Play Therapy in Woodstock, ON
Art Therapy, Art Smart Inc. Sarah Leyes
Art Therapist, RP, RCAT, BEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Woodstock, ON N4S
I offer talk, art therapy and play-based counselling and psychotherapy for children, youth and families. One of my core beliefs is that, like a compass trying to find its true north, everyone intuitively orientates towards health. I am respectful of each participant's unique journey back to health and wholeness. Most extended insurance plans provide full or partial coverage for psychotherapy services.
I offer talk, art therapy and play-based counselling and psychotherapy for children, youth and families. One of my core beliefs is that, like a compass trying to find its true north, everyone intuitively orientates towards health. I am respectful of each participant's unique journey back to health and wholeness. Most extended insurance plans provide full or partial coverage for psychotherapy services.
Fawne Ferguson
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, RP(Q), BEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Woodstock, ON N4T
As a child-therapist, I use play-based interventions to help your child process their experiences and practice coping skills to help them feel better.
Your child has been experiencing BIG emotions and, as hard as you try, you are not sure how to help them manage these feelings. You’re exhausted and feeling lost. You are feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of parenting and balancing the demands of work, relationships, and taking care of yourself. It is time to figure this out. As a mother of two young children, I get it. My name is Fawne and I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). I have a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Counselling Psychology.
As a child-therapist, I use play-based interventions to help your child process their experiences and practice coping skills to help them feel better.
Your child has been experiencing BIG emotions and, as hard as you try, you are not sure how to help them manage these feelings. You’re exhausted and feeling lost. You are feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of parenting and balancing the demands of work, relationships, and taking care of yourself. It is time to figure this out. As a mother of two young children, I get it. My name is Fawne and I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). I have a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Counselling Psychology.
Elizabeth Townsend
Registered Social Worker, MSW, BSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodstock, ON N4T
I also utilize mindfulness, play therapy, and art therapy techniques in my work.
I believe relationships and connections are foundational to our mental health and well-being. When we feel connected to others we are better able to explore, heal, and adapt. My goal is to support people at any age with learning new skills, exploring emotions, and sharing experiences. When working with me you can expect an open, warm, and non-judgmental perspective.
I also utilize mindfulness, play therapy, and art therapy techniques in my work.
I believe relationships and connections are foundational to our mental health and well-being. When we feel connected to others we are better able to explore, heal, and adapt. My goal is to support people at any age with learning new skills, exploring emotions, and sharing experiences. When working with me you can expect an open, warm, and non-judgmental perspective.
Sara Collings Wilken
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW, PhD
Verified Verified
Woodstock, ON N4S
I enjoy working with children and adults of all ages and I specialize in perinatal mental health and play therapy.
Therapy offers a profound opportunity to make sense of overwhelming emotions, heal from painful relationships, and address past traumas that impact your present life. My goal is to build a relationship with you where you feel deeply accepted and genuinely understood. Through this connection, we can gently explore your inner world, helping you gain insight into your emotions and nurturing a stronger sense of self. For adults, this journey unfolds through meaningful conversations, while for children, emotions are expressed and understood through the language of play, fostering growth in a safe, supportive environment.
I enjoy working with children and adults of all ages and I specialize in perinatal mental health and play therapy.
Therapy offers a profound opportunity to make sense of overwhelming emotions, heal from painful relationships, and address past traumas that impact your present life. My goal is to build a relationship with you where you feel deeply accepted and genuinely understood. Through this connection, we can gently explore your inner world, helping you gain insight into your emotions and nurturing a stronger sense of self. For adults, this journey unfolds through meaningful conversations, while for children, emotions are expressed and understood through the language of play, fostering growth in a safe, supportive environment.
I may often draw from modalities such as CBT, Music, Art, and Play.
Do you or your child struggle with depression, anxiety, separation, grief/loss, family changes, anger/aggression, or Neuro-Divergence (ADHD, ASD, learning difficulties) that affects your day-to-day life, relationships, or ability to function? Do you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or alone by the demands of work, relationships, just getting through the day, or the pressures of parenting? My name is Sarah and I am a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and a Certified Music Therapist (MTA) with the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT).
I may often draw from modalities such as CBT, Music, Art, and Play.
Do you or your child struggle with depression, anxiety, separation, grief/loss, family changes, anger/aggression, or Neuro-Divergence (ADHD, ASD, learning difficulties) that affects your day-to-day life, relationships, or ability to function? Do you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or alone by the demands of work, relationships, just getting through the day, or the pressures of parenting? My name is Sarah and I am a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and a Certified Music Therapist (MTA) with the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT).
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.
In my practice, I integrate evidence-based approaches including EMDR, somatic work, art, play, and talk therapy.
Opening September Waitlist. Life’s journey is rarely a straight path. It often twists with unexpected turns, leaving us unsure of what lies ahead. Sometimes the way is clear, but other times, a boulder suddenly blocks your path. These boulders represent life’s challenges like trauma, loss, illness, stress or anxiety. Alone, these obstacles can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to face them alone. Whether you’re confronting a significant challenge or simply seeking a gentle guide to help you see your way more clearly, I am here to support you every step of the way.
In my practice, I integrate evidence-based approaches including EMDR, somatic work, art, play, and talk therapy.
Opening September Waitlist. Life’s journey is rarely a straight path. It often twists with unexpected turns, leaving us unsure of what lies ahead. Sometimes the way is clear, but other times, a boulder suddenly blocks your path. These boulders represent life’s challenges like trauma, loss, illness, stress or anxiety. Alone, these obstacles can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to face them alone. Whether you’re confronting a significant challenge or simply seeking a gentle guide to help you see your way more clearly, I am here to support you every step of the way.
Ann Tichelaar Swerdfeger
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Woodstock, ON N4S
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck because of your grief, trauma experiences, relationship issues or anxiety and want someone to help sort things out, work through effective strategies....Or perhaps your child or teen are feeling overwhelmed? Are you looking for strategies to assist with structuring of routines, support with understanding your child’s individual needs OR maybe you would like individual support or couple counselling? We have a team of skilled therapists that are ready to help!
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck because of your grief, trauma experiences, relationship issues or anxiety and want someone to help sort things out, work through effective strategies....Or perhaps your child or teen are feeling overwhelmed? Are you looking for strategies to assist with structuring of routines, support with understanding your child’s individual needs OR maybe you would like individual support or couple counselling? We have a team of skilled therapists that are ready to help!
Counselling and Play Therapy Services
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Woodstock, ON N4S
Are you feeling stuck? Perhaps you are experiencing a major life transition: grief, divorce, empty nester, new job, retirement and you are wondering where you go next. Do you feel like your anxiety has taken control of your life? You are finding it hard to lean into the uncomfortable; turning down social connections and finding it hard to stay motivated. Or, are you wanting support either individually or with your partner so that you can work towards a healthier relationship?
Are you feeling stuck? Perhaps you are experiencing a major life transition: grief, divorce, empty nester, new job, retirement and you are wondering where you go next. Do you feel like your anxiety has taken control of your life? You are finding it hard to lean into the uncomfortable; turning down social connections and finding it hard to stay motivated. Or, are you wanting support either individually or with your partner so that you can work towards a healthier relationship?
Tina J. Smith & Associates
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Woodstock, ON N4S
Tina J. Smith & Associates supports the "whole family" (children, adolescents, teens, adults, couples, and families). It is our passion to help restore hope and healing by walking a journey alongside you. Everyone is faced with suffering in their life, and "at times" this suffering seems overwhelming. Counselling and psychotherapy provide an opportunity to gain insight, tools, and treatment toward restoration and healing. We believe hope and healing are greater when individuals, couples, and families receive care and support from our specialized therapists from within our "family team."
Tina J. Smith & Associates supports the "whole family" (children, adolescents, teens, adults, couples, and families). It is our passion to help restore hope and healing by walking a journey alongside you. Everyone is faced with suffering in their life, and "at times" this suffering seems overwhelming. Counselling and psychotherapy provide an opportunity to gain insight, tools, and treatment toward restoration and healing. We believe hope and healing are greater when individuals, couples, and families receive care and support from our specialized therapists from within our "family team."
My focus of my practice is that of relationship counselling. Relationship to self, others and the world is extremely important for healthy living. When something gets in the way of good relationship then sometimes it is really important to have a third parties insight into what might be going wrong and how to make changes to overcome what might be standing in the way. I see children, teens, individuals, couples, and families. We offer: anger management, domestic violence, relapse prevention, weight loss, anxiety, depression, conflict resolution, trauma resolution and Christian counselling programs.
My focus of my practice is that of relationship counselling. Relationship to self, others and the world is extremely important for healthy living. When something gets in the way of good relationship then sometimes it is really important to have a third parties insight into what might be going wrong and how to make changes to overcome what might be standing in the way. I see children, teens, individuals, couples, and families. We offer: anger management, domestic violence, relapse prevention, weight loss, anxiety, depression, conflict resolution, trauma resolution and Christian counselling programs.
15 Second Videos
Elizabeth Townsend
Ann Tichelaar Swerdfeger
Cobblestone Counselling Group
Michelle Watson
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Woodstock, ON N4S (Online Only)
I have been honoured and dedicated to work with children, youth and their families for over 27 years. I offer a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients are heard and valued. My easygoing and practical approach allows me to effectively connect with children, youth and their families. Within the therapeutic process, children and families feel understood and develop the tools they need to manage "life's storms". I believe that it is essential to view children and youth within the context of their family and as such, I regularly provide parental guidance and strategies.
I have been honoured and dedicated to work with children, youth and their families for over 27 years. I offer a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients are heard and valued. My easygoing and practical approach allows me to effectively connect with children, youth and their families. Within the therapeutic process, children and families feel understood and develop the tools they need to manage "life's storms". I believe that it is essential to view children and youth within the context of their family and as such, I regularly provide parental guidance and strategies.
Cobblestone Counselling Group
Registered Social Worker
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodstock, ON N4S
We offer private In-person, phone and video Counselling and Psychotherapy services in Paris, Ontario. Are you struggling to understand and cope with challenges in your personal or professional life? Cobblestone Counselling and Psychotherapy group offers children, individuals, families and couples counselling. Like all services at Cobblestone, Counselling services are focused on treating people holistically. We see the person as a whole and employ a person centred, collaborative and integrative approach to counselling and therapy. Finding a therapist uniquely fitting to your needs is significant to us at Cobblestone.
We offer private In-person, phone and video Counselling and Psychotherapy services in Paris, Ontario. Are you struggling to understand and cope with challenges in your personal or professional life? Cobblestone Counselling and Psychotherapy group offers children, individuals, families and couples counselling. Like all services at Cobblestone, Counselling services are focused on treating people holistically. We see the person as a whole and employ a person centred, collaborative and integrative approach to counselling and therapy. Finding a therapist uniquely fitting to your needs is significant to us at Cobblestone.
Currently Accepting New Clients for Virtual Appointments Only. Do you suffer from feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, nervousness, racing thoughts, panic attacks, difficulty relaxing, exhaustion, or burn out? Having overcome my own struggle with anxiety as a young person, I have developed a strong passion for assisting others who are suffering from similar challenges. Let’s work together to transform your struggles into stepping stones, leading you towards a peaceful and empowered life. No challenge is too big or too small – I’m dedicated to helping you find your way and ensuring you no longer feel held back by your troubles.
Currently Accepting New Clients for Virtual Appointments Only. Do you suffer from feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, nervousness, racing thoughts, panic attacks, difficulty relaxing, exhaustion, or burn out? Having overcome my own struggle with anxiety as a young person, I have developed a strong passion for assisting others who are suffering from similar challenges. Let’s work together to transform your struggles into stepping stones, leading you towards a peaceful and empowered life. No challenge is too big or too small – I’m dedicated to helping you find your way and ensuring you no longer feel held back by your troubles.
Tired of arguing? Not feeling heard, appreciated or connected the way you once did? I work with couples, helping them learn how to communicate more effectively, reducing arguing, anger and negativity, helping them have the relationship they long for. I also work sensitively to help couples with their sexual health.
Tired of arguing? Not feeling heard, appreciated or connected the way you once did? I work with couples, helping them learn how to communicate more effectively, reducing arguing, anger and negativity, helping them have the relationship they long for. I also work sensitively to help couples with their sexual health.
Online Therapists
Samantha Cohen
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bradford, ON L3Z (Online Only)
I have over 10 years of experience working with children, youth, and adults. When working with young children, I will incorporate play techniques to help them feel more comfortable and open during the counselling. I also work with parents and I love to work with adults individually as well. I enjoy partnering with my clients of any age, and I am passionate about assisting them as they navigate through challenging times in their lives. I work transparently with clients and practice with a non-judgmental approach.
I have over 10 years of experience working with children, youth, and adults. When working with young children, I will incorporate play techniques to help them feel more comfortable and open during the counselling. I also work with parents and I love to work with adults individually as well. I enjoy partnering with my clients of any age, and I am passionate about assisting them as they navigate through challenging times in their lives. I work transparently with clients and practice with a non-judgmental approach.
Courageous Counselling and Play Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, CCC, CPT
Verified Verified
St Thomas, ON N5P
It can be hard watching our child struggle whether it be with anxiety, fear, anger, big emotions, loss, trauma or significant life changes and if any of this is resonating with you I believe you are in the right place. As a Certified Play Therapist my approach to therapy allows children of all ages to use their natural language of play to process and communicate their inner world in a safe environment where they feel seen, heard and understood. And yes - we can do all of this while also having fun!
It can be hard watching our child struggle whether it be with anxiety, fear, anger, big emotions, loss, trauma or significant life changes and if any of this is resonating with you I believe you are in the right place. As a Certified Play Therapist my approach to therapy allows children of all ages to use their natural language of play to process and communicate their inner world in a safe environment where they feel seen, heard and understood. And yes - we can do all of this while also having fun!
Katie Bergin
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
North York, ON M2L
Waitlist for new clients
I facilitate this through integrating evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, mindfuness, and arts-based interventions.
With kindness, humor, and authenticity, I support clients to uncover inner resources and strengths that can help identify effective ways to cope with and overcome challenges. I am a compassionate and collaborative therapist, who is skilled at building an environment that encourages safety and trust. My foundation in community mental health has allowed me to gain comfort in supporting complex clients to explore meaningful growth when struggling with mood and behavior challenges, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, suicidality, and self-harm. As a Jewish Canadian, I am privileged to also offer a safe space to the community.
I facilitate this through integrating evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, mindfuness, and arts-based interventions.
With kindness, humor, and authenticity, I support clients to uncover inner resources and strengths that can help identify effective ways to cope with and overcome challenges. I am a compassionate and collaborative therapist, who is skilled at building an environment that encourages safety and trust. My foundation in community mental health has allowed me to gain comfort in supporting complex clients to explore meaningful growth when struggling with mood and behavior challenges, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, suicidality, and self-harm. As a Jewish Canadian, I am privileged to also offer a safe space to the community.
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.
Johnson Family Counseling
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, CCC, LPC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Newmarket, ON L3Y
Ms. Julia Johnson holds a Master degree is Clinical Psychology, is a Registered Psychotherapist, & Play-therapy Supervisor, a Certified Canadian Counsellor and a Licensed Professional Counsellor in NJ. Ms. Johnson has worked in US for 17 years & Canada for 14 years in different settings, hospital, residential and schools. In 2016 she funded Johnson, Family counselling to provide services to people of different walk of life. We support couples, families, & parents. JFC provides psychotherapy to people who wants to move on and overcome fears and limitations, becoming the best they can be and creating meaning-full relationships.
Ms. Julia Johnson holds a Master degree is Clinical Psychology, is a Registered Psychotherapist, & Play-therapy Supervisor, a Certified Canadian Counsellor and a Licensed Professional Counsellor in NJ. Ms. Johnson has worked in US for 17 years & Canada for 14 years in different settings, hospital, residential and schools. In 2016 she funded Johnson, Family counselling to provide services to people of different walk of life. We support couples, families, & parents. JFC provides psychotherapy to people who wants to move on and overcome fears and limitations, becoming the best they can be and creating meaning-full relationships.
I have many years of experience working with individuals of all ages and families. I believe, through self compassion, gratitude, openness, curiosity, and awareness, we can all access our most authentic Self. I will help you heal aspects of your personality that need attention. I am trained and use many different modalities such as EMDR, CBT Trauma therapy, IFS, CBT, DBT, Narrative therapy, play therapy, and EFFT. I believe early interventions can be very powerful and have a long-lasting impact on us. I will work at a pace that is most comfortable to you.
I have many years of experience working with individuals of all ages and families. I believe, through self compassion, gratitude, openness, curiosity, and awareness, we can all access our most authentic Self. I will help you heal aspects of your personality that need attention. I am trained and use many different modalities such as EMDR, CBT Trauma therapy, IFS, CBT, DBT, Narrative therapy, play therapy, and EFFT. I believe early interventions can be very powerful and have a long-lasting impact on us. I will work at a pace that is most comfortable to you.
Jenna Dollin
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW-ITR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lisle, ON L0M (Online Only)
I also offer play informed approaches for children and youth.
Welcome! I understand it can be difficult to take the first step and reach out for support. Knowing this, I strive to offer empathetic, confidential, non-judgmental therapeutic services. I believe we all have our own inner resiliency and capacity for change, but sometimes we need the helping hand of therapeutic intervention to help us take our next steps. I have an interest and have focused my training in supporting with emotional regulation, anxiety, ADHD, navigating life transitions, grief, and pregnancy and infant loss.
I also offer play informed approaches for children and youth.
Welcome! I understand it can be difficult to take the first step and reach out for support. Knowing this, I strive to offer empathetic, confidential, non-judgmental therapeutic services. I believe we all have our own inner resiliency and capacity for change, but sometimes we need the helping hand of therapeutic intervention to help us take our next steps. I have an interest and have focused my training in supporting with emotional regulation, anxiety, ADHD, navigating life transitions, grief, and pregnancy and infant loss.
This includes cutting edge passive and active treatments, all set in amazing talk, play, and create spaces that you can tour through our photos and website.
Welcome! What sets us apart is our team of therapists who are ready to work with adults, children, teens, parents and couples of all ages and abilities. We have full-time administrative staff waiting to take your call or email and match your with the best therapist in our practice based on the needs of you or your loved ones. Our therapists have a number of specialties and all work from the perspective of helping clients to heal the root cause of challenges, so natural resilience, health, and happiness can shine through.
This includes cutting edge passive and active treatments, all set in amazing talk, play, and create spaces that you can tour through our photos and website.
Welcome! What sets us apart is our team of therapists who are ready to work with adults, children, teens, parents and couples of all ages and abilities. We have full-time administrative staff waiting to take your call or email and match your with the best therapist in our practice based on the needs of you or your loved ones. Our therapists have a number of specialties and all work from the perspective of helping clients to heal the root cause of challenges, so natural resilience, health, and happiness can shine through.
The modalities I have experience with include: CBT, DBT, Attachment Focused Models (DDP), Family Therapy, Play Focused therapies (Theraplay), EMDR and trauma informed treatment.
With over 10 years of experience working with children, teens & families, I know that we can all use help at different points in our life to take care of our mental health. By sharing our inner thoughts, feelings and emotions within a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship, we can find ways to heal from past traumas and make sense of difficult life experiences. We can learn how to cope with stress and change, develop better communication skills, have healthier relationships and resolve family conflicts.
The modalities I have experience with include: CBT, DBT, Attachment Focused Models (DDP), Family Therapy, Play Focused therapies (Theraplay), EMDR and trauma informed treatment.
With over 10 years of experience working with children, teens & families, I know that we can all use help at different points in our life to take care of our mental health. By sharing our inner thoughts, feelings and emotions within a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship, we can find ways to heal from past traumas and make sense of difficult life experiences. We can learn how to cope with stress and change, develop better communication skills, have healthier relationships and resolve family conflicts.
Somatic experiencing (SE), play and art based modalities, Mindfulness, ACT, CBT, Reiki, and Internal family system (IFS) informs my therapeutic approach.
Hi, my name is Tiffany I am thrilled and honoured to be part of your healing journey. It is my soul’s belief that through collaboration and connection we can begin to heal. My therapeutic style is curated for individuals who seek spiritually integrated, body-centred and inner child processing. By creating a safety container, it is my hope to unravel the parts of you that long to be witnessed, understood, and validated. The part of you that is exhausted. The part of you that feels neglected. The part of you that longs for deep connection. The part of you that doesn’t know where to start but ended up here.
Somatic experiencing (SE), play and art based modalities, Mindfulness, ACT, CBT, Reiki, and Internal family system (IFS) informs my therapeutic approach.
Hi, my name is Tiffany I am thrilled and honoured to be part of your healing journey. It is my soul’s belief that through collaboration and connection we can begin to heal. My therapeutic style is curated for individuals who seek spiritually integrated, body-centred and inner child processing. By creating a safety container, it is my hope to unravel the parts of you that long to be witnessed, understood, and validated. The part of you that is exhausted. The part of you that feels neglected. The part of you that longs for deep connection. The part of you that doesn’t know where to start but ended up here.
See more therapy options for Woodstock
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.