Play Therapy in Waterloo, ON
I am passionate about my work as an Occupational Therapist and have over 25 years of experience. I work with clients 18 years of age and younger who are diverse, with a variety of strengths and challenges. Treatment is tailored to the individual and family. Specific areas that I have focused on over the years include: feeding/eating, dressing, toileting, hygiene, as well as fine motor skills, play, attention to tasks, transitions, and self-regulation. I use a sensory processing framework to empower children and teens to increase independence in desired tasks.
I am passionate about my work as an Occupational Therapist and have over 25 years of experience. I work with clients 18 years of age and younger who are diverse, with a variety of strengths and challenges. Treatment is tailored to the individual and family. Specific areas that I have focused on over the years include: feeding/eating, dressing, toileting, hygiene, as well as fine motor skills, play, attention to tasks, transitions, and self-regulation. I use a sensory processing framework to empower children and teens to increase independence in desired tasks.
I specifically draw from client-centred approaches including Non-Directive Play Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Hi, I'm Rory! I'm so happy you landed here! I have the privilege to walk alongside children, teenagers, & families through both the struggles and celebrations that define us! My play-based approach & focus on emotional awareness allows children, teenagers & families to explore their thoughts & feelings in a safe & supportive setting. I support children and teenagers experiencing challenges with neurodivergency (ASD & ADHD), anger, emotional regulation, OCD, self-harm & suicidial ideation. anxiety, anger, emotional regulation, school-based concerns, OCD.
I specifically draw from client-centred approaches including Non-Directive Play Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Hi, I'm Rory! I'm so happy you landed here! I have the privilege to walk alongside children, teenagers, & families through both the struggles and celebrations that define us! My play-based approach & focus on emotional awareness allows children, teenagers & families to explore their thoughts & feelings in a safe & supportive setting. I support children and teenagers experiencing challenges with neurodivergency (ASD & ADHD), anger, emotional regulation, OCD, self-harm & suicidial ideation. anxiety, anger, emotional regulation, school-based concerns, OCD.
Melissa Fellin
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waterloo, ON N2J
Waitlist for new clients
If you are struggling with your child's emotions, behaviours or you are worried about your child's experiences and how they are affecting them play therapy may be able to help your child.
Melissa works with children ages 2 to 11 years old in a number of areas such as mental health and behavioural issues, including ADD/ADHD, depression, anxiety and disruptive behaviours. Melissa also works with children who are facing school problems, bullying, family problems, and health issues. The family and/or primary caregivers of the child are integral to the process of therapy for children.
If you are struggling with your child's emotions, behaviours or you are worried about your child's experiences and how they are affecting them play therapy may be able to help your child.
Melissa works with children ages 2 to 11 years old in a number of areas such as mental health and behavioural issues, including ADD/ADHD, depression, anxiety and disruptive behaviours. Melissa also works with children who are facing school problems, bullying, family problems, and health issues. The family and/or primary caregivers of the child are integral to the process of therapy for children.
Aimee VanKoughnett
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, CPT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Waterloo, ON N2V
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Master’s level Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW), and a Certified Play Therapist (CPT).
I believe that families are the experts of their own experience, and that children and teens have innate wisdom about their own thoughts and feelings. My goal is to create a supportive space for this wisdom to come forward, fostering healing and resilience that extends beyond the therapy space. My individual work with children and teens is complimented by evidence-based parent consultation; equipping caregivers with tools to better understand their child's behaviour, strengthen family bonds, and co-create solutions to problems.
I am a Master’s level Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW), and a Certified Play Therapist (CPT).
I believe that families are the experts of their own experience, and that children and teens have innate wisdom about their own thoughts and feelings. My goal is to create a supportive space for this wisdom to come forward, fostering healing and resilience that extends beyond the therapy space. My individual work with children and teens is complimented by evidence-based parent consultation; equipping caregivers with tools to better understand their child's behaviour, strengthen family bonds, and co-create solutions to problems.
Bloom Child & Family Therapy
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
Waterloo, ON N2J
Our evidence-based treatments are tailored to meet the needs of children, teens and families and include CBPT, EMDR, play therapy, expressive arts therapies (music, art, dance/movement, writing), animal-assisted therapy, sport social work, narrative therapy, attachment-based family therapies among others.
Bloom Child & Family Therapy supports children and their families using creative approaches and evidenced-based practices. At Bloom we strive to provide accessible, quality mental health care for children, adolescents and their families. Bloom therapists are ultra-creative! Play, expressive arts and animal-assisted therapies allow Bloom to make their services accessible to all children and their families. Whether you are coming for family therapy or your child is attending therapy, we believe that family and/or primary caregivers are key to children’s healing and growing. We are looking to build strong and healthy families.
Our evidence-based treatments are tailored to meet the needs of children, teens and families and include CBPT, EMDR, play therapy, expressive arts therapies (music, art, dance/movement, writing), animal-assisted therapy, sport social work, narrative therapy, attachment-based family therapies among others.
Bloom Child & Family Therapy supports children and their families using creative approaches and evidenced-based practices. At Bloom we strive to provide accessible, quality mental health care for children, adolescents and their families. Bloom therapists are ultra-creative! Play, expressive arts and animal-assisted therapies allow Bloom to make their services accessible to all children and their families. Whether you are coming for family therapy or your child is attending therapy, we believe that family and/or primary caregivers are key to children’s healing and growing. We are looking to build strong and healthy families.
Lunar Psychotherapy & Wellness, Tina Lackner
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, CPT
Verified Verified
Waterloo, ON N2J
LPW’s team includes Registered Psychotherapists, Certified Play Therapists and Mindfulness Specialists.
Do you want a deeper sense of fulfillment in your life? Do you struggle with anxiety, fears, depression, stress, managing your emotions or relationships, chronic health issues or adjusting to new life situations? We at LPW can support you through this season of life. At LPW, we are dedicated to helping children, teens, adults, families and couples to gain coping strategies to support their mental and emotional well-being. Embrace the support you, your child/teen or your relationship deserves; LPW will carefully pair you with a therapist with the necessary understanding and training to provide optimal support.
LPW’s team includes Registered Psychotherapists, Certified Play Therapists and Mindfulness Specialists.
Do you want a deeper sense of fulfillment in your life? Do you struggle with anxiety, fears, depression, stress, managing your emotions or relationships, chronic health issues or adjusting to new life situations? We at LPW can support you through this season of life. At LPW, we are dedicated to helping children, teens, adults, families and couples to gain coping strategies to support their mental and emotional well-being. Embrace the support you, your child/teen or your relationship deserves; LPW will carefully pair you with a therapist with the necessary understanding and training to provide optimal support.
Whether it be behavioural issues, shyness, grief, or anger, we will use art, talk, and/or play-based therapy to best suit the client's interests and needs.
Children and adolescents want to feel understood, supported, and empowered to overcome their challenges. They desire acceptance, validation, and the tools necessary to navigate their world successfully. Ultimately, they seek happiness, fulfillment, and the opportunity to grow into confident, capable individuals. They want to be heard because their experiences, emotions, and perspectives are valid and important. By addressing their needs and goals, we can help them build a foundation for a brighter future.
Whether it be behavioural issues, shyness, grief, or anger, we will use art, talk, and/or play-based therapy to best suit the client's interests and needs.
Children and adolescents want to feel understood, supported, and empowered to overcome their challenges. They desire acceptance, validation, and the tools necessary to navigate their world successfully. Ultimately, they seek happiness, fulfillment, and the opportunity to grow into confident, capable individuals. They want to be heard because their experiences, emotions, and perspectives are valid and important. By addressing their needs and goals, we can help them build a foundation for a brighter future.
I use my experience and training from the Canadian Association for Child and Play Therapy when I work with children and families.
A safe and accepting environment is key to growth and change. Effective therapy allows people of all ages to rise to challenge by accomplishing goals. I am a registered therapist who provides confidential counselling to children, teens, adults and families in the K-W area. I am privledged to work with people through their most challenging times. My clients voice that they know I am geniune and sincere. I have specialized training and experience in working with people coping with family conflict, parenting, low self esteem, bullying, abuse, grief and loss, anger management, stress management, trauma, anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder.
I use my experience and training from the Canadian Association for Child and Play Therapy when I work with children and families.
A safe and accepting environment is key to growth and change. Effective therapy allows people of all ages to rise to challenge by accomplishing goals. I am a registered therapist who provides confidential counselling to children, teens, adults and families in the K-W area. I am privledged to work with people through their most challenging times. My clients voice that they know I am geniune and sincere. I have specialized training and experience in working with people coping with family conflict, parenting, low self esteem, bullying, abuse, grief and loss, anger management, stress management, trauma, anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder.
Katie Bauer Child Play Therapy
Registered Social Worker, MA, RSW, CPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waterloo, ON N2L
As a play therapist, I provide children with the time, space, and opportunity to work through what they need to in order to get un-stuck (whether or not the adults in their life are aware of why they got stuck in the first place!).
Has your child been experiencing emotional or behavioural difficulties at home, school, or in the community? Do you question how to best support them? Behaviour is communication, and since kids often communicate through play rather than with words, it can be confusing to know what to do or say in order to help them.
As a play therapist, I provide children with the time, space, and opportunity to work through what they need to in order to get un-stuck (whether or not the adults in their life are aware of why they got stuck in the first place!).
Has your child been experiencing emotional or behavioural difficulties at home, school, or in the community? Do you question how to best support them? Behaviour is communication, and since kids often communicate through play rather than with words, it can be confusing to know what to do or say in order to help them.
Through the activity of play I help children to make sense of difficult life experiences (e.g. divorce, death of a loved one) and navigate the big feelings (e.g. anxiety, anger, sadness) that are often at the root of challenging behaviour. I support children and their caregivers become more able to cope with how they are feeling, develop insight, emotional intelligence and confidence.
Through the activity of play I help children to make sense of difficult life experiences (e.g. divorce, death of a loved one) and navigate the big feelings (e.g. anxiety, anger, sadness) that are often at the root of challenging behaviour. I support children and their caregivers become more able to cope with how they are feeling, develop insight, emotional intelligence and confidence.
Jennifer Nahwegahbow Specializes In Children Student Youth Teen Parenting
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Waterloo, ON N2L
At Playful Therapy, we offer play therapy and child-parent relationship therapy for children and youth and support parents throughout their parenting journey.
Do you struggle with supporting your child through anxiety, depression, outbursts of anger, tantrums, or emotional dysregulation that affect your day-to-day life, relationships, or their ability to function? Do you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or frustrated by the constant challenges and worry? Do you wonder if your family life could be calmer and happier? Now more than ever, parents feel overwhelmed about their children's emotional well-being.
At Playful Therapy, we offer play therapy and child-parent relationship therapy for children and youth and support parents throughout their parenting journey.
Do you struggle with supporting your child through anxiety, depression, outbursts of anger, tantrums, or emotional dysregulation that affect your day-to-day life, relationships, or their ability to function? Do you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or frustrated by the constant challenges and worry? Do you wonder if your family life could be calmer and happier? Now more than ever, parents feel overwhelmed about their children's emotional well-being.
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Naomi M Roberts
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP (Q), MACP, CH, C-DBT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waterloo, ON N2J
Join me for counselling in a judgement free zone with evidence-based interventions personalized to strengthen your resiliency, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT and CPT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Hypnotherapy and/or Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).
You deserve time just for you. Stressed? Anxious? Depressed? Are old triggers coming back? Let's talk about it. Are you sleeping more? Experiencing tension in your shoulders or stomach? Feeling a heaviness in your mind/body/spirit? I incorporate an inclusive treatment approach for children, adolescents and adults tailored to each person's specific counselling needs. Our clinic is online to provide counselling to you in the comfort of your home. All are welcome. Call, email or click the online booking button to schedule a free 15 - 30 minute consultation today.
Join me for counselling in a judgement free zone with evidence-based interventions personalized to strengthen your resiliency, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT and CPT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Hypnotherapy and/or Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).
You deserve time just for you. Stressed? Anxious? Depressed? Are old triggers coming back? Let's talk about it. Are you sleeping more? Experiencing tension in your shoulders or stomach? Feeling a heaviness in your mind/body/spirit? I incorporate an inclusive treatment approach for children, adolescents and adults tailored to each person's specific counselling needs. Our clinic is online to provide counselling to you in the comfort of your home. All are welcome. Call, email or click the online booking button to schedule a free 15 - 30 minute consultation today.
Jenny Ingram
Occupational Therapist, BA, MSc, OT Reg
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waterloo, ON N2L (Online Only)
My children and families have mastered homework routines, making time for work and play.
Are you wondering how to help your smart but scattered child build organizational skills? Curious about navigating a sensory-rich world for your highly sensitive child? My occupational therapy practice provides a safe space for children and families to develop confidence and practice skills to participate more fully in school and family life. Virtual occupational therapy sessions are high-impact and playful, equipping you and your child with evidence-based strategies to support executive functioning skills, including brains that may have ADHD, gifted, and differently wired brains.
My children and families have mastered homework routines, making time for work and play.
Are you wondering how to help your smart but scattered child build organizational skills? Curious about navigating a sensory-rich world for your highly sensitive child? My occupational therapy practice provides a safe space for children and families to develop confidence and practice skills to participate more fully in school and family life. Virtual occupational therapy sessions are high-impact and playful, equipping you and your child with evidence-based strategies to support executive functioning skills, including brains that may have ADHD, gifted, and differently wired brains.
I integrate evidence-based and creative approaches to therapy; utilizing modalities such as play-based therapy, art therapy, DBT, and ACT.
Dr. Brene Brown defines connection as " the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued..." My therapy approach centers on building connection and fostering a safe, non-judgmental space for clients. I am a neurodiverse-affirming therapist; supporting individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions, such as ASD and ADHD, as well as mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. I provide child, teen, and adult individual therapy, as well as coaching to parents and caregivers.
I integrate evidence-based and creative approaches to therapy; utilizing modalities such as play-based therapy, art therapy, DBT, and ACT.
Dr. Brene Brown defines connection as " the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued..." My therapy approach centers on building connection and fostering a safe, non-judgmental space for clients. I am a neurodiverse-affirming therapist; supporting individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions, such as ASD and ADHD, as well as mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. I provide child, teen, and adult individual therapy, as well as coaching to parents and caregivers.
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.
Gulin Aydin, EMDR Consultant, Depression, Anxiety
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Waterloo, ON N2V
Traumas are not your prison…If you are tired to try different therapies with different therapists and still you have your symptoms. You know all these skills, techniques but you still get triggered easily and could not manage your stress well. We believe you have traumatized brain and your brain reminds you what happened before. You dont feel safe there. You have anxiety to protect you from this unsafe place or things. We are here to help you realize your traumas from past and process with EMDR therapy. You dont need to live with your traumas, we know traumas are treatable with EMDR since 1980’s.
Traumas are not your prison…If you are tired to try different therapies with different therapists and still you have your symptoms. You know all these skills, techniques but you still get triggered easily and could not manage your stress well. We believe you have traumatized brain and your brain reminds you what happened before. You dont feel safe there. You have anxiety to protect you from this unsafe place or things. We are here to help you realize your traumas from past and process with EMDR therapy. You dont need to live with your traumas, we know traumas are treatable with EMDR since 1980’s.
Life is difficult. Complex circumstances hit us all, often resulting in a diminished ability for us to live life to its fullest. Unresolved emotional pain and trauma can give rise to depression, anger, anxiety, low self-esteem, and abuse of self and others. By Peaceful Waters therapists combine our professional training and our Christian faith to bring healing and restoration to spiritual, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and relational hurts. We offer a safe, non-judgmental and empathetic environment, nourishing hope and healing, in which the whole person is valued, affirmed and empowered, not just to survive but to thrive.
Life is difficult. Complex circumstances hit us all, often resulting in a diminished ability for us to live life to its fullest. Unresolved emotional pain and trauma can give rise to depression, anger, anxiety, low self-esteem, and abuse of self and others. By Peaceful Waters therapists combine our professional training and our Christian faith to bring healing and restoration to spiritual, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and relational hurts. We offer a safe, non-judgmental and empathetic environment, nourishing hope and healing, in which the whole person is valued, affirmed and empowered, not just to survive but to thrive.
The Delton Glebe Counselling Centre
Registered Psychotherapist, PhD, RP
Verified Verified
Waterloo, ON N2L
The Delton Glebe Counselling Centre is a multi-faith counselling agency committed to strengthening emotional and spiritual well-being. We are rooted in the belief that faith and spirituality are important resources for healing and change. We embrace diversity and cultural inclusivity and offer counselling to all individuals. We provide trained therapists who qualify for membership in the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
The Delton Glebe Counselling Centre is a multi-faith counselling agency committed to strengthening emotional and spiritual well-being. We are rooted in the belief that faith and spirituality are important resources for healing and change. We embrace diversity and cultural inclusivity and offer counselling to all individuals. We provide trained therapists who qualify for membership in the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
Shannon Zintel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, RSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Waterloo, ON N2L (Online Only)
Hi, I’m Shannon. I’m glad you’re here, taking this step to find a therapist who can support you as you navigate life’s different terrains. Such a journey can often feel lonely and discouraging, especially in a world that increasingly values individualism. Yet, few of life’s transitions can or must be undertaken alone. When encountering adversity, it can be helpful to find a safe harbour where you can rebalance, reassess, reflect and heal. This is what I aim to provide as a therapist, and it would be my honour to accompany you on your journey.
Hi, I’m Shannon. I’m glad you’re here, taking this step to find a therapist who can support you as you navigate life’s different terrains. Such a journey can often feel lonely and discouraging, especially in a world that increasingly values individualism. Yet, few of life’s transitions can or must be undertaken alone. When encountering adversity, it can be helpful to find a safe harbour where you can rebalance, reassess, reflect and heal. This is what I aim to provide as a therapist, and it would be my honour to accompany you on your journey.
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.
Kristen Turner
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, RP(Q)
Verified Verified
Waterloo, ON N2J
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.
Lolita Schmalenberg
Registered Social Worker, RSW, GDipGC, GCertSH, BASc
Verified Verified
Waterloo, ON N2J
Mental wellness is a right - sometimes we need an unbiased supporter to help us get back on a healthier pathway. Whether you find yourself stuck due to work or school issues, are having difficulties in your relationship, are recovering from a trauma, dealing with anxiety or simply are looking to change behaviours that are no longer aligned with your goals, know that you don’t have to face this alone. Let me help you .
Mental wellness is a right - sometimes we need an unbiased supporter to help us get back on a healthier pathway. Whether you find yourself stuck due to work or school issues, are having difficulties in your relationship, are recovering from a trauma, dealing with anxiety or simply are looking to change behaviours that are no longer aligned with your goals, know that you don’t have to face this alone. Let me help you .
I work with families, individuals, couples, and groups to provide support for relationship turbulence, grief, anxiety/depression, and life transitions, including immigration struggles. Clients may come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by stress, sadness, anger, fear, self doubt, substance use, shame, and a diminished sense of self or worth. I help them realize that adverse situations do not define them. As we work together, they gain the skills to overcome obstacles and to build positive, reciprocal relationships of value and mutual respect.
I work with families, individuals, couples, and groups to provide support for relationship turbulence, grief, anxiety/depression, and life transitions, including immigration struggles. Clients may come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by stress, sadness, anger, fear, self doubt, substance use, shame, and a diminished sense of self or worth. I help them realize that adverse situations do not define them. As we work together, they gain the skills to overcome obstacles and to build positive, reciprocal relationships of value and mutual respect.
Jenny Lehmann
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist, BA, BSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waterloo, ON N2L
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.
Stacey Thurman
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waterloo, ON N2L (Online Only)
Being human is hard. Between stress, responsibilities, and relationships, it can feel overwhelming and exhausting. Maybe you have also experienced trauma, which confounds the complexities of life even more. If you feel stuck, unmotivated, anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, wanting to give up, you are not alone. I have felt this way, and I have experienced trauma and loss, and that is why I am here to help you. If you are ready to strive with resiliency, as opposed to suffering with feelings of fear, guilt, shame, etc., you have found the right place!
Being human is hard. Between stress, responsibilities, and relationships, it can feel overwhelming and exhausting. Maybe you have also experienced trauma, which confounds the complexities of life even more. If you feel stuck, unmotivated, anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, wanting to give up, you are not alone. I have felt this way, and I have experienced trauma and loss, and that is why I am here to help you. If you are ready to strive with resiliency, as opposed to suffering with feelings of fear, guilt, shame, etc., you have found the right place!
See more therapy options for Waterloo
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.