Play Therapy in Mississauga, ON
BeWell Mississauga Health Centre
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Verified Verified
Mississauga, ON L5J
She uses a variety of approaches such as mindfulness-based, CBT, Music Therapy, Play Therapy, ACT Therapy, and Strengths-Based.
Brooklyn is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) as well as a Certified Music Therapist. Brooklyn creates a safe and expressive space to tap into whatever creativity a person may hold, whether they know it or not. Creative arts therapy (music, play, visual art, writing) is a meaningful way to open up the therapeutic space and reduce stress. Brooklyn is happy to offer her musical training and skills to help a client express and connect deeper to the self. Music and therapy in all its forms have been a gift for Brooklyn throughout her life, and she is passionate about sharing that gift with others.
She uses a variety of approaches such as mindfulness-based, CBT, Music Therapy, Play Therapy, ACT Therapy, and Strengths-Based.
Brooklyn is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) as well as a Certified Music Therapist. Brooklyn creates a safe and expressive space to tap into whatever creativity a person may hold, whether they know it or not. Creative arts therapy (music, play, visual art, writing) is a meaningful way to open up the therapeutic space and reduce stress. Brooklyn is happy to offer her musical training and skills to help a client express and connect deeper to the self. Music and therapy in all its forms have been a gift for Brooklyn throughout her life, and she is passionate about sharing that gift with others.
Emily Galloway
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP(Q)
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L4Z
Although our past does not define us, it does play a role in shaping us, and it is how we carry these experiences throughout our lives that determines how we view ourselves and move through the world.
In order to work effectively on something, we must know its root and nature. I believe that half the battle is truly understanding why our struggles are occurring in the first place. Once we know the root of the concern and the thoughts, feelings, experiences, and ideas that reinforce its existence, we can then begin to dismantle its power—brick by brick. I believe in holding space for people to tell their stories and explore parts of themselves they may have never before felt safe to share with others. It is through this brave process of standing face-to-face with every part of who we are that we can decide who we would like to be.
Although our past does not define us, it does play a role in shaping us, and it is how we carry these experiences throughout our lives that determines how we view ourselves and move through the world.
In order to work effectively on something, we must know its root and nature. I believe that half the battle is truly understanding why our struggles are occurring in the first place. Once we know the root of the concern and the thoughts, feelings, experiences, and ideas that reinforce its existence, we can then begin to dismantle its power—brick by brick. I believe in holding space for people to tell their stories and explore parts of themselves they may have never before felt safe to share with others. It is through this brave process of standing face-to-face with every part of who we are that we can decide who we would like to be.
MF-Therapy
Counsellor, MA
Verified Verified
Mississauga, ON L5V
My therapy specialties include, CBT, Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, Play/Art Therapy and Psychoanalytic.
Are you often feeling angry, depressed, anxious or experiencing grief/loss issues? You don't have to suffer tough times alone. I am a therapist who is committed to your growth and development so that you can get desired professional support to address your issues and challenges in a positive, compassionate and trustworthy manner. I have helped many individuals, couples and families in breaking through barriers, enjoying relationship harmony, and staying tune with their inner self and finding new ways of approaching life.
My therapy specialties include, CBT, Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, Play/Art Therapy and Psychoanalytic.
Are you often feeling angry, depressed, anxious or experiencing grief/loss issues? You don't have to suffer tough times alone. I am a therapist who is committed to your growth and development so that you can get desired professional support to address your issues and challenges in a positive, compassionate and trustworthy manner. I have helped many individuals, couples and families in breaking through barriers, enjoying relationship harmony, and staying tune with their inner self and finding new ways of approaching life.
Parvaneh Moallef A. @Mindful Psychology
Psychological Associate, CPsych, Assoc
Verified Verified
Mississauga, ON L5G
We treat chronic unhappiness, irritability/anger, depression, anxiety, social anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain in adults, adolescents and children; use mindfulness and play therapy with children; and offer non-pharmaceutical interventions to address social-emotional, behavioural, and attention challenges commonly experienced by individuals diagnosed with ADHD / Learning Disabilities.
I am a registered member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario, licensed to practice in the areas of Clinical Psychology & School Psychology, with over 20 years of experience. I am the Clinic Director at Mindful Psychology, where we provide psychological services to children, teens, and adults. Our Services: Psychotherapy and Psychological, Psycho-Educational & Psycho-Vocational Assessments. We provide comprehensive clinical reports with recommendations for school/workplace to help our clients succeed in their personal, academic & professional lives. We also assess and treat psychological injuries (work injury/auto accident).
We treat chronic unhappiness, irritability/anger, depression, anxiety, social anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain in adults, adolescents and children; use mindfulness and play therapy with children; and offer non-pharmaceutical interventions to address social-emotional, behavioural, and attention challenges commonly experienced by individuals diagnosed with ADHD / Learning Disabilities.
I am a registered member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario, licensed to practice in the areas of Clinical Psychology & School Psychology, with over 20 years of experience. I am the Clinic Director at Mindful Psychology, where we provide psychological services to children, teens, and adults. Our Services: Psychotherapy and Psychological, Psycho-Educational & Psycho-Vocational Assessments. We provide comprehensive clinical reports with recommendations for school/workplace to help our clients succeed in their personal, academic & professional lives. We also assess and treat psychological injuries (work injury/auto accident).
Yasmeen Sehbai
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, RYT
Verified Verified
Mississauga, ON L5H
I also offer Accelerated Resolution Therapy as well as play therapy.
Being vulnerable with anyone can feel really scary at times, especially with a complete stranger, so I commend you for your bravery in taking the first step to help yourself, which is starting to look for resources, which led to you reading this message. I don’t believe that there is a fix-all approach to people, so I do not apply one theoretical practice to all clients I work with. Human beings are diverse and dynamic, so any approach to your mental well being should be as well.
I also offer Accelerated Resolution Therapy as well as play therapy.
Being vulnerable with anyone can feel really scary at times, especially with a complete stranger, so I commend you for your bravery in taking the first step to help yourself, which is starting to look for resources, which led to you reading this message. I don’t believe that there is a fix-all approach to people, so I do not apply one theoretical practice to all clients I work with. Human beings are diverse and dynamic, so any approach to your mental well being should be as well.
Kezia Allen
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Mississauga, ON L5R
I utilize aspects from a series of therapeutic modalities and theories including Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Attachment Theory among others; but my main focus is you and your needs.
I am the kind of social worker that wants to work with you to develop emotional regulation skills, coping strategies, and stress-management methods that you can keep in your back pocket. My goal is to help you feel capable of pushing through personal challenges years down the line. I offer my clinical support coming from Trauma-Informed, Strenghts-Based, and Anti-Oppressive approaches – for the young to young at heart, we all could benefit from someone to talk to!
I utilize aspects from a series of therapeutic modalities and theories including Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Attachment Theory among others; but my main focus is you and your needs.
I am the kind of social worker that wants to work with you to develop emotional regulation skills, coping strategies, and stress-management methods that you can keep in your back pocket. My goal is to help you feel capable of pushing through personal challenges years down the line. I offer my clinical support coming from Trauma-Informed, Strenghts-Based, and Anti-Oppressive approaches – for the young to young at heart, we all could benefit from someone to talk to!
Sandra Marji
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Mississauga, ON L5R
My approach includes diverse modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, spiritual therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and play therapy.
Are you motivated to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth? Are you going through challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues and seeking support to navigate life's complexities? Do you need a safe space to express yourself authentically? Do you want to achieve a greater sense of well-being, and improved mental health?
My approach includes diverse modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, spiritual therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and play therapy.
Are you motivated to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth? Are you going through challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues and seeking support to navigate life's complexities? Do you need a safe space to express yourself authentically? Do you want to achieve a greater sense of well-being, and improved mental health?
Krista Mennell @Mindful Psychology
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RP
Verified Verified
Mississauga, ON L5G
I provide Mindfulness-Based Play, Sand, and Drama Therapy to address anxiety and social-emotional/behavioural issues with children/preteens, with a focus on enhancing their social communication skills.
I am a registered psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists. I have extensive training and experience in Mindfulness modalities and Play and Drama Therapy. I work with children, teens, and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, ADHD symptoms, Autism, or social difficulties. I offer a caring and non-judgmental therapeutic environment. Coming to psychotherapy is an opportunity to work on issues that weigh heavily on your mind and body, helping you live a more enriched, contented, and fulfilling life.
I provide Mindfulness-Based Play, Sand, and Drama Therapy to address anxiety and social-emotional/behavioural issues with children/preteens, with a focus on enhancing their social communication skills.
I am a registered psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists. I have extensive training and experience in Mindfulness modalities and Play and Drama Therapy. I work with children, teens, and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, ADHD symptoms, Autism, or social difficulties. I offer a caring and non-judgmental therapeutic environment. Coming to psychotherapy is an opportunity to work on issues that weigh heavily on your mind and body, helping you live a more enriched, contented, and fulfilling life.
Fatemeh Heshmati
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP, RP, CCC, CPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L4Z
I am pleased to offer creative play therapy interventions in Mississauga for children 2-18 years old and their families to enhance the therapeutic relationship and engage them in process of psychotherapy.
I am here to help your family: Anything from making decisions towards establishing a new relationship or ongoing conflicts between couples, to the matters that concern children, the most vulnerable members of the family. I do provide individual, couple, and family counselling, and play therapy. Family conflicts negatively impact children’s emotional, social and cognitive development. Children’s challenges and developmental delay can also create conflicts between the parents. I help you to improve the quality of your life by improving the quality of your interpersonal relationships and family dynamic.
I am pleased to offer creative play therapy interventions in Mississauga for children 2-18 years old and their families to enhance the therapeutic relationship and engage them in process of psychotherapy.
I am here to help your family: Anything from making decisions towards establishing a new relationship or ongoing conflicts between couples, to the matters that concern children, the most vulnerable members of the family. I do provide individual, couple, and family counselling, and play therapy. Family conflicts negatively impact children’s emotional, social and cognitive development. Children’s challenges and developmental delay can also create conflicts between the parents. I help you to improve the quality of your life by improving the quality of your interpersonal relationships and family dynamic.
Punitha Manoharan
Registered Social Worker, MSW RSW
Verified Verified
Mississauga, ON L4Z
I work collaboratively to understand where you are and find ways to move forward with approaches that best suit your needs and preferences (ACT,CBT, DBT, EFT, EMI, Mindfulness, Narrative therapy, Play therapy, as well your own ideas and mine).
With close to 20 years of clinical experience working with children, adolescents and families, I recognize that every one of us are unique and hold the potential for transformation and healing. I believe in resilience, an indefinable quality that knocks people down by life’s traumatic incidents and helps rebound back stronger than ever. From my clinical experience, I realize the key for healing and transformation is at the heart of the therapeutic relationship. The major gain of working with me is, I help you to see things from a positive lens, enabling you to make your own decisions to solve a problem.
I work collaboratively to understand where you are and find ways to move forward with approaches that best suit your needs and preferences (ACT,CBT, DBT, EFT, EMI, Mindfulness, Narrative therapy, Play therapy, as well your own ideas and mine).
With close to 20 years of clinical experience working with children, adolescents and families, I recognize that every one of us are unique and hold the potential for transformation and healing. I believe in resilience, an indefinable quality that knocks people down by life’s traumatic incidents and helps rebound back stronger than ever. From my clinical experience, I realize the key for healing and transformation is at the heart of the therapeutic relationship. The major gain of working with me is, I help you to see things from a positive lens, enabling you to make your own decisions to solve a problem.
Kiran Maqsood
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MSc, Psych
Verified Verified
Mississauga, ON L5M
I enjoy my work and I am passionate to help my clients. My clients often tells me that my good listening skills and nonjudgmental approach helps them to feel safe and open up in the therapy. I am member with good standing with College of registered Psychotherapist of Ontario who has achieved Postgraduate certifications and intensive training on Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), DBT, IFS, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, SBFT, EMDR, and Sand Play. I am also member with Ontario Association of Mental Health Consultants, Counselors, Psychotherapists and Psychometrician OACCPP; Canadian Association of Play Therapist CAPT.
I enjoy my work and I am passionate to help my clients. My clients often tells me that my good listening skills and nonjudgmental approach helps them to feel safe and open up in the therapy. I am member with good standing with College of registered Psychotherapist of Ontario who has achieved Postgraduate certifications and intensive training on Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), DBT, IFS, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, SBFT, EMDR, and Sand Play. I am also member with Ontario Association of Mental Health Consultants, Counselors, Psychotherapists and Psychometrician OACCPP; Canadian Association of Play Therapist CAPT.
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Judith Wong Clinical Therapist
Registered Social Worker, BA, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Mississauga, ON L4Z
Judith Pascoe-Wong is a registered Social Worker with a Master's degree in Social Work. She has certificates in trauma counseling and is a Sandplay trainee with the Canadian Association for Sandplay Therapy. Judith has training in play therapy, and Level 1 Theraplay and Marschak Interaction Method. Judith works with all ages. Judith specializes in play therapy with children who are struggling to express their emotions, regulate feelings, anxieties, and attachment issues. She also does psychotherapy with teens and adolescents who struggle with anxieties, self- harm, self esteem issues, depression, family issues, and feelings of invisibility and other issues.
Judith Pascoe-Wong is a registered Social Worker with a Master's degree in Social Work. She has certificates in trauma counseling and is a Sandplay trainee with the Canadian Association for Sandplay Therapy. Judith has training in play therapy, and Level 1 Theraplay and Marschak Interaction Method. Judith works with all ages. Judith specializes in play therapy with children who are struggling to express their emotions, regulate feelings, anxieties, and attachment issues. She also does psychotherapy with teens and adolescents who struggle with anxieties, self- harm, self esteem issues, depression, family issues, and feelings of invisibility and other issues.
Sakina@MindfulPsychology
BSc, MSc, BEd, CVRP
Verified Verified
Mississauga, ON L5G
I draw from a range of modalities, including Mindfulness, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Play and Narrative Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy, to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for my clients.
As a vocational and mental health counselor, my mission is to provide highly effective, life-changing, and personalized care to my clients. I bring a unique perspective to work with culturally diverse populations, children, adults, and families. I am particularly skilled in vocational rehabilitation and pain management, helping clients who have been involved in workplace or motor vehicle accidents. I also provide guidance and counseling to those dealing with a range of mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression, panic disorder, stress management, trauma, relationship issues, grief, and other life challenges.
I draw from a range of modalities, including Mindfulness, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Play and Narrative Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy, to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for my clients.
As a vocational and mental health counselor, my mission is to provide highly effective, life-changing, and personalized care to my clients. I bring a unique perspective to work with culturally diverse populations, children, adults, and families. I am particularly skilled in vocational rehabilitation and pain management, helping clients who have been involved in workplace or motor vehicle accidents. I also provide guidance and counseling to those dealing with a range of mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression, panic disorder, stress management, trauma, relationship issues, grief, and other life challenges.
Harneet Kaur Sambhi
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BSc, MACP, ADMH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L5B
With a warm and compassionate approach, I create a safe space for children to express themselves through play.
Is your child living with anxiety or depression or ADHD? Is your child struggling at school with academics or behaviour? Have they experienced trauma, grief or are they going through a family transition?
With a warm and compassionate approach, I create a safe space for children to express themselves through play.
Is your child living with anxiety or depression or ADHD? Is your child struggling at school with academics or behaviour? Have they experienced trauma, grief or are they going through a family transition?
Gaby Ball
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BSc, MACP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L5K
I combine behavioural techniques, theraplay and play therapy, attachment theory, and polyvagal theory to aid clients and caregivers in forming secure attachments and mastering crucial emotional skills.
I am Gaby, and I am deeply dedicated to promoting mental wellness across diverse communities. From children navigating early developmental milestones to young adults grappling with transitional periods, my mission is to cultivate a safe, nurturing, and inclusive space where individuals can embark on a journey of exploration, healing, and growth. I have a particular affinity for nurturing young minds and have devoted a substantial portion of my career to supporting neurodiverse individuals. I support a collaborative therapy approach, empowering both children and families to embrace strengths and navigate life confidently.
I combine behavioural techniques, theraplay and play therapy, attachment theory, and polyvagal theory to aid clients and caregivers in forming secure attachments and mastering crucial emotional skills.
I am Gaby, and I am deeply dedicated to promoting mental wellness across diverse communities. From children navigating early developmental milestones to young adults grappling with transitional periods, my mission is to cultivate a safe, nurturing, and inclusive space where individuals can embark on a journey of exploration, healing, and growth. I have a particular affinity for nurturing young minds and have devoted a substantial portion of my career to supporting neurodiverse individuals. I support a collaborative therapy approach, empowering both children and families to embrace strengths and navigate life confidently.
Julia G Johnson
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, CCC, LPC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L5B (Online Only)
Johnson is trained in Structural Family Therapy, Play-Therapy, EFT & Attachment therapies: Theraplay and DDP.
Ms. Johnson provides English/Spanish psychotherapy for children/youth/adults. The hardships we face in life can have an impact on the health and mental well-being of us and our love ones. Ms. Johnson's goal is to help people who struggle with anxiety, depression, and trauma succeed, and find inner peace. She provides psychotherapy for people of diverse backgrounds, including Christians, who want to overcome fears and limitations, achieve spiritual growth, and create meaningful relationships with others. She is also a Play Therapist Supervisor who cares and works well with children 2 & up, families, parents and couples.
Johnson is trained in Structural Family Therapy, Play-Therapy, EFT & Attachment therapies: Theraplay and DDP.
Ms. Johnson provides English/Spanish psychotherapy for children/youth/adults. The hardships we face in life can have an impact on the health and mental well-being of us and our love ones. Ms. Johnson's goal is to help people who struggle with anxiety, depression, and trauma succeed, and find inner peace. She provides psychotherapy for people of diverse backgrounds, including Christians, who want to overcome fears and limitations, achieve spiritual growth, and create meaningful relationships with others. She is also a Play Therapist Supervisor who cares and works well with children 2 & up, families, parents and couples.
Core Centre Inc.
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
Mississauga, ON L5B
The free demo version of Talk2Alex is available on Google Play and the Apple app store, so please feel.
Core Centre Inc. provides assessment, consultation and counselling for children, youth and adults. Through our platform we provide online consultations, counselling and therapy with registered psychologists, psychotherapists and social workers. They can assist with a variety of issues, including: learning/academic struggles, behavioural difficulties, developmental delays, autism and relationship problems, among many other challenges.
The free demo version of Talk2Alex is available on Google Play and the Apple app store, so please feel.
Core Centre Inc. provides assessment, consultation and counselling for children, youth and adults. Through our platform we provide online consultations, counselling and therapy with registered psychologists, psychotherapists and social workers. They can assist with a variety of issues, including: learning/academic struggles, behavioural difficulties, developmental delays, autism and relationship problems, among many other challenges.
Preeti Sawhney
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L5W
I have many years of experience working with individuals of all ages and families. I believe, through self compassion, gratitude, openness, curiosity, and awareness, we can all access our most authentic Self. I will help you heal aspects of your personality that need attention. I am trained and use many different modalities such as EMDR, CBT Trauma therapy, IFS, CBT, DBT, Narrative therapy, play therapy, and EFFT. I believe early interventions can be very powerful and have a long-lasting impact on us. I will work at a pace that is most comfortable to you.
I have many years of experience working with individuals of all ages and families. I believe, through self compassion, gratitude, openness, curiosity, and awareness, we can all access our most authentic Self. I will help you heal aspects of your personality that need attention. I am trained and use many different modalities such as EMDR, CBT Trauma therapy, IFS, CBT, DBT, Narrative therapy, play therapy, and EFFT. I believe early interventions can be very powerful and have a long-lasting impact on us. I will work at a pace that is most comfortable to you.
Candice Hamilton-Miller
Registered Psychotherapist, MSc, BSc, BA, RP
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L5V
CHM Therapy Services offers a range of psychotherapeutic services, specializing in individual therapy for young children, teens and adults and family therapy. I also offer group workshops, phototherapy, COGMED working memory training and parent/life coaching. Techniques used with clients include a personalized blend of cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness therapy, behavior therapy, play therapy; attachment therapy, narrative therapy, psychotherapy, vision boards and phototherapy.
CHM Therapy Services offers a range of psychotherapeutic services, specializing in individual therapy for young children, teens and adults and family therapy. I also offer group workshops, phototherapy, COGMED working memory training and parent/life coaching. Techniques used with clients include a personalized blend of cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness therapy, behavior therapy, play therapy; attachment therapy, narrative therapy, psychotherapy, vision boards and phototherapy.
Corene Jonat
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, BA, ExAT
Verified Verified
Mississauga, ON L5J
I am a registered Psychotherapist and Arts therapist, specializing in ANXIETY & DEPRESSION, offering CBT, mindfulness, Solution focused therapy for adults, kids, and teens challenged with anxiousness, fears, emotion regulation, parenting concerns, divorce, self esteem, illness, grief and loss. Creative therapies are facilitated in tandem with talk based psychotherapy utilizing CBT and mindfulness, incorporating visualization, art, music, play, writing and movement. I encourage a deeper connection and balance between mind and body promoting self-awareness and well being.
I am a registered Psychotherapist and Arts therapist, specializing in ANXIETY & DEPRESSION, offering CBT, mindfulness, Solution focused therapy for adults, kids, and teens challenged with anxiousness, fears, emotion regulation, parenting concerns, divorce, self esteem, illness, grief and loss. Creative therapies are facilitated in tandem with talk based psychotherapy utilizing CBT and mindfulness, incorporating visualization, art, music, play, writing and movement. I encourage a deeper connection and balance between mind and body promoting self-awareness and well being.
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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.