Photo of Thinkahead, Psychologist in Forestville, NSW
Thinkahead
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Forestville, NSW 2087
Are you suffering a mental health condition and need support? Are you experiencing interpersonal conflict at work ? Perhaps you are going through a relationship break up or divorce or struggling with family dynamics. Are you struggling in dealing with your child's emotional outburst or challenging behaviours or simply need a child assessment to identify learning difficulties/ADHD/ASD symptoms? You may simply be feeling a little lost with little direction and clarity. If this is you, then make a change today and reach out and speak to one of our clinicians ( Psychologists, Behaviour Therapists, Speech Pathologist, Learning Support)
Are you suffering a mental health condition and need support? Are you experiencing interpersonal conflict at work ? Perhaps you are going through a relationship break up or divorce or struggling with family dynamics. Are you struggling in dealing with your child's emotional outburst or challenging behaviours or simply need a child assessment to identify learning difficulties/ADHD/ASD symptoms? You may simply be feeling a little lost with little direction and clarity. If this is you, then make a change today and reach out and speak to one of our clinicians ( Psychologists, Behaviour Therapists, Speech Pathologist, Learning Support)
(02) 9053 4507 View (02) 9053 4507

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Maria Wen, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Forestville, NSW
Maria Wen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AASW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Petersham, NSW 2049
I have over 17 years of experience working with a range of presenting issues in the field of child and adolescent mental health, family therapy, play therapy, and primary and secondary schools settings.
All children want to feel understood, accepted and loved, but sometimes the opposite is experienced in day to day relationships with their parents, siblings, and at school. These feelings can be overwhelmingly frustrating, confusing and stressful for you and your child. You have tried so many ways to help your child and worry about your family's emotional and mental well-being. I can help you and your child gain insight, break through the negative experiences and restore hope. Through our work together, you will feel more supported and your child will improve their self esteem.
I have over 17 years of experience working with a range of presenting issues in the field of child and adolescent mental health, family therapy, play therapy, and primary and secondary schools settings.
All children want to feel understood, accepted and loved, but sometimes the opposite is experienced in day to day relationships with their parents, siblings, and at school. These feelings can be overwhelmingly frustrating, confusing and stressful for you and your child. You have tried so many ways to help your child and worry about your family's emotional and mental well-being. I can help you and your child gain insight, break through the negative experiences and restore hope. Through our work together, you will feel more supported and your child will improve their self esteem.
(02) 8105 5063 View (02) 8105 5063
Photo of Heart Of Play Therapy Katie Summerfield in Forestville, NSW
Heart Of Play Therapy Katie Summerfield
Verified Verified
Petersham, NSW 2049
Like a flower, we bloom in the right environment; in the play therapy room I work with empathy and acceptance to create a safe space for children and families in order for them to work through their issues and “grow”. I recognise the importance of family and offer assistance to parents and carers to work towards a safer, happier and more relaxed home environment in a strength-based way. Child-centred Play Therapy is a gentle, trauma-informed and neuro-affirming way of supporting children in their unique reactions to coping with daily life, big life events or trauma and attachment issues.
Like a flower, we bloom in the right environment; in the play therapy room I work with empathy and acceptance to create a safe space for children and families in order for them to work through their issues and “grow”. I recognise the importance of family and offer assistance to parents and carers to work towards a safer, happier and more relaxed home environment in a strength-based way. Child-centred Play Therapy is a gentle, trauma-informed and neuro-affirming way of supporting children in their unique reactions to coping with daily life, big life events or trauma and attachment issues.
(02) 9100 0375 View (02) 9100 0375
Photo of Emma Chow | Kindred Filial Play Corner, Psychotherapist in Forestville, NSW
Emma Chow | Kindred Filial Play Corner
Psychotherapist, MA
Verified Verified
Ermington, NSW 2115
Play is therapeutic and a powerful means for the changes and healing you so long to see in your child and your family.
Somewhere along the way, there has been a rupture between you and your child. You are constantly overwhelmed by their BIG emotions and behaviours, and you are doing your best to respond differently from your default parenting patterns. Maybe they've been through something big. You desire a stronger, more secure and trusting relationship with your child. You dream of fostering co-operation and harmonious sibling (and peer) relationships. Your really want to support them in their growth, development and wellbeing.
Play is therapeutic and a powerful means for the changes and healing you so long to see in your child and your family.
Somewhere along the way, there has been a rupture between you and your child. You are constantly overwhelmed by their BIG emotions and behaviours, and you are doing your best to respond differently from your default parenting patterns. Maybe they've been through something big. You desire a stronger, more secure and trusting relationship with your child. You dream of fostering co-operation and harmonious sibling (and peer) relationships. Your really want to support them in their growth, development and wellbeing.
(02) 7804 4503 View (02) 7804 4503
Photo of Skye E Hudson Psychotherapy, Psychotherapist in Forestville, NSW
Skye E Hudson Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Verified Verified
Chatswood, NSW 2067
I am an accredited psychotherapist offering face to face and online counselling. I also offer sand play, art and expressive therapies with a trauma informed lens. My work calls upon a variety of modalities such as Gestalt, Internal Family Systems, Body- Mind practices, Compassion practices and Symbol and Depth work. This integrative approach enables my clients to discover their own unique path to change and healing. I prioritise creating a safe and sturdy rapport within the therapuetic relationship as the foundation for the ongoing work of therapy. I work with individuals, adolescents and children.
I am an accredited psychotherapist offering face to face and online counselling. I also offer sand play, art and expressive therapies with a trauma informed lens. My work calls upon a variety of modalities such as Gestalt, Internal Family Systems, Body- Mind practices, Compassion practices and Symbol and Depth work. This integrative approach enables my clients to discover their own unique path to change and healing. I prioritise creating a safe and sturdy rapport within the therapuetic relationship as the foundation for the ongoing work of therapy. I work with individuals, adolescents and children.
(02) 5604 8849 View (02) 5604 8849
Photo of Patricia Bakri, Counsellor in Forestville, NSW
Patricia Bakri
Counsellor, MA, PACFA
Verified Verified
Sydney, NSW 2000
These modalities include; CBT, Mindfulness therapy, play therapy etc.
I am a skilled and grounded counsellor of many years’ experience and registered as a clinical counsellor with PACFA, I have extensive experience with supporting children, young adolescents, and adults across a wide range of mental health concerns including anxiety and mood disorders, depression, relationship difficulties, family difficulties, behavioural disorders, grief and loss and work/life stress.
These modalities include; CBT, Mindfulness therapy, play therapy etc.
I am a skilled and grounded counsellor of many years’ experience and registered as a clinical counsellor with PACFA, I have extensive experience with supporting children, young adolescents, and adults across a wide range of mental health concerns including anxiety and mood disorders, depression, relationship difficulties, family difficulties, behavioural disorders, grief and loss and work/life stress.
(02) 7804 4691 View (02) 7804 4691
Photo of Emma May Spencer, Psychologist in Forestville, NSW
Emma May Spencer
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Gladesville, NSW 2111
Emma is a Clinical Psychologist with 22 years experience in supporting the mental health of children adolescents and adults. She has a special interest in assessing neurodiversity and in supporting clients to discover and better understand their unique brain styles. Emma is trained in numerous evidence based therapies including CBT, ACT, EMDR, DBT, schema therapy, SFBT and Art & Play therapies. Emma's experience is varied and she provides support in relation to anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, phobia's and burnout related to ADHD and Autistic brain styles.
Emma is a Clinical Psychologist with 22 years experience in supporting the mental health of children adolescents and adults. She has a special interest in assessing neurodiversity and in supporting clients to discover and better understand their unique brain styles. Emma is trained in numerous evidence based therapies including CBT, ACT, EMDR, DBT, schema therapy, SFBT and Art & Play therapies. Emma's experience is varied and she provides support in relation to anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, phobia's and burnout related to ADHD and Autistic brain styles.
(02) 9909 6140 View (02) 9909 6140
Photo of Natasha Ramessur, Psychologist in Forestville, NSW
Natasha Ramessur
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Burwood, NSW 2134
I use evidence-based techniques in my therapeutic work including CBT, Brief Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR and Play Therapy.
I am a registered psychologist with several years of experience helping clients with a number of issues, including depression, anxiety, bullying, stress, grief and loss, relationship conflicts, anger, social difficulties, behavioural issues, self-esteem, coping with change and life adjustments. My warm, open and non-judgemental approach allows me to easily build strong rapport with my clients and make them feel comfortable and safe. I have a keen interest in client-centred approach, drawing on an eclectic framework of therapeutic interventions, with the aim of building upon the client’s strengths.
I use evidence-based techniques in my therapeutic work including CBT, Brief Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR and Play Therapy.
I am a registered psychologist with several years of experience helping clients with a number of issues, including depression, anxiety, bullying, stress, grief and loss, relationship conflicts, anger, social difficulties, behavioural issues, self-esteem, coping with change and life adjustments. My warm, open and non-judgemental approach allows me to easily build strong rapport with my clients and make them feel comfortable and safe. I have a keen interest in client-centred approach, drawing on an eclectic framework of therapeutic interventions, with the aim of building upon the client’s strengths.
(02) 8074 5546 View (02) 8074 5546
Photo of Jane Rabie- Play Therapist, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Forestville, NSW
Jane Rabie- Play Therapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AASW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Petersham, NSW 2049
Often children don’t have words to describe their experiences and feelings and instead reveal them through behaviours which can be misunderstood. They may get into trouble, be labelled, or disconnect. I work with children and families just like this. As a carer, reaching out for support can be the hardest step. I work closely with you and your child through Play Therapy which is relationship based therapy for children aged 3-12 years. Play is a child’s natural way of communicating and Play Therapy creates the environment where the therapist enters into a child’s world and understands the experience from their perspective.
Often children don’t have words to describe their experiences and feelings and instead reveal them through behaviours which can be misunderstood. They may get into trouble, be labelled, or disconnect. I work with children and families just like this. As a carer, reaching out for support can be the hardest step. I work closely with you and your child through Play Therapy which is relationship based therapy for children aged 3-12 years. Play is a child’s natural way of communicating and Play Therapy creates the environment where the therapist enters into a child’s world and understands the experience from their perspective.
(02) 9100 0607 View (02) 9100 0607
Photo of Hannah Kayla Le Leu, Psychologist in Forestville, NSW
Hannah Kayla Le Leu
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sydney, NSW 2000  (Online Only)
I work with children, teens and adults! I am trained in: Schema Therapy (ST), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Play Therapy (PT).
I am the founder of Talk it Through Psychology which is 100% telehealth. I am neurodivergent and operate from a neuro-affirming framework, meaning that I understand the importance of tailoring all therapies and strategies to work for different brain types. I absolutely love working with people’s strengths and passions and being able to connect with clients through shared passions, which we can also incorporate into therapy! I can help you with: depression, anxiety, trauma, phobias, OCD and co-occurring mental health struggles from being neurodivergent (such as autistic burnout). I also offer affirming autism and ADHD assessments.
I work with children, teens and adults! I am trained in: Schema Therapy (ST), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Play Therapy (PT).
I am the founder of Talk it Through Psychology which is 100% telehealth. I am neurodivergent and operate from a neuro-affirming framework, meaning that I understand the importance of tailoring all therapies and strategies to work for different brain types. I absolutely love working with people’s strengths and passions and being able to connect with clients through shared passions, which we can also incorporate into therapy! I can help you with: depression, anxiety, trauma, phobias, OCD and co-occurring mental health struggles from being neurodivergent (such as autistic burnout). I also offer affirming autism and ADHD assessments.
(08) 7008 7942 View (08) 7008 7942
Photo of Natasha Sejpal, Counsellor in Forestville, NSW
Natasha Sejpal
Counsellor, MPsych, PACFA
Verified Verified
Surry Hills, NSW 2010
I am passionate about helping people in any capacity I can. Every story is valid, and valuable, and deserves to be heard, accepted and given unconditional love. Working with clients with a wide range of mental health presentations gives me the experience to make valuable contributions to people’s stories. My primary aim is to use my empathetic personality and training in a person-centred approach to create a safe space and help individuals reach their therapeutic goals. I believe in the power of stories and play hence I often use narrative therapy and play in my therapeutic approach along with various other modalities.
I am passionate about helping people in any capacity I can. Every story is valid, and valuable, and deserves to be heard, accepted and given unconditional love. Working with clients with a wide range of mental health presentations gives me the experience to make valuable contributions to people’s stories. My primary aim is to use my empathetic personality and training in a person-centred approach to create a safe space and help individuals reach their therapeutic goals. I believe in the power of stories and play hence I often use narrative therapy and play in my therapeutic approach along with various other modalities.
(02) 9100 0695 View (02) 9100 0695
Photo of Jade Deglaitis, Psychologist in Forestville, NSW
Jade Deglaitis
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Sydney, NSW 2000  (Online Only)
I utilise therapeutic techniques including cognitive behaviour therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, solution focused brief therapy, play based therapy, behaviour modification strategies and parent coaching.
I am a generally registered psychologist who has experience working across the lifespan. I have a passion for working with children, adolescents, adults and families with neurodiversity, in particular the autism spectrum. However, I have experience working with a range of presentations and always welcome connecting with new clients to determine how I can support them in reaching their goals.
I utilise therapeutic techniques including cognitive behaviour therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, solution focused brief therapy, play based therapy, behaviour modification strategies and parent coaching.
I am a generally registered psychologist who has experience working across the lifespan. I have a passion for working with children, adolescents, adults and families with neurodiversity, in particular the autism spectrum. However, I have experience working with a range of presentations and always welcome connecting with new clients to determine how I can support them in reaching their goals.
(08) 7078 8384 View (08) 7078 8384
Photo of Aarthi Udayakumar, Counsellor in Forestville, NSW
Aarthi Udayakumar
Counsellor, PACFA
Verified Verified
North Sydney, NSW 2060
Her therapeutic approach is evidence-based and includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), as well as Creative and Play therapy.
Aarthi is registered as a clinical counsellor with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). She brings over 10 years of experience working directly with clients from all walks of life. Aarthi has experience working with individuals and families experiencing concerns relating to couples, domestic and family violence, trauma, grief and loss, child welfare and wellbeing, as well as depression, anxiety and a variety of other mental health issues. She has experience using trauma informed, strengths-based and outcomes focussed practices. Aarthi is dedicated to providing a service that is person-centred.
Her therapeutic approach is evidence-based and includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), as well as Creative and Play therapy.
Aarthi is registered as a clinical counsellor with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). She brings over 10 years of experience working directly with clients from all walks of life. Aarthi has experience working with individuals and families experiencing concerns relating to couples, domestic and family violence, trauma, grief and loss, child welfare and wellbeing, as well as depression, anxiety and a variety of other mental health issues. She has experience using trauma informed, strengths-based and outcomes focussed practices. Aarthi is dedicated to providing a service that is person-centred.
(02) 9100 0497 View (02) 9100 0497
Photo of Emma Donlevy, Counsellor in Forestville, NSW
Emma Donlevy
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
Sydney, NSW 2000
I have a different approach to traditional talk therapy, integrating a range of evidence-based counselling modalities including DBT, sand play, art, CBT, solution focussed, mindfulness, and trauma-informed brain-based interventions.
I have over 20 year’s experience supporting people aged 3- 63 who have complex and diverse needs, in particular as a result of trauma. I offer a unique person-centred practice based on the needs of the person sitting in front of me. I have worked in depth with complex mental health issues including developmental and attachment-related trauma, complex trauma, and dual diagnosis. I understand the unique trauma and mental health needs that people with disability experience, being neuroaffirming and strengths based.
I have a different approach to traditional talk therapy, integrating a range of evidence-based counselling modalities including DBT, sand play, art, CBT, solution focussed, mindfulness, and trauma-informed brain-based interventions.
I have over 20 year’s experience supporting people aged 3- 63 who have complex and diverse needs, in particular as a result of trauma. I offer a unique person-centred practice based on the needs of the person sitting in front of me. I have worked in depth with complex mental health issues including developmental and attachment-related trauma, complex trauma, and dual diagnosis. I understand the unique trauma and mental health needs that people with disability experience, being neuroaffirming and strengths based.
(02) 4503 6114 View (02) 4503 6114
Photo of Ellie Rose, Counsellor in Forestville, NSW
Ellie Rose
Counsellor, PACFA
Verified Verified
Sydney, NSW 2000  (Online Only)
I specialise in young people experiencing complex family issues such as divorce and separation, absent parents, conflict, sudden grief and loss and previous trauma. I have curated a unique, creative, evidence-based approach to therapy to heal emotional issues whilst giving clients the practical tools to move forward with their lives. Being young myself, I connect deeply with my clients through our shared experiences, whilst using professional knowledge from my years of study and experience to empower them to live their best, most fun and empowered life.
I specialise in young people experiencing complex family issues such as divorce and separation, absent parents, conflict, sudden grief and loss and previous trauma. I have curated a unique, creative, evidence-based approach to therapy to heal emotional issues whilst giving clients the practical tools to move forward with their lives. Being young myself, I connect deeply with my clients through our shared experiences, whilst using professional knowledge from my years of study and experience to empower them to live their best, most fun and empowered life.
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Photo of Althea Counselling, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Forestville, NSW
Althea Counselling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
Putney, NSW 2112
At Althea Counselling, Bethanie mainly works with clients who seek counselling to address areas of their lives that are weighing heavy on their mind. Bethanie specialises in working with relationship breakdowns, infidelity, divorce/separation; to mood and personality disorders, ADHD and neurodivergence. At Althea Counselling, we prioritise your best interests and individual needs to provide you the most transformative and supportive therapy we can. As a Social Worker, Bethanie can support and encourage the developing of healthy coping strategies, provide psychoeducation, and build your confidence in yourself and your relationships.
At Althea Counselling, Bethanie mainly works with clients who seek counselling to address areas of their lives that are weighing heavy on their mind. Bethanie specialises in working with relationship breakdowns, infidelity, divorce/separation; to mood and personality disorders, ADHD and neurodivergence. At Althea Counselling, we prioritise your best interests and individual needs to provide you the most transformative and supportive therapy we can. As a Social Worker, Bethanie can support and encourage the developing of healthy coping strategies, provide psychoeducation, and build your confidence in yourself and your relationships.
(02) 4601 5986 View (02) 4601 5986
Photo of Mauro Vieira, Psychologist in Forestville, NSW
Mauro Vieira
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Sydney, NSW 2000
Bachelor in Psychology; Graduate in Psychology; Post-Graduation in Art Therapy; Post-Graduation in Psychological Practice in Institutions. I undertook my psychological training in Brazil and have more than 15 years of experience in the provision of mental health care and psychological services. I am now a registered Australian Psychologist. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families, dealing with a range of complex emotional disorders, illnesses and life challenges. I am passionate about humanistic care and have extensive experience with existential therapy, client-centred and narrative therapy.
Bachelor in Psychology; Graduate in Psychology; Post-Graduation in Art Therapy; Post-Graduation in Psychological Practice in Institutions. I undertook my psychological training in Brazil and have more than 15 years of experience in the provision of mental health care and psychological services. I am now a registered Australian Psychologist. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families, dealing with a range of complex emotional disorders, illnesses and life challenges. I am passionate about humanistic care and have extensive experience with existential therapy, client-centred and narrative therapy.
(02) 9158 6184 View (02) 9158 6184
Photo of Natalie Bishara, Psychologist in Forestville, NSW
Natalie Bishara
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
North Strathfield, NSW 2137
I am a registered psychologist with a deep interest in working with adolescents and adults seeking support and treatment for eating disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, relationship issues, and trauma. I endeavour to tailor treatment to my clients through working throughout treatment collaboratively with their medical treatment team and/or supporting individuals in meeting their treatment goals.
I am a registered psychologist with a deep interest in working with adolescents and adults seeking support and treatment for eating disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, relationship issues, and trauma. I endeavour to tailor treatment to my clients through working throughout treatment collaboratively with their medical treatment team and/or supporting individuals in meeting their treatment goals.
(02) 8105 6942 View (02) 8105 6942
Photo of Sally Walsh, Psychotherapist in Forestville, NSW
Sally Walsh
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Verified Verified
Sydney, NSW 2000
Immediately Available - No Waitlist - Registered Clinical Psychotherapist and Registered Mental Health Practitioner. Are you overwhelmed, anxious or depressed or seeking practical support? Are you struggling with an issue on your own? We can work this out together to help you feel more in control. I can help you see your situation more clearly with talking therapy and somatically integrating body/mind experiences for emotional distress support for anxiety, depression and trauma (CPTSD) ie. brain intervention (7-8 sessions). Relationship struggles ? including narcissism tendencies or sex issues (emotional, physical or sexual).
Immediately Available - No Waitlist - Registered Clinical Psychotherapist and Registered Mental Health Practitioner. Are you overwhelmed, anxious or depressed or seeking practical support? Are you struggling with an issue on your own? We can work this out together to help you feel more in control. I can help you see your situation more clearly with talking therapy and somatically integrating body/mind experiences for emotional distress support for anxiety, depression and trauma (CPTSD) ie. brain intervention (7-8 sessions). Relationship struggles ? including narcissism tendencies or sex issues (emotional, physical or sexual).
(02) 9100 0123 View (02) 9100 0123
Photo of Elizabeth Counselling Clinic Pty Ltd, Psychotherapist in Forestville, NSW
Elizabeth Counselling Clinic Pty Ltd
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Verified Verified
West Ryde, NSW 2114
Elizabeth is warm and non-judgmental in her practice. Elizabeth has about ten years of counselling experience and has worked for both NGOs (Non-profit organizations) and governments to learn to treat people with different issues. Elizabeth also works as a clinical supervisor and has a passion to raise the next generation of therapists. Elizabeth is involved in different community boards to raise more awareness on some of the common mental health topics.
Elizabeth is warm and non-judgmental in her practice. Elizabeth has about ten years of counselling experience and has worked for both NGOs (Non-profit organizations) and governments to learn to treat people with different issues. Elizabeth also works as a clinical supervisor and has a passion to raise the next generation of therapists. Elizabeth is involved in different community boards to raise more awareness on some of the common mental health topics.
(02) 8074 3828 View (02) 8074 3828

See more therapy options for Forestville

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.