Play Therapy for Children
Helping children grow through play.
Play is to the child what verbalization is to the adult. It is a natural and powerful way for children to express feelings, explore relationships, describe experiences, and work through challenges. As a Registered Play Therapist, I use play therapy to help children feel understood, supported, and emotionally safe.
What is play therapy and why does it matter?
Children may not always have the words to express what they are feeling or experiencing. Instead, they naturally share their thoughts and emotions through play. In play therapy, toys, art materials, and creative activities gently become the child’s words, allowing play to serve as their language.
Play therapy offers children a gentle, safe way to share their inner world. Through symbolic play, they can explore and process important feelings and experiences at their own pace, without any pressure to put them into words before they are ready.
How play therapy supports children
Play therapy can support children who are experiencing a wide range of emotional, behavioural, and relational challenges, including:
Anxiety and fears
Big emotions or emotional sensitivity
Behavioural difficulties at home or school
Trauma, loss, or significant life changes
Separation or divorce
Difficulties with peers or bullying
Low self-esteem
Attention and regulation challenges
Each child’s therapy is tailored to their developmental stage, personality, and unique experiences.
Why specialized training in play therapy is important
Therapy for children is not simply adult therapy adapted for younger clients. It requires specialized training in child development and play-based approaches that respect how children naturally communicate, process emotions, and heal.
What to expect during play therapy sessions
Play therapy sessions unfold in a thoughtfully prepared space that feels welcoming and safe, inviting creativity and exploration. Children are gently encouraged to lead the way in their play, while I observe, engage, and offer gentle support throughout the process.
Parents play a meaningful role in the play therapy process. I usually begin with a warm parent consultation and schedule regular check-ins to talk about your child’s progress, themes that may emerge in therapy, and gentle ways to support your child at home. Therapy is a collaborative journey, always centered on the needs of your child and family.
Not sure if play therapy is the right place to start?
If you have questions about your child’s behaviour, emotions, or development but aren’t sure what kind of support is needed, a parent consultation can help clarify next steps. It’s a supportive space to talk things through and decide what approach may be best for your child and family.
Exploring the next step for your child
If you are wondering whether play therapy could help your child, a consultation is a good place to start. Together, we can talk through your concerns, your child’s needs, and whether play therapy is the right fit.
Please do not include confidential or urgent mental health information in this form. Submitting this form does not establish a therapist-client relationship. This form is not monitored for emergencies.