Therapists in York, ON
Gta Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
York, ON M6N (Online Only)
Accepting new clients! No waiting list. Hello and welcome to our page! We have many different therapists to choose from whether you are looking for virtual sessions or in person sessions. Many of our therapist have EFT, EFFT,CBT,EMDR,DBT,ACT and many other certifications and training. Our therapists are very diverse and speak many different languages as well and are all Registered Psychotherapist or Registered Social Workers. We work with children, Individuals, Couples and Families. We can match you with the right therapist or feel free to browse around our website and give us a call!
Accepting new clients! No waiting list. Hello and welcome to our page! We have many different therapists to choose from whether you are looking for virtual sessions or in person sessions. Many of our therapist have EFT, EFFT,CBT,EMDR,DBT,ACT and many other certifications and training. Our therapists are very diverse and speak many different languages as well and are all Registered Psychotherapist or Registered Social Workers. We work with children, Individuals, Couples and Families. We can match you with the right therapist or feel free to browse around our website and give us a call!
Shannon Deacon
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW
Verified Verified
York, ON M5P
In the fast-paced world we live in today, many of us are struggling to keep up. Feeling overwhelmed and disconnected has become an unfortunate norm. Depression, anxiety, relationship issues abound as we struggle to find a way through it all. It is vital to find the space and time to reconnect with ourselves, our families and the world around us. Therapy can help us to find our way back. My work is to help you to reconnect to yourself and those around you. I work with families, children, couples and individuals to build and repair connections.
In the fast-paced world we live in today, many of us are struggling to keep up. Feeling overwhelmed and disconnected has become an unfortunate norm. Depression, anxiety, relationship issues abound as we struggle to find a way through it all. It is vital to find the space and time to reconnect with ourselves, our families and the world around us. Therapy can help us to find our way back. My work is to help you to reconnect to yourself and those around you. I work with families, children, couples and individuals to build and repair connections.
More Therapists Nearby
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).
Brent Mulrooney
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5G (Online Only)
, psychodynamic family therapy) and play therapy (for children).
Deciding to seek help is a powerful step toward better mental health. Through my experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families, I understand that difficulties may arise regardless of one's age or phase of life. From life challenges to transition periods (e.g., changing careers, schools, relationships), to traumatic experiences, it can be difficult to make sense of our selves or our directions. I am proud to support clients from all walks of life (inclusive of all gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, races, cultures, and relationship types) in achieving their own unique vision of success.
, psychodynamic family therapy) and play therapy (for children).
Deciding to seek help is a powerful step toward better mental health. Through my experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families, I understand that difficulties may arise regardless of one's age or phase of life. From life challenges to transition periods (e.g., changing careers, schools, relationships), to traumatic experiences, it can be difficult to make sense of our selves or our directions. I am proud to support clients from all walks of life (inclusive of all gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, races, cultures, and relationship types) in achieving their own unique vision of success.
Lesley Swartz
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MEd, EXAT
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M6J
I am a registered psychotherapist and a certified expressive arts therapist. I have been a practicing psychotherapist for over 15 years and am interested in promoting self healing, relationships, growth and change. I have trained extensively in expressive arts, gestalt and developmental somatic psychotherapy and have pursued professional training in emotionally focused couples therapy (EFT), trauma informed therapy, narrative therapy and child and play therapy. I create a safe and interactive therapeutic atmosphere, and work from a resource oriented, somatic awareness based perspective, focussing on both short and long term needs.
I am a registered psychotherapist and a certified expressive arts therapist. I have been a practicing psychotherapist for over 15 years and am interested in promoting self healing, relationships, growth and change. I have trained extensively in expressive arts, gestalt and developmental somatic psychotherapy and have pursued professional training in emotionally focused couples therapy (EFT), trauma informed therapy, narrative therapy and child and play therapy. I create a safe and interactive therapeutic atmosphere, and work from a resource oriented, somatic awareness based perspective, focussing on both short and long term needs.
Core Centre Inc.
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5J
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.
Tiffany Nham
Registered Social Worker, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5A (Online Only)
Somatic experiencing (SE), play and art based modalities, Mindfulness, ACT, CBT, Reiki, and Internal family system (IFS) informs my therapeutic approach.
Hi, my name is Tiffany I am thrilled and honoured to be part of your healing journey. It is my soul’s belief that through collaboration and connection we can begin to heal. My therapeutic style is curated for individuals who seek spiritually integrated, body-centred and inner child processing. By creating a safety container, it is my hope to unravel the parts of you that long to be witnessed, understood, and validated. The part of you that is exhausted. The part of you that feels neglected. The part of you that longs for deep connection. The part of you that doesn’t know where to start but ended up here.
Somatic experiencing (SE), play and art based modalities, Mindfulness, ACT, CBT, Reiki, and Internal family system (IFS) informs my therapeutic approach.
Hi, my name is Tiffany I am thrilled and honoured to be part of your healing journey. It is my soul’s belief that through collaboration and connection we can begin to heal. My therapeutic style is curated for individuals who seek spiritually integrated, body-centred and inner child processing. By creating a safety container, it is my hope to unravel the parts of you that long to be witnessed, understood, and validated. The part of you that is exhausted. The part of you that feels neglected. The part of you that longs for deep connection. The part of you that doesn’t know where to start but ended up here.
Johnson Family Counseling
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, CCC, LPC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6H
Ms. Julia Johnson holds a Master degree is Clinical Psychology, is a Registered Psychotherapist, & Play-therapy Supervisor, a Certified Canadian Counsellor and a Licensed Professional Counsellor in NJ. Ms. Johnson has worked in US for 17 years & Canada for 14 years in different settings, hospital, residential and schools. In 2016 she funded Johnson, Family counselling to provide services to people of different walk of life. We support couples, families, & parents. JFC provides psychotherapy to people who wants to move on and overcome fears and limitations, becoming the best they can be and creating meaning-full relationships.
Ms. Julia Johnson holds a Master degree is Clinical Psychology, is a Registered Psychotherapist, & Play-therapy Supervisor, a Certified Canadian Counsellor and a Licensed Professional Counsellor in NJ. Ms. Johnson has worked in US for 17 years & Canada for 14 years in different settings, hospital, residential and schools. In 2016 she funded Johnson, Family counselling to provide services to people of different walk of life. We support couples, families, & parents. JFC provides psychotherapy to people who wants to move on and overcome fears and limitations, becoming the best they can be and creating meaning-full relationships.
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.
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.
Life in Harmony Counselling Services
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M6S
At Life in Harmony Counselling Services private practice, we help our clients discover their voice, wisdom, and strength by utilizing a range of advanced techniques such as Mindfulness, CBT, Guided Imagery, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Narrative Therapy, DBT, and Trauma Techniques.
Our therapists often hear from clients who say, "I'm aware of what I need to do, but I struggle to take action." This sentiment may resonate with you. It's normal to feel unsure and anxious during times of crisis, family conflict, relationship issues, or any significant life changes. However, if these emotions hinder your progress, ignoring them won't make them go away. It's crucial to acknowledge your fears, pinpoint their origins, and take proactive steps to overcome them for your well-being.
At Life in Harmony Counselling Services private practice, we help our clients discover their voice, wisdom, and strength by utilizing a range of advanced techniques such as Mindfulness, CBT, Guided Imagery, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Narrative Therapy, DBT, and Trauma Techniques.
Our therapists often hear from clients who say, "I'm aware of what I need to do, but I struggle to take action." This sentiment may resonate with you. It's normal to feel unsure and anxious during times of crisis, family conflict, relationship issues, or any significant life changes. However, if these emotions hinder your progress, ignoring them won't make them go away. It's crucial to acknowledge your fears, pinpoint their origins, and take proactive steps to overcome them for your well-being.
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.
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.
Ripple Effect Services
Registered Social Worker, CCW, RSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M6S
Our Registered Social Workers, Registered Psychotherapists and Counsellors draw from diverse skills in Art Therapy, Dance Movement Therapy, drama and play therapy and a wide range of passions and interests.
The Ripple Effect. A new way of counselling. A new way of living. Neuroscience-informed counselling provides the tools to understand and create the conditions to be our best selves and gain insight on how to enhance our feelings of safety and connection. With Ripple Effect Services, you can find greater clarity for navigating life’s choices. Our revolutionary model integrates polyvagal, IFS, and relational approaches. We believe this information forms the basis of essential life skills from which anyone can benefit.
Our Registered Social Workers, Registered Psychotherapists and Counsellors draw from diverse skills in Art Therapy, Dance Movement Therapy, drama and play therapy and a wide range of passions and interests.
The Ripple Effect. A new way of counselling. A new way of living. Neuroscience-informed counselling provides the tools to understand and create the conditions to be our best selves and gain insight on how to enhance our feelings of safety and connection. With Ripple Effect Services, you can find greater clarity for navigating life’s choices. Our revolutionary model integrates polyvagal, IFS, and relational approaches. We believe this information forms the basis of essential life skills from which anyone can benefit.
Chantal Gray
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L4T (Online Only)
My therapeutic toolkit includes approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, play therapy, and trauma counselling.
Are you facing the challenges of setting boundaries, dealing with work-related or school stress, navigating anxiety, or coping with trauma and grief that impact your daily life? You don't have to face these struggles alone. I'm here to support you at any stage of your life journey. I bring a holistic and culturally responsive approach to therapy, tailored to meet the unique needs of children, youth, adults, and families. My practice is firmly rooted in the belief that everyone possesses inherent strengths that can be harnessed for healing and growth.
My therapeutic toolkit includes approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, play therapy, and trauma counselling.
Are you facing the challenges of setting boundaries, dealing with work-related or school stress, navigating anxiety, or coping with trauma and grief that impact your daily life? You don't have to face these struggles alone. I'm here to support you at any stage of your life journey. I bring a holistic and culturally responsive approach to therapy, tailored to meet the unique needs of children, youth, adults, and families. My practice is firmly rooted in the belief that everyone possesses inherent strengths that can be harnessed for healing and growth.
Play Therapy For Children Susan Garofolo
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, CPT
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5R
I am a registered psychotherapist, Certified Theraplay Practitioner and Certified Play Therapist with 30 years experience. My services are child and family-focused, helping children with behavioural challenges (self regulation), grief, separation anxiety, excess worry or anger and attachment related concerns. Services are covered by extended health insurance plans.
I am a registered psychotherapist, Certified Theraplay Practitioner and Certified Play Therapist with 30 years experience. My services are child and family-focused, helping children with behavioural challenges (self regulation), grief, separation anxiety, excess worry or anger and attachment related concerns. Services are covered by extended health insurance plans.
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!
James Gangl
Pre-Licensed Professional, BA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6R
I let clients lead and together, we'll look at what the role of anger, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, or self-esteem might play for you in your relationships.
Many things might be motivating your search for a therapist. Maybe you're seeking self improvement. Maybe life isn't turning out quite like you hoped. Maybe you're dealing with the aftershocks of trauma or trying to find meaning after a significant loss. Whatever brought you here, I want to hear your story. We'll work together to deeply understand what doesn't feel quite right in your life, but we'll also celebrate the things that do. Together, we'll create a nurturing space for your voice to be heard and your story to be told.
I let clients lead and together, we'll look at what the role of anger, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, or self-esteem might play for you in your relationships.
Many things might be motivating your search for a therapist. Maybe you're seeking self improvement. Maybe life isn't turning out quite like you hoped. Maybe you're dealing with the aftershocks of trauma or trying to find meaning after a significant loss. Whatever brought you here, I want to hear your story. We'll work together to deeply understand what doesn't feel quite right in your life, but we'll also celebrate the things that do. Together, we'll create a nurturing space for your voice to be heard and your story to be told.
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.
Nadine Bilawski
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6S
I offer talk-based therapy as well as skill training, play therapy, and EMDR.
Do you want to see changes in your life, but don't know what to do next? Do the same issues or patterns come up for you again and again? As we go through life, we face challenges that can impact us and our personal growth going forward. Sometimes the things we have been doing in the past to cope and get by don't seem to work anymore, or don't have the same effect as they did before. We need to find new ways of thinking and behaving to readjust, cope, and heal from the past so we can manage the challenges ahead of us. Let’s team up together to take control of your story and make the changes you would like to see in your life.
I offer talk-based therapy as well as skill training, play therapy, and EMDR.
Do you want to see changes in your life, but don't know what to do next? Do the same issues or patterns come up for you again and again? As we go through life, we face challenges that can impact us and our personal growth going forward. Sometimes the things we have been doing in the past to cope and get by don't seem to work anymore, or don't have the same effect as they did before. We need to find new ways of thinking and behaving to readjust, cope, and heal from the past so we can manage the challenges ahead of us. Let’s team up together to take control of your story and make the changes you would like to see in your life.
See more therapy options for York
Nearby Play Therapy Counsellors Searches for York
- Brampton
- East York
- Etobicoke
- Maple
- Mississauga
- North York
- Oakville
- Scarborough
- Thornhill
- Toronto
- 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.