. I work from a systemic, trauma informed, client-centered perspective helping children, adolescents, parents and families to feel validated, connected and understood.
![Photo of Daniela Shulman @ Young Sprouts Therapy, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/235ee98a-987d-4e2e-8de2-6074320e3182/2/320x400.jpeg)
Daniela Shulman @ Young Sprouts Therapy
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Vaughan, ON L4J
I use a variety of evidence-based approaches such as play therapy, art therapy, narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
I am a child and family therapist with over a decade of experience working with children and families. I use a collaborative approach to work with you and your child to help foster positive changes in your lives.
I use a variety of evidence-based approaches such as play therapy, art therapy, narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
I am a child and family therapist with over a decade of experience working with children and families. I use a collaborative approach to work with you and your child to help foster positive changes in your lives.
![Photo of Shadi Ramez, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ef1c75e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shadi Ramez
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M2K
Waitlist for new clients
Over the course of many years, I have developed an eclectic approach integrating various modalities such as CBT, DBT, Mindfullness, Attachment, Trauma Focused, Family Systems, EMDR, EFT, IFS and Play Therapy to help my clients.
I am glad you are here. You are here because you are ready to heal. Healing and recovery process is profound, hard work and takes time. But you will never regret choosing to feel better, stronger and whole.
Over the course of many years, I have developed an eclectic approach integrating various modalities such as CBT, DBT, Mindfullness, Attachment, Trauma Focused, Family Systems, EMDR, EFT, IFS and Play Therapy to help my clients.
I am glad you are here. You are here because you are ready to heal. Healing and recovery process is profound, hard work and takes time. But you will never regret choosing to feel better, stronger and whole.
![Photo of Kanae Licerda - ReNu Counselling & Psychotherapy, MC:AT, DVATI, RP(Q), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4e537eef-97d5-4176-9bb4-b962aed3b93a/1/320x400.jpeg)
ReNu Counselling & Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MC:AT, DVATI, RP(Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Markham, ON L3T
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.
![Photo of Dr. Julie Cinamon, PhD, CPsych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a8c78b06-28d3-42a8-a944-32c0cb182cc1/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Cinamon sees individuals and families for a number of reasons including difficulties with mood, anxiety, work and family related stress, emotion regulation, behaviour, and parenting. She supports people experiencing life transitions, parents seeking help for their children and teens, and individuals with symptoms impacting their day-to-day lives. She has a special focus on trauma, including sexual assault. She is skilled in providing a variety of therapy approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, traditional play therapy, family therapy, psychodynamic/family systems talk therapy, and trauma-informed therapy.
Dr. Cinamon sees individuals and families for a number of reasons including difficulties with mood, anxiety, work and family related stress, emotion regulation, behaviour, and parenting. She supports people experiencing life transitions, parents seeking help for their children and teens, and individuals with symptoms impacting their day-to-day lives. She has a special focus on trauma, including sexual assault. She is skilled in providing a variety of therapy approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, traditional play therapy, family therapy, psychodynamic/family systems talk therapy, and trauma-informed therapy.
![Photo of Deepika Birdi, MA, MPhil, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8d819b2c-526c-4c61-9b24-f677642860d7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Deepika Birdi
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, MPhil
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North York, ON M2K
I offer art-based therapy to children and teens aged 4 to 18! I also offer groups therapy for adults. I utilize a variety of art modalities, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and play therapy techniques, tailored to each client's individual needs and preferences. Through narrative, client-centered, and strength-based approaches, I work with clients to build self-esteem, enhance coping skills, and navigate the complexities of their emotions.
I offer art-based therapy to children and teens aged 4 to 18! I also offer groups therapy for adults. I utilize a variety of art modalities, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and play therapy techniques, tailored to each client's individual needs and preferences. Through narrative, client-centered, and strength-based approaches, I work with clients to build self-esteem, enhance coping skills, and navigate the complexities of their emotions.
![Photo of Aneliya Saley, MTA, RP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c365c66f-b714-4eec-8d97-73834b5ccbe6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Aneliya Saley
Registered Psychotherapist, MTA, RP
Verified Verified
North York, ON M2M (Online Only)
I specialize in expressive arts, such as music and play therapy.
How to find hope? If you are feeling overwhelmed, engaging in therapy can help you feel calm again. Are you and/or your child having struggling, having difficulty regulating emotions? Perhaps you are worried about how your child is coping with changes. In parenting, there are many challenges involved in guiding little people towards becoming adults and life can force families to face events that impact children's ability to function successfully within their daily environments.
I specialize in expressive arts, such as music and play therapy.
How to find hope? If you are feeling overwhelmed, engaging in therapy can help you feel calm again. Are you and/or your child having struggling, having difficulty regulating emotions? Perhaps you are worried about how your child is coping with changes. In parenting, there are many challenges involved in guiding little people towards becoming adults and life can force families to face events that impact children's ability to function successfully within their daily environments.
![Photo of Amanda Stemplowski, BA, MACP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/74abcb47-a42c-4c71-8d12-47d80fd05e79/4/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda Stemplowski
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, MACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M2K
I use the Integrative Trauma and Attachment Model as well as additional modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution-Focused and Play Therapy.
Welcome! I am glad you are here as I understand it can be difficult to reach out. As a Trauma Therapist, I work with children, teens, and adults while offering a safe space where we’ll heal the root issues to make a lasting change. Working together, we will find an approach that best fits your needs. My goal is to meet my clients where they are at, while guiding and empowering them to make positive changes in their life.
I use the Integrative Trauma and Attachment Model as well as additional modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution-Focused and Play Therapy.
Welcome! I am glad you are here as I understand it can be difficult to reach out. As a Trauma Therapist, I work with children, teens, and adults while offering a safe space where we’ll heal the root issues to make a lasting change. Working together, we will find an approach that best fits your needs. My goal is to meet my clients where they are at, while guiding and empowering them to make positive changes in their life.
![Photo of Varenya Kuhathaas, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/24171a75-ecfb-4cf3-95fc-9395b5110c3a/2/320x400.png)
Varenya Kuhathaas
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond Hill, ON L3T
As a Registered Social Worker with the OCSWSSW and Registered Play Therapist with the Canadian Association of Play Therapy, I specialize in working with children and youth that are dealing with a myriad of challenges.
The early stages of a child's life are the most vital for socioemotional development and a child's inner world is often complex and full of intricacies. Social anxiety, depression, the after effects of separation and divorce, and phobias are just some of the challenges that children may face in their lives. As every child is unique, these challenges can show up in a multitude of ways. Acknowledging these obstacles is the first step towards overcoming them and allowing children to become better adjusted. Any child can live up to their full potential given they have the right support in their life.
As a Registered Social Worker with the OCSWSSW and Registered Play Therapist with the Canadian Association of Play Therapy, I specialize in working with children and youth that are dealing with a myriad of challenges.
The early stages of a child's life are the most vital for socioemotional development and a child's inner world is often complex and full of intricacies. Social anxiety, depression, the after effects of separation and divorce, and phobias are just some of the challenges that children may face in their lives. As every child is unique, these challenges can show up in a multitude of ways. Acknowledging these obstacles is the first step towards overcoming them and allowing children to become better adjusted. Any child can live up to their full potential given they have the right support in their life.
See more therapy options for Thornhill
Nearby Play Therapy Counsellors Searches for Thornhill
- Aurora
- East York
- Etobicoke
- Maple
- Markham
- North York
- Richmond Hill
- Scarborough
- Stouffville
- 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.