Play Therapy Counselling in Redfern, NSW

Photo of Natasha Ramessur, Psychologist in Redfern, NSW
Natasha Ramessur
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Redfern, NSW 2016
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 Tammy Rosman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Redfern, NSW
Tammy Rosman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Redfern, NSW 2016
I offer a gentle and compassionate approach to counselling and therapy services to adults, children, couples and families. I am a therapist with over 20 years of experience working with individuals and families. I provide a safe and nurturing therapeutic environment that allows clients to feel at ease in the counselling process. I work to address each individual's needs by providing a tailored approach that focuses on personal goals and needs.
I offer a gentle and compassionate approach to counselling and therapy services to adults, children, couples and families. I am a therapist with over 20 years of experience working with individuals and families. I provide a safe and nurturing therapeutic environment that allows clients to feel at ease in the counselling process. I work to address each individual's needs by providing a tailored approach that focuses on personal goals and needs.
(02) 9100 0772 View (02) 9100 0772

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Aarthi Udayakumar, Counsellor in Redfern, NSW
Aarthi Udayakumar
Counsellor, PACFA
Verified Verified
Alexandria, NSW 2015
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 Jane Rabie- Play Therapist, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Redfern, 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 Redfern, 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 Redfern, 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 Emma May Spencer, Psychologist in Redfern, NSW
Emma May Spencer
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Sydney, NSW 2000
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 Mona Singh-Mand, Counsellor in Redfern, NSW
Mona Singh-Mand
Counsellor, MA, PACFA
Verified Verified
Petersham, NSW 2049
I like to incorporate play therapy, particularly in my work with children and young people.
I am honoured to have the opportunity to help my clients learn how to trust themselves and feel confident in knowing and asking for what they need, no matter their age, background or life experience.
I like to incorporate play therapy, particularly in my work with children and young people.
I am honoured to have the opportunity to help my clients learn how to trust themselves and feel confident in knowing and asking for what they need, no matter their age, background or life experience.
(02) 9100 0293 View (02) 9100 0293
Photo of Maria Wen, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Redfern, 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 Jade Deglaitis, Psychologist in Redfern, 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 Priya Gauchan, Psychologist in Redfern, NSW
Priya Gauchan
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Edgecliff, NSW 2027
I provide a personalised approach to therapy, drawing from evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Play Therapy.
I am a registered psychologist and clinical psychology registrar with a passion for working with people of all ages and needs. I have an interest and experience in supporting neurodiverse individuals. I have worked with children, adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum, with ADHD, intellectual disability and executive functioning challenges. In my work I have extended my support to parents and teachers of neurodiverse children and adolescents, aiding them in establishing enriching environments that foster connectivity and support.
I provide a personalised approach to therapy, drawing from evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Play Therapy.
I am a registered psychologist and clinical psychology registrar with a passion for working with people of all ages and needs. I have an interest and experience in supporting neurodiverse individuals. I have worked with children, adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum, with ADHD, intellectual disability and executive functioning challenges. In my work I have extended my support to parents and teachers of neurodiverse children and adolescents, aiding them in establishing enriching environments that foster connectivity and support.
(02) 9100 0443 View (02) 9100 0443
Photo of Emma Donlevy, Counsellor in Redfern, 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 Claudia Caballero, Psychologist in Redfern, NSW
Claudia Caballero
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Sydney, NSW 2000
So, I adjust the therapy to your needs, offering a range of evidence-based therapies under Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psycho-education, Mindfulness-based therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Stress Management, Shema Therapy, Social Skills and Communication training, and Play Therapy.
Would it be nice to have a trained professional to guide you to grow and move towards where you want to be in life? As a psychologist, I aim to help my clients to heal, energise, become aware of their strengths and connect with themselves and others. Through the therapy, I could help you to keep your life moving in the right direction by managing depression and anxiety-related symptoms, to better cope with stress and anger. Also, I provide strategies to manage personal loss, symptoms of trauma and cope with life transitions
So, I adjust the therapy to your needs, offering a range of evidence-based therapies under Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psycho-education, Mindfulness-based therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Stress Management, Shema Therapy, Social Skills and Communication training, and Play Therapy.
Would it be nice to have a trained professional to guide you to grow and move towards where you want to be in life? As a psychologist, I aim to help my clients to heal, energise, become aware of their strengths and connect with themselves and others. Through the therapy, I could help you to keep your life moving in the right direction by managing depression and anxiety-related symptoms, to better cope with stress and anger. Also, I provide strategies to manage personal loss, symptoms of trauma and cope with life transitions
(02) 9100 0792 View (02) 9100 0792
Photo of Heart Of Play Therapy Katie Summerfield in Redfern, 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 Patricia Bakri, Counsellor in Redfern, 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 Rhiannon Flavel, Psychotherapist in Redfern, NSW
Rhiannon Flavel
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Verified Verified
Sydney, NSW 2000
My approach as a psychotherapist is holistic, non-judgemental, trauma informed & deeply relational. I have worked in various roles including mental health counselling, outdoor education teaching, adventure therapy, wilderness rites of passage, & group facilitation for over a decade, supporting adults, young people & families. I bring these diverse experiences into my therapeutic practice to offer a specialised approach to this transformational work.
My approach as a psychotherapist is holistic, non-judgemental, trauma informed & deeply relational. I have worked in various roles including mental health counselling, outdoor education teaching, adventure therapy, wilderness rites of passage, & group facilitation for over a decade, supporting adults, young people & families. I bring these diverse experiences into my therapeutic practice to offer a specialised approach to this transformational work.
(02) 5016 7519 View (02) 5016 7519
Photo of Mauro Vieira, Psychologist in Redfern, 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 Marcela Jimenez, Counsellor in Redfern, NSW
Marcela Jimenez
Counsellor, MC, ACA-L4
Verified Verified
Sydney, NSW 2000
Hello, I'm Marcela, and I'm here to listen to your unique story and support you through life's challenges. With over a decade of experience providing support in various life situations, I offer a caring and empathetic approach to help you navigate difficult times. If you or your children are facing challenging circumstances such as behavioural issues, anger, impulsivity, low self-esteem, or experiencing difficulties in building and maintaining healthy relationships, I'm here to help. As a qualified and fully registered counsellor with experience working with children, adolescents, and families, my goal is to provide you with a warm,
Hello, I'm Marcela, and I'm here to listen to your unique story and support you through life's challenges. With over a decade of experience providing support in various life situations, I offer a caring and empathetic approach to help you navigate difficult times. If you or your children are facing challenging circumstances such as behavioural issues, anger, impulsivity, low self-esteem, or experiencing difficulties in building and maintaining healthy relationships, I'm here to help. As a qualified and fully registered counsellor with experience working with children, adolescents, and families, my goal is to provide you with a warm,
(02) 5118 9113 View (02) 5118 9113
Photo of Daria Kouznetsova, Psychologist in Redfern, NSW
Daria Kouznetsova
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Sydney, NSW 2000  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Dr Daria is an empathic, vibrant, warm and down to earth Clinical Psychologist, Couples Therapist and Executive/Leadership Coach who is dedicated to supporting her clients in reaching their goals. Daria is passionate about helping individuals, couples and families across a wide range of presentations, and prefers to use an integrative approach to therapy and coaching. Her robust understanding and experience with clinical and corporate presentations contributes to her strong desire to support clients in achieving meaningful change, growth and personal development in any area of their lives.
Dr Daria is an empathic, vibrant, warm and down to earth Clinical Psychologist, Couples Therapist and Executive/Leadership Coach who is dedicated to supporting her clients in reaching their goals. Daria is passionate about helping individuals, couples and families across a wide range of presentations, and prefers to use an integrative approach to therapy and coaching. Her robust understanding and experience with clinical and corporate presentations contributes to her strong desire to support clients in achieving meaningful change, growth and personal development in any area of their lives.
(02) 8294 8509 View (02) 8294 8509
Photo of Mindkshetra, Counsellor in Redfern, NSW
Mindkshetra
Counsellor, ACA-L3
Verified Verified
Sydney, NSW 2000
Whatever life adversity/situation/issues the young(er) person is muddling through - anxiety, depression, self-esteem, anger management, stress, bullying, friendship issues, social anxiety, learning difficulties and building self-confidence, dealing with loss - We are invested in helping the young(er) person navigate through this sensitive stage with a focus on strengthening their overall wellbeing using creativity as a means. We also help adults cope with a range of life issues like coping with stress, anxiety, depression, anger management, divorce or separation, identity and acculturation issues, improving communication. ​
Whatever life adversity/situation/issues the young(er) person is muddling through - anxiety, depression, self-esteem, anger management, stress, bullying, friendship issues, social anxiety, learning difficulties and building self-confidence, dealing with loss - We are invested in helping the young(er) person navigate through this sensitive stage with a focus on strengthening their overall wellbeing using creativity as a means. We also help adults cope with a range of life issues like coping with stress, anxiety, depression, anger management, divorce or separation, identity and acculturation issues, improving communication. ​
(02) 8806 1337 View (02) 8806 1337

See more therapy options for Redfern

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.