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Child Therapy
(Play Therapy)

For 3 years old to 12 years old

50 mins

In-person session

Psychological healing occurs on many levels—both within and outside our awareness (the “cognitive/thinking” brain). Play and creativity operate on impulses that originate from beyond our conscious awareness, specifically from the unconscious or “emotional” brain. They can facilitate healing and change when guided by a therapist who holds and nurtures the psychological space.

Play or expressive therapy can also be used for pre-teens, teenagers, and even adults when traditional ‘talking therapy’ is ineffective or when individuals are unable or unwilling to express themselves verbally.

What to expect in a child therapy session:

The process begins with the therapist meeting the parents for an intake interview, during which recommendations will be provided at the end.

Sessions are regular and consistent—weekly, on the same day and at the same time. Each session lasts 50 minutes and is referred to as “Special Time,” where the child engages in free play with the therapist. The therapist may adjust the structure based on the child's presenting needs. Best practice recommends a minimum of 12 sessions.

Parents will receive feedback during a separate session after 5-7 sessions, at the therapist's discretion. During this meeting, there will be a review to determine whether to continue or terminate the therapy. Parents are requested to allow for a final termination session with the child, as ending abruptly is not therapeutic for them.

Consider child therapy if your child experiences or experienced:

  • Anger/Emotion Regulation Problems

  • Attachment Issues

  • Autistic Spectrum Traits/Tendencies

  • Behavioural Problems

  • Bereavement/Loss

  • Bullied/Bullies

  • Communication/Friendship Problems

  • Delayed Development

  • Focus and Concentration Problems

  • Pre/Post-Natal and Childhood Trauma

  • School Refusal

  • Social Exclusion

  • Nightmares and Disturbed sleep

  • Neglected/Adoption

  • Under Performing

  • Withdrawn/Constantly Unhappy

  • Dysfunctional Family/Family Issues

  • Separated/Divorced Parents

  • Emotional, Physical or Sexual Abuse

*The list is not exhaustive.

Play therapy is a form of counseling for children. It helps them address behavioral, emotional, and social problems by allowing them to express themselves. Children are likely to "play out" their feelings and issues during play, enabling us to address these concerns. Play therapy is play with a therapeutic objective.

Play is a universal expression for children and is essential for their physical, emotional, and social development. It is the most developmentally appropriate and powerful medium for young children to build adult-child relationships, develop cause-and-effect thinking critical for impulse control, process stressful experiences, and learn social skills. Additionally, play possesses therapeutic powers.