Play Therapy

Play therapy is a proven treatment approach for children under 12 years old. It helps children process and communicate difficult thoughts, memories, and emotions by using toys, puppets, games, and the child's own imagination. This approach helps children deal with depression, anxiety, and grief, as well as behavioural problems such as aggression or defiance.

What is Play Therapy?

If you have a child who is struggling with mental health issues, it can be helpful to seek help from a trained child therapist. The process for children is a little bit different than for adults, because the child's mind and body are still developing. In particular, children tend to benefit from play therapy. Play therapy is a type of psychotherapy that uses the power of play to help children express themselves and resolve emotional issues.

A session may involve painting, crafting, sand tray activities, dolls, puppets, music, dress up and imaginative play to engage children in the therapeutic process. It may appear like regular play time, but a trained therapist can use play therapy to gain valuable insights into a child's problems.

How Can it Help?

Children may be reluctant to talk about their feelings or share how they feel about certain things. This is because they do not understand what is happening or they have trouble expressing themselves verbally. Play therapy gives them an opportunity to work out their problems in a safe environment with someone who understands what is happening and can give them advice on how to deal with it.

Process Traumatic Experiences and Anxiety

Learn to Express Their Feelings

Copes with Difficult Memories and Emotions

Improve Familial Attachment

Develop Improved Social Skills

Learn to Empathize with Others

Self Reflect and Learn Responsibility

Improve Self Esteem and Gain Confidence

What is the Goal?

The goal is to help children learn how to manage their emotions and behaviour so they can lead healthier lives. The therapist works with the child to create an environment where they feel safe to open up about what's bothering them. It may be helpful for young children with trauma, anxiety, anger, stress, or depression. Also, it helps children process problematic circumstances such as bullying, grief, social anxiety, neglect, abandonment, or abuse.

Therapists Who Use Play Therapy Techniques

Virtual & In-Person

Jamie Papp

Canadian Certified Counsellor

$140 per hour

Jamies works with children, teenagers and adults who struggle with ADHD, autism, behavioural issues, anger, depression, work issues, stress, aging, self esteem, grief, parenting and more.

Accepting New Clients

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