Play Therapy in Welland, ON
With a focus on art and play therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and other evidence-based techniques, I create a warm and welcoming environment where clients feel safe to express themselves and work through their struggles.
I focus on working with children, teens and young adults to help them navigate the challenges of life. Whether working with an individual, a family, or a group, my goal is to empower my clients to make positive changes and live fulfilling lives.
With a focus on art and play therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and other evidence-based techniques, I create a warm and welcoming environment where clients feel safe to express themselves and work through their struggles.
I focus on working with children, teens and young adults to help them navigate the challenges of life. Whether working with an individual, a family, or a group, my goal is to empower my clients to make positive changes and live fulfilling lives.
Family Kinnections
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, BCW, CYW, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Welland, ON L3C
Is your child's behaviour driving you crazy? Is your child or teen suffering from Depression, anxiety, or other problems? Do you want your child or teen to feel healthy, happy, and get along with you?
I specialize in the treatment of child, youth and family mental health concerns, including: ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, self-harm, OCD, anger, Autism/aspergers, separation/divorce, and behaviour problems (defiance, aggression, hostility). I have over 15 years of experience in child and youth mental health, including work in community counselling centers, hospital psychiatric treatment, and residential treatment centers.
Is your child's behaviour driving you crazy? Is your child or teen suffering from Depression, anxiety, or other problems? Do you want your child or teen to feel healthy, happy, and get along with you?
I specialize in the treatment of child, youth and family mental health concerns, including: ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, self-harm, OCD, anger, Autism/aspergers, separation/divorce, and behaviour problems (defiance, aggression, hostility). I have over 15 years of experience in child and youth mental health, including work in community counselling centers, hospital psychiatric treatment, and residential treatment centers.
Gillian Sheldrick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Welland, ON L3B
Is your goal to reduce conflict within your family and live in harmony? Or reduce conflict during your separation and divorce? Would you like to receive support for you or your children? I specialize in helping family members of all ages during all phases of their lives. I am passionate about working with families who are in conflict and strive to help families come up with positive and workable solutions that aim to reduce the conflict within the family unit.
Is your goal to reduce conflict within your family and live in harmony? Or reduce conflict during your separation and divorce? Would you like to receive support for you or your children? I specialize in helping family members of all ages during all phases of their lives. I am passionate about working with families who are in conflict and strive to help families come up with positive and workable solutions that aim to reduce the conflict within the family unit.
Lindsay ONeil Trauma & Psychotherapy Services
Registered Social Worker, RMSW, BA CHYS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Welland, ON L3B
I help people who have experienced trauma to heal hearts and ease minds. Using the Integrative Trauma and Attachment Treatment Model (ITATM), I am able to offer elements of a variety of evidence-based counselling services, in this layered, sensory rich approach. The (ITATM) that I use in my practice, also incorporates mindfulness, somatic work, grounding activities, drawing, and meditation. The goal of trauma therapy is to integrate the thinking brain with the emotional brain in order to move beyond our traumas in a healthier, productive way.
I help people who have experienced trauma to heal hearts and ease minds. Using the Integrative Trauma and Attachment Treatment Model (ITATM), I am able to offer elements of a variety of evidence-based counselling services, in this layered, sensory rich approach. The (ITATM) that I use in my practice, also incorporates mindfulness, somatic work, grounding activities, drawing, and meditation. The goal of trauma therapy is to integrate the thinking brain with the emotional brain in order to move beyond our traumas in a healthier, productive way.
As a whole, therapy is a place that allows people to be vulnerable. My main goal as a therapist is to provide a safe outlet for you to share your story, validate your feelings and worries, emphasize your strengths, and encourage you to carry out the quality of life you deserve.
As a whole, therapy is a place that allows people to be vulnerable. My main goal as a therapist is to provide a safe outlet for you to share your story, validate your feelings and worries, emphasize your strengths, and encourage you to carry out the quality of life you deserve.
Cindy Rose - Wellness Counselling Centre
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, OSRP, CCTP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Welland, ON L3B
Accepting new clients: Along your life journey you, or your child/adolescent, may have hit unanticipated challenges, transitions, or trauma, impacting your well-being and capacity to move forward. Others may view you as someone who has it all together, but internally you are stressed, anxious, unmotivated, or shut down. Perhaps, this is happening to your child, or adolescent, and as a parent you have exhausted all ideas, and don’t know where to turn. These difficulties are impacting the emotional/mental health of yourself, your relationships, your work, your schooling, and/or your family dynamics, leaving you feeling unfulfilled.
Accepting new clients: Along your life journey you, or your child/adolescent, may have hit unanticipated challenges, transitions, or trauma, impacting your well-being and capacity to move forward. Others may view you as someone who has it all together, but internally you are stressed, anxious, unmotivated, or shut down. Perhaps, this is happening to your child, or adolescent, and as a parent you have exhausted all ideas, and don’t know where to turn. These difficulties are impacting the emotional/mental health of yourself, your relationships, your work, your schooling, and/or your family dynamics, leaving you feeling unfulfilled.
Welcome! My name is Krysten and it would be my pleasure to get to know you. Do you have struggles with anxiety, low mood, or emotion regulation? Do these struggles affect you in your everyday life? Would you like to do the personal work to improve your mental health? I can help! I take an integrative approach to therapy, tailoring my sessions to each client's unique needs, and drawing techniques and tools from various therapeutic modalities. I look forward to connecting with you to make a plan for your mental wellbeing.
Welcome! My name is Krysten and it would be my pleasure to get to know you. Do you have struggles with anxiety, low mood, or emotion regulation? Do these struggles affect you in your everyday life? Would you like to do the personal work to improve your mental health? I can help! I take an integrative approach to therapy, tailoring my sessions to each client's unique needs, and drawing techniques and tools from various therapeutic modalities. I look forward to connecting with you to make a plan for your mental wellbeing.
Mareas was established as a specialized service provider to meet the needs of individuals, children and families experiencing challenges in the areas of emotional regulation, anxiety, attachment, interfering behaviours. Mareas recognizes that from time to time, everyone including all families need support. Programs and treatment plans are designed with a holistic approach with the client as the focus. Mareas is committed to providing nurturing and dedicated support to individuals, children, youth and families during difficult periods of time to help them get back on course.
Mareas was established as a specialized service provider to meet the needs of individuals, children and families experiencing challenges in the areas of emotional regulation, anxiety, attachment, interfering behaviours. Mareas recognizes that from time to time, everyone including all families need support. Programs and treatment plans are designed with a holistic approach with the client as the focus. Mareas is committed to providing nurturing and dedicated support to individuals, children, youth and families during difficult periods of time to help them get back on course.
More Therapists Nearby
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.
Playful Solutions
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, CPT-R, EMDR
Verified Verified
Port Colborne, ON L3K
Liz Christie is registered and dedicated to offering EMDR and Play Therapy to her community. Liz is also an EMDRIA approved Consultant in Training. Liz provides a safe and warm therapeutic environment to guide parents and their children through issues such as anxiety/OCD, depression, relational attachment concerns/RAD, trauma related to grief, divorce, physical or sexual abuse, emotional/social behaviour struggles, and self-esteem. Children and teens who struggle to cope with confusing feelings can show signs of emotion dysregulation through their behaviour and Liz can help.
Liz Christie is registered and dedicated to offering EMDR and Play Therapy to her community. Liz is also an EMDRIA approved Consultant in Training. Liz provides a safe and warm therapeutic environment to guide parents and their children through issues such as anxiety/OCD, depression, relational attachment concerns/RAD, trauma related to grief, divorce, physical or sexual abuse, emotional/social behaviour struggles, and self-esteem. Children and teens who struggle to cope with confusing feelings can show signs of emotion dysregulation through their behaviour and Liz can help.
Abma Counselling Group
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Niagara on the Lake, ON L0S
You're seeking change but feel stuck. Whether it's the weight of trauma, the tangle of relationships, or the grip of anxiety, you're looking for a Niagara-based therapist who truly gets you and can guide you towards the life you've always wanted.
You're seeking change but feel stuck. Whether it's the weight of trauma, the tangle of relationships, or the grip of anxiety, you're looking for a Niagara-based therapist who truly gets you and can guide you towards the life you've always wanted.
Carolyn Agnew-Hall
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Niagara on the Lake, ON L0S
I believe that anyone can benefit from counselling. We all have our struggles and sometimes talking with someone in a safe, supportive and confidential environment can help to see things differently, develop new skills to put toward problems, and create new meaning about your own personal story. The most important factor in the therapeutic relationship, as in any relationship, is feeling safe and understood. I offer a warm, non-judgmental and open space in which to deepen your self-awareness and reach your goals.
I believe that anyone can benefit from counselling. We all have our struggles and sometimes talking with someone in a safe, supportive and confidential environment can help to see things differently, develop new skills to put toward problems, and create new meaning about your own personal story. The most important factor in the therapeutic relationship, as in any relationship, is feeling safe and understood. I offer a warm, non-judgmental and open space in which to deepen your self-awareness and reach your goals.
It can be a difficult process finding the right therapist, and I am here to help. I'm Dr. Lesley Miller, a Clinical Psychologist licensed by the College of Psychologists of Ontario. At Brookside Psychologists, we have many experienced, licensed psychotherapists and psychologists available to work with you. We're located in St. Catharines and Burlington.
It can be a difficult process finding the right therapist, and I am here to help. I'm Dr. Lesley Miller, a Clinical Psychologist licensed by the College of Psychologists of Ontario. At Brookside Psychologists, we have many experienced, licensed psychotherapists and psychologists available to work with you. We're located in St. Catharines and Burlington.
The Dot Canada
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, MSW
Verified Verified
Saint Catharines, ON L2S (Online Only)
If you're feeling disconnected, distracted, and detached from your life, it may be time to look at why. Why can't I connect, why am I not able to just "get over" my past, or why does it all feel so meaningless? Maybe there are other questions, like “what am I doing with my life” or “who do I want to be?”. It’s okay to take time that's just for you, to look at your life and see both the big picture and explore the often overlooked details. With the right support, you can feel more present, connected, and in control of your life.
If you're feeling disconnected, distracted, and detached from your life, it may be time to look at why. Why can't I connect, why am I not able to just "get over" my past, or why does it all feel so meaningless? Maybe there are other questions, like “what am I doing with my life” or “who do I want to be?”. It’s okay to take time that's just for you, to look at your life and see both the big picture and explore the often overlooked details. With the right support, you can feel more present, connected, and in control of your life.
Holistic Wellness Therapies
Psychologist, MA, MSW, CPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Niagara Falls, ON L2H
We are a team of dedicated & experienced Social Workers and Psychologists. If you are feeling lost, confused, unlike yourself, or simply want to understand yourself - we've got you covered. As a parent, if you are having difficulties with understanding your Childs emotions or behaviours, our highly experienced social worker can support you on your parenting journey. Our therapists help a variety of concerns including grief, depression, anxiety, OCD, burnout, stress, life transitions, parenting, identity, spirituality and so much more. We also offer psychological assessments and psychoeducational assessments. We are here to support!
We are a team of dedicated & experienced Social Workers and Psychologists. If you are feeling lost, confused, unlike yourself, or simply want to understand yourself - we've got you covered. As a parent, if you are having difficulties with understanding your Childs emotions or behaviours, our highly experienced social worker can support you on your parenting journey. Our therapists help a variety of concerns including grief, depression, anxiety, OCD, burnout, stress, life transitions, parenting, identity, spirituality and so much more. We also offer psychological assessments and psychoeducational assessments. We are here to support!
Cassandra Gordon
Registered Social Worker, MA, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
Niagara on the Lake, ON L0S
Do you suffer from intense emotions that you can’t seem to get under control? Maybe it feels like constantly being bombarded with intrusive thoughts or images that you just can’t get out of your head. Maybe you feel like no one really knows you or that you’ve never fully belonged. Maybe you work so hard every day to portray like everything is together but in the back of your mind there an insidious worry that things might just fall apart at any moment. Wherever you are at right now, I will meet you there and work with you to create a treatment plan that allows you to meet your own goals.
Do you suffer from intense emotions that you can’t seem to get under control? Maybe it feels like constantly being bombarded with intrusive thoughts or images that you just can’t get out of your head. Maybe you feel like no one really knows you or that you’ve never fully belonged. Maybe you work so hard every day to portray like everything is together but in the back of your mind there an insidious worry that things might just fall apart at any moment. Wherever you are at right now, I will meet you there and work with you to create a treatment plan that allows you to meet your own goals.
Nate Venema @ Stride Counselling Services
Registered Social Worker, MEd, OCT, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Fonthill, ON L0S
When people experience life stressors or trauma, it is not uncommon to stumble, become immobilized, or even unravel. My great passion is walk alongside people in dark chapters of their lives, to help them to dismantle obstacles, to move towards healthier functioning and healing. I help my clients, who include children, teens, adults and families, to find healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships so they can accept and know themselves as whole, peaceful, and complete.
When people experience life stressors or trauma, it is not uncommon to stumble, become immobilized, or even unravel. My great passion is walk alongside people in dark chapters of their lives, to help them to dismantle obstacles, to move towards healthier functioning and healing. I help my clients, who include children, teens, adults and families, to find healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships so they can accept and know themselves as whole, peaceful, and complete.
Online Therapists
I draw from a range of modalities, including Mindfulness, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Play and Narrative Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy, to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for my clients.
As a vocational and mental health counselor, my mission is to provide highly effective, life-changing, and personalized care to my clients. I bring a unique perspective to work with culturally diverse populations, children, adults, and families. I am particularly skilled in vocational rehabilitation and pain management, helping clients who have been involved in workplace or motor vehicle accidents. I also provide guidance and counseling to those dealing with a range of mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression, panic disorder, stress management, trauma, relationship issues, grief, and other life challenges.
I draw from a range of modalities, including Mindfulness, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Play and Narrative Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy, to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for my clients.
As a vocational and mental health counselor, my mission is to provide highly effective, life-changing, and personalized care to my clients. I bring a unique perspective to work with culturally diverse populations, children, adults, and families. I am particularly skilled in vocational rehabilitation and pain management, helping clients who have been involved in workplace or motor vehicle accidents. I also provide guidance and counseling to those dealing with a range of mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression, panic disorder, stress management, trauma, relationship issues, grief, and other life challenges.
Play Therapy allows children to safely explore emotions and develop essential skills.
Whether you are struggling with relationship issues, self regulation, trauma, anxiety or major life transitions, you should not have to work through it alone. I provide a safe and supportive environment where we work through experiences using mindfulness and relaxation exercises, reframing thoughts and becoming more self-aware and in turn developing self-love. We work together to build resilience and emotional stability, while empowering you to take control and balance of your life.
Play Therapy allows children to safely explore emotions and develop essential skills.
Whether you are struggling with relationship issues, self regulation, trauma, anxiety or major life transitions, you should not have to work through it alone. I provide a safe and supportive environment where we work through experiences using mindfulness and relaxation exercises, reframing thoughts and becoming more self-aware and in turn developing self-love. We work together to build resilience and emotional stability, while empowering you to take control and balance of your life.
Ethan is deeply committed to his clients’ growth and transformation. His goal is to meet clients where they are and create a tailored experience that meets their individual needs. He considers himself a collaborative therapist, walking alongside clients to identify their strengths, passions, and goals. This strength-based and person-centered approach draws from various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Family Systems Therapy (FST), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Play Therapy, and aspects of Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Ethan is deeply committed to his clients’ growth and transformation. His goal is to meet clients where they are and create a tailored experience that meets their individual needs. He considers himself a collaborative therapist, walking alongside clients to identify their strengths, passions, and goals. This strength-based and person-centered approach draws from various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Family Systems Therapy (FST), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Play Therapy, and aspects of Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Since many children have difficulty expressing themselves verbally, I incorporate therapeutic play with evidence-based models (Play Therapy, CBT, Trauma Focused CBT, Family Therapy) to meet the needs of each child based on age, interests, and treatment needs.
I work with children and adolescents 4-12 years of age who are experiencing difficult life situations such as anxiety, divorce/separation, loss, trauma, anger, school issues, poor self-esteem. I also provide a parent-based treatment called SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) for children and adolescents with anxiety and OCD. Parent consultations also provided.
Since many children have difficulty expressing themselves verbally, I incorporate therapeutic play with evidence-based models (Play Therapy, CBT, Trauma Focused CBT, Family Therapy) to meet the needs of each child based on age, interests, and treatment needs.
I work with children and adolescents 4-12 years of age who are experiencing difficult life situations such as anxiety, divorce/separation, loss, trauma, anger, school issues, poor self-esteem. I also provide a parent-based treatment called SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) for children and adolescents with anxiety and OCD. Parent consultations also provided.
Shui Zhu (Cindy) Li
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MDiv, RP(Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Markham, ON L3R
My preferred approaches include family system approaches, CBT, DBT, experiential approaches such as EFT, Play Therapy and Art Therapy etc.
Psychotherapy aims at better mental health. It is not only for those with mental issues or mental diseases. I advise everyone should seek psychotherapy if they can. I believe that everyone has room to grow to become better themselves.
My preferred approaches include family system approaches, CBT, DBT, experiential approaches such as EFT, Play Therapy and Art Therapy etc.
Psychotherapy aims at better mental health. It is not only for those with mental issues or mental diseases. I advise everyone should seek psychotherapy if they can. I believe that everyone has room to grow to become better themselves.
Valley Connections Child Life Therapists
Pre-Licensed Professional, BSc, MSc, CCLS
Verified Verified
Burlington, ON L7N
We use evidence-based approaches including CBT and DBT, as well as Play-based therapies, Art, and Mindfulness to help your child feel safe and comfortable as they learn to connect and share in our cozy clinics.
Hi! We are Elena, Meghan, and Heather, and we are Certified Child Life Specialists. We are trained to provide therapeutic support for children from birth to 18 years old. We each have Master's Degrees in Pediatric Psychosocial Care and we have several years of experience supporting children and their families through some of the most difficult times in their lives. Whether your child is experiencing a loss, divorce, a traumatic event, grief, or psychosocial issues such as anxiety or depression, we are trained to meet your child where they are, and build their resilience as they heal.
We use evidence-based approaches including CBT and DBT, as well as Play-based therapies, Art, and Mindfulness to help your child feel safe and comfortable as they learn to connect and share in our cozy clinics.
Hi! We are Elena, Meghan, and Heather, and we are Certified Child Life Specialists. We are trained to provide therapeutic support for children from birth to 18 years old. We each have Master's Degrees in Pediatric Psychosocial Care and we have several years of experience supporting children and their families through some of the most difficult times in their lives. Whether your child is experiencing a loss, divorce, a traumatic event, grief, or psychosocial issues such as anxiety or depression, we are trained to meet your child where they are, and build their resilience as they heal.
Jennifer Ashiedu
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MCCOUN
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M1T (Online Only)
I provide therapeutic services using an integrated framework of evidenced-based approaches: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Narrative Behaviour Therapy, Solution-Focused, Play Therapy, Person-Centred, ACT & Psychoeducation.
Do you need help with managing ADHD, stress, anxiety, depression, bullying, behavioural issues, social challenges, social and emotional skills, relationship concerns, life transition concerns, trauma and grief and loss, etc? Recognizing your courage to seek therapy, I understand, appreciate, and applaud you, and you matter! Together, we would identify, explore, review, and challenge the concern and bring about the needed change.
I provide therapeutic services using an integrated framework of evidenced-based approaches: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Narrative Behaviour Therapy, Solution-Focused, Play Therapy, Person-Centred, ACT & Psychoeducation.
Do you need help with managing ADHD, stress, anxiety, depression, bullying, behavioural issues, social challenges, social and emotional skills, relationship concerns, life transition concerns, trauma and grief and loss, etc? Recognizing your courage to seek therapy, I understand, appreciate, and applaud you, and you matter! Together, we would identify, explore, review, and challenge the concern and bring about the needed change.
Jen Dobrenski
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, PGCE, MACP
Verified Verified
Stratford, ON N5A
Using evidence-based techniques, such as Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Play-based therapy are a sample of what may be utilised.
A warm welcome! My name is Jen and I am a psychotherapist (qualifying) with a Masters of Counselling Psychology. I have been a passionate educator for over 20 years, working alongside diverse students and their families in a range of locations and populations, including international schools in the UK and Europe. My heart is in supporting children, youth and young adults (ages 6 to 24) alongside their families, in a safe, non-judgemental space, offering warmth, empathy and a belief in the resiliency and problem solving skills of this population.
Using evidence-based techniques, such as Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Play-based therapy are a sample of what may be utilised.
A warm welcome! My name is Jen and I am a psychotherapist (qualifying) with a Masters of Counselling Psychology. I have been a passionate educator for over 20 years, working alongside diverse students and their families in a range of locations and populations, including international schools in the UK and Europe. My heart is in supporting children, youth and young adults (ages 6 to 24) alongside their families, in a safe, non-judgemental space, offering warmth, empathy and a belief in the resiliency and problem solving skills of this population.
See more therapy options for Welland
Nearby Play Therapy Counsellors Searches for Welland
- Ancaster
- Burlington
- Dundas
- Grimsby
- Hamilton
- Niagara Falls
- Niagara on the Lake
- Oakville
- Saint Catharines
- Stoney Creek
- Waterdown
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.