Play Therapy in Toronto, ON
In this way, emotions, memories, and presenting issues are explored and processed not only with words but with movement, metaphors, play, and body relaxation techniques.
I specialize in working with those experiencing grief or life transitions, identity challenges, struggles with authenticity, and relationship difficulties.
I also specialize in working with neurodivergent individuals. Neurodivergence can be defined in many ways: ADHD, ASD, Giftedness, Highly Sensitive Person, Learning disability, and so much more!
In this way, emotions, memories, and presenting issues are explored and processed not only with words but with movement, metaphors, play, and body relaxation techniques.
I specialize in working with those experiencing grief or life transitions, identity challenges, struggles with authenticity, and relationship difficulties.
I also specialize in working with neurodivergent individuals. Neurodivergence can be defined in many ways: ADHD, ASD, Giftedness, Highly Sensitive Person, Learning disability, and so much more!
Being vulnerable with anyone can feel really scary at times so I commend you for your bravery in taking this first step toward caring for your mental health. Beginning therapy or even looking for a therapist can be overwhelming, but reaching out for support is an important act of self-care.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to healing, so I tailor therapy to each individual. Human beings are diverse and dynamic, and your mental health care should reflect that. I specialize in working with individuals and young adults, particularly trauma, anxiety, life transitions, and resilience development
Being vulnerable with anyone can feel really scary at times so I commend you for your bravery in taking this first step toward caring for your mental health. Beginning therapy or even looking for a therapist can be overwhelming, but reaching out for support is an important act of self-care.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to healing, so I tailor therapy to each individual. Human beings are diverse and dynamic, and your mental health care should reflect that. I specialize in working with individuals and young adults, particularly trauma, anxiety, life transitions, and resilience development
I work with people who want to feel more grounded, understood, and empowered in their lives. I view the therapeutic relationship as a central part of meaningful change and prioritize building a collaborative, attuned, and compassionate connection with each client. My work focuses on helping individuals better understand their internal narratives, develop skills to support nervous system regulation, and cultivate self-compassion. Through an acceptance-based and values-informed approach, clients are supported in making intentional changes that align with who they are and where they hope to go.
I work with people who want to feel more grounded, understood, and empowered in their lives. I view the therapeutic relationship as a central part of meaningful change and prioritize building a collaborative, attuned, and compassionate connection with each client. My work focuses on helping individuals better understand their internal narratives, develop skills to support nervous system regulation, and cultivate self-compassion. Through an acceptance-based and values-informed approach, clients are supported in making intentional changes that align with who they are and where they hope to go.
You've come to the right place. As a neurodivergent therapist with ADHD, I bring both clinical training and lived experience to neuro-affirming care that meets you where you are, not where a one-size-fits-all model says you should be. Clients tell me they appreciate feeling understood, gaining insights that help them see things differently, and walking away with tools they can actually use in real life. I customize each session to your needs, whether you're looking for structured tools or space to process your emotions and behavioral patterns.
You've come to the right place. As a neurodivergent therapist with ADHD, I bring both clinical training and lived experience to neuro-affirming care that meets you where you are, not where a one-size-fits-all model says you should be. Clients tell me they appreciate feeling understood, gaining insights that help them see things differently, and walking away with tools they can actually use in real life. I customize each session to your needs, whether you're looking for structured tools or space to process your emotions and behavioral patterns.
Andrew Guthrie, Ph.D., Tcpp dip., R.P. has been a psychotherapist in Toronto since 2000. He trained at Concordia and McGill Universities, the University of Toronto, the Toronto Child Psychoanalytic Program, and the Toronto Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis. He offers psychodynamic assessments and psychotherapy that reflect a deep knowledge of the psychotherapy field and a genuine commitment to the patients in his care. He treats a wide variety of emotional and behavioural problems with his professional yet compassionate approach. Please call or email for more information, or visit his website www.therapyintoronto.com.
Andrew Guthrie, Ph.D., Tcpp dip., R.P. has been a psychotherapist in Toronto since 2000. He trained at Concordia and McGill Universities, the University of Toronto, the Toronto Child Psychoanalytic Program, and the Toronto Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis. He offers psychodynamic assessments and psychotherapy that reflect a deep knowledge of the psychotherapy field and a genuine commitment to the patients in his care. He treats a wide variety of emotional and behavioural problems with his professional yet compassionate approach. Please call or email for more information, or visit his website www.therapyintoronto.com.
We are a group of diversely trained health professionals working with children, youth, and families. We have a location in the East End of Toronto.
We are a group of diversely trained health professionals working with children, youth, and families. We have a location in the East End of Toronto.
I always remind my clients that they are the experts of their lives.“ I am simply here to help you put together the pieces of your life. So, it allows you to see things more clearly. So, you can create the rest of the picture you want in your life”.
I always remind my clients that they are the experts of their lives.“ I am simply here to help you put together the pieces of your life. So, it allows you to see things more clearly. So, you can create the rest of the picture you want in your life”.
I have a formidable passion for helping you build and energize a joyful, loving & creative life. My clients are high-achieving, gifted, neurodivergent, autistic and/or HSPs. You will find I am naturally engaged, authentic & direct. I listen with curiosity & empathy. You will experience effective and productive sessions. When you need it, I will provide ample feed-back. You will feel at ease with personalized therapy interventions designed to help you with imagination, intuition, warmth, & effectiveness. These include Narrative, image-based, Psychodynamic, CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, & other modalities. ••• Give me a call or email me.
I have a formidable passion for helping you build and energize a joyful, loving & creative life. My clients are high-achieving, gifted, neurodivergent, autistic and/or HSPs. You will find I am naturally engaged, authentic & direct. I listen with curiosity & empathy. You will experience effective and productive sessions. When you need it, I will provide ample feed-back. You will feel at ease with personalized therapy interventions designed to help you with imagination, intuition, warmth, & effectiveness. These include Narrative, image-based, Psychodynamic, CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, & other modalities. ••• Give me a call or email me.
Is life feeling heavier, more confusing, or harder to manage than it used to? You may be struggling with grief, anxiety, low mood, relationship stress, school pressure, parenting concerns, identity, or a major life transition. I work with children, teens, and adults of all ages in a way that is warm, thoughtful, and grounded in your needs. Therapy offers a steady place to understand what is going on in your life and find a way forward.
Is life feeling heavier, more confusing, or harder to manage than it used to? You may be struggling with grief, anxiety, low mood, relationship stress, school pressure, parenting concerns, identity, or a major life transition. I work with children, teens, and adults of all ages in a way that is warm, thoughtful, and grounded in your needs. Therapy offers a steady place to understand what is going on in your life and find a way forward.
Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed by the fog of grief, anxiety, or perfectionism? Has a major life change left you wondering, “What happened?" Or, are you juggling multiple roles - and feeling like there's no space left for you? Are you searching for a way back to your true self? Sometimes talking isn't enough. This is where the language of the arts can offer a different way to approach these challenges. Together, through a unique combination of gentle conversation and art-making, we'll explore possibilities for reimagining and reshaping your life, so you can find a way forward towards satisfaction, joy and vitality.
Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed by the fog of grief, anxiety, or perfectionism? Has a major life change left you wondering, “What happened?" Or, are you juggling multiple roles - and feeling like there's no space left for you? Are you searching for a way back to your true self? Sometimes talking isn't enough. This is where the language of the arts can offer a different way to approach these challenges. Together, through a unique combination of gentle conversation and art-making, we'll explore possibilities for reimagining and reshaping your life, so you can find a way forward towards satisfaction, joy and vitality.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
We all have our own histories and desires for our futures. At times these personal narratives can feel like a resource and at other times a hindrance. Sometimes we feel like we’re stuck or are moving backwards when we want to go forwards. How do we stay present in our day-to-day lives when we are visited by the voices of the past or images of the future? How do we find and listen to the voice of strength, wisdom and resiliency that lives in each one of us, when that voice seems to be silent? I don’t offer pat answers, but instead offer space and guidance to help you to deeply explore the issues and questions that want to explore.
We all have our own histories and desires for our futures. At times these personal narratives can feel like a resource and at other times a hindrance. Sometimes we feel like we’re stuck or are moving backwards when we want to go forwards. How do we stay present in our day-to-day lives when we are visited by the voices of the past or images of the future? How do we find and listen to the voice of strength, wisdom and resiliency that lives in each one of us, when that voice seems to be silent? I don’t offer pat answers, but instead offer space and guidance to help you to deeply explore the issues and questions that want to explore.
En ocasiones, la vida nos enfrenta a situaciones que pueden parecer difíciles de superar por nuestra cuenta. Pedir ayuda es un paso valiente que abre caminos para avanzar. Soy Alejandra, especialista en apoyo emocional para niñas, niños y adolescentes y estoy aquí para acompañarte en ese camino, ofreciendo guía y apoyo ante situaciones como ansiedad, depresión, dificultades escolares y conflictos familiares, con un enfoque integral y personalizado basado en evidencia.
En ocasiones, la vida nos enfrenta a situaciones que pueden parecer difíciles de superar por nuestra cuenta. Pedir ayuda es un paso valiente que abre caminos para avanzar. Soy Alejandra, especialista en apoyo emocional para niñas, niños y adolescentes y estoy aquí para acompañarte en ese camino, ofreciendo guía y apoyo ante situaciones como ansiedad, depresión, dificultades escolares y conflictos familiares, con un enfoque integral y personalizado basado en evidencia.
It’s easy to lose sight of yourself beneath everything life asks you to carry. Between work, relationships, family, social media, and the pressure to have everything figured out, you may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or unsure of where to begin. Whatever has brought you here, you don’t have to navigate it alone. One of the reasons I became a social worker is because I believe people are so much more than a diagnosis, a label, or one difficult chapter of their lives. Everyone has a story, and every story deserves to be met with curiosity, compassion, and without judgment.
It’s easy to lose sight of yourself beneath everything life asks you to carry. Between work, relationships, family, social media, and the pressure to have everything figured out, you may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or unsure of where to begin. Whatever has brought you here, you don’t have to navigate it alone. One of the reasons I became a social worker is because I believe people are so much more than a diagnosis, a label, or one difficult chapter of their lives. Everyone has a story, and every story deserves to be met with curiosity, compassion, and without judgment.
My practice offers counselling to young people, adults and specialized separation/parenting services for families. Challenges experienced by clients may include: navigating family change, stress, anxiety, peer/romantic relationships, self-regulation, and managing behaviours (ADHD, OCD, ODD). As a Collaborative Family Professional, I work with parents wanting to minimize conflict for their family as they go through transition and change. I provide emotional support throughout the out-of-court process, help caregivers build skills to co-parent, and neutrally facilitate meetings during the collaborative process.
My practice offers counselling to young people, adults and specialized separation/parenting services for families. Challenges experienced by clients may include: navigating family change, stress, anxiety, peer/romantic relationships, self-regulation, and managing behaviours (ADHD, OCD, ODD). As a Collaborative Family Professional, I work with parents wanting to minimize conflict for their family as they go through transition and change. I provide emotional support throughout the out-of-court process, help caregivers build skills to co-parent, and neutrally facilitate meetings during the collaborative process.
At FPC, we work with children, adolescents, young adults, parents, and families looking to strengthen their relationships, improve communication, feel better about themselves, or work through difficulties that have come up in their lives. Clients also see us when they are considering a psychological or psychiatric assessment, seeking information about learning and school success, emotional development, social skills, or parenting. Parents have come to trust our team at FPC to help their child feel and do their best!
At FPC, we work with children, adolescents, young adults, parents, and families looking to strengthen their relationships, improve communication, feel better about themselves, or work through difficulties that have come up in their lives. Clients also see us when they are considering a psychological or psychiatric assessment, seeking information about learning and school success, emotional development, social skills, or parenting. Parents have come to trust our team at FPC to help their child feel and do their best!
You may be navigating challenges related to your child’s behaviour, learning, or emotional development—or facing difficulties yourself with anxiety, low mood, or adjusting to stress, illness, or life transitions. You’re looking for practical strategies grounded in evidence, but also a space to be heard and understood. You want to better understand what’s happening, gain clarity around the next steps, and feel more equipped to manage what’s in front of you.
You may be navigating challenges related to your child’s behaviour, learning, or emotional development—or facing difficulties yourself with anxiety, low mood, or adjusting to stress, illness, or life transitions. You’re looking for practical strategies grounded in evidence, but also a space to be heard and understood. You want to better understand what’s happening, gain clarity around the next steps, and feel more equipped to manage what’s in front of you.
I understand that beginning therapy can feel overwhelming—many express concerns about whether they’ll be judged or feel pressured to reveal. You may wonder if you’re ready to explore your emotions or if it’s safe to dive deep into your inner world. Some may question if therapy is right for them or if now is the right time. There’s no single answer because everyone’s journey is different, and I’m here to meet you where you are. We can move at a pace that feels safe and comfortable. Whether you're curious about your feelings or ready for deeper exploration, I’ll be by your side, offering support, clarity, and a space free of judgment.
I understand that beginning therapy can feel overwhelming—many express concerns about whether they’ll be judged or feel pressured to reveal. You may wonder if you’re ready to explore your emotions or if it’s safe to dive deep into your inner world. Some may question if therapy is right for them or if now is the right time. There’s no single answer because everyone’s journey is different, and I’m here to meet you where you are. We can move at a pace that feels safe and comfortable. Whether you're curious about your feelings or ready for deeper exploration, I’ll be by your side, offering support, clarity, and a space free of judgment.
Whether we identify as male, female, transgender, non-binary, mother, father, or other, I know one thing for sure; we are humans playing a part in this game of life. We all practice being human, unconsciously and/or consciously. We all experience life's most difficult trials and troubles and yes, we also experience joy. This is immutable. Given this reality, how can we live our life optimally, rich with purpose and fulfillment while balancing the curve balls, the numbness, the stress, the cravings, or the hurt? The truth is, you can do it. We can do it together. Sometimes all you need is a patient helping hand.
Whether we identify as male, female, transgender, non-binary, mother, father, or other, I know one thing for sure; we are humans playing a part in this game of life. We all practice being human, unconsciously and/or consciously. We all experience life's most difficult trials and troubles and yes, we also experience joy. This is immutable. Given this reality, how can we live our life optimally, rich with purpose and fulfillment while balancing the curve balls, the numbness, the stress, the cravings, or the hurt? The truth is, you can do it. We can do it together. Sometimes all you need is a patient helping hand.
Every person is unique and beautifully complex, and that is what makes my work enjoyable and enriching. I work with children, teenagers, adults and families struggling with a range of issues, and I individualize my approach to cater to the client's specific needs and preferences. However, above all I am dedicated to using a person-centered approach, striving to create a safe, judgment-free space for you to share your story, problems, and goals with me so that I can help you make the changes, both within and outside of yourself, that are needed to improve your mental wellbeing.
Every person is unique and beautifully complex, and that is what makes my work enjoyable and enriching. I work with children, teenagers, adults and families struggling with a range of issues, and I individualize my approach to cater to the client's specific needs and preferences. However, above all I am dedicated to using a person-centered approach, striving to create a safe, judgment-free space for you to share your story, problems, and goals with me so that I can help you make the changes, both within and outside of yourself, that are needed to improve your mental wellbeing.
See more therapy options for Toronto
Nearby Play Therapy Counsellors Searches for Toronto
- East York
- Etobicoke
- Maple
- Markham
- Mississauga
- North York
- Richmond Hill
- Scarborough
- Thornhill
- Unionville
- Vaughan
- Woodbridge
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.