Play Therapy in Counselling Children in Southside Edmonton
Ever wonder how children navigate the big, sometimes overwhelming world of emotions? They don’t always have the words, do they? That’s where the magic of play therapy comes in. It’s a powerful modality that helps children express and process their feelings and experiences in a way that makes sense to them. Think of it this way: play is a child’s language, and the toys in the playroom are their words. Just as adults in traditional therapy talk through their challenges, in play therapy, a child plays through theirs. This allows them to explore complex emotions, process difficult experiences, and begin to heal. It’s a journey of discovery, and the transformation can be remarkable. Want to learn more about how play therapy heals and empowers children? Read on…
Modalities of Play Therapy
Play therapy can be directive or child-centered. In directive play therapy the therapist directs the content and flow of the child’s play experience often by structuring the toys and processing the child’s experiences. On the other hand, play therapy can be non-directive or child-centred, here the child determines the content and flow of the play process, and the therapist follows the child and supports them in their experience. The principle of child-centred play therapy is to promote the child’s experience of unconditional acceptance, mastery and control over their life, and self-directed growth.
I believe in a flexible approach to therapy, blending two styles to best support each child. Think of it as weaving together guidance and freedom, creating a space where play therapy heals.
In our initial sessions, I empower the child to guide the process. Building trust means respecting their autonomy. I create a safe space where they feel heard and understood, reflecting their feelings and experiences to them. They choose the toys and activities that resonate with them, and through their play, they explore their inner world. This child-centered approach is essential for establishing a strong therapeutic relationship.
Sometimes, though, a little direction can be helpful. Depending on where the child is in their journey, I might introduce a therapeutic game, share a story that speaks to their situation, or use puppets or sandtray miniatures to explore a challenge together. These activities offer a gentle way to address difficult emotions and experiences, supporting the process of how play therapy heals.
The beauty of this approach is that it adapts to each child’s unique needs. It’s a balance of honoring their autonomy and providing support and guidance when needed. My goal is to create a space where every child feels safe, accepted, and empowered to heal and grow through the power of play.
Demonstration of What Play in Therapy Looks Like
Individual sessions with a child is confidential. Parents do not get to observe their child’s engagement and many are left wondering outside the room, “what’s really going on in there?”
Below is a video – Play Therapy Works by the American Association of Play Therapist (APT) illustrating in more detail the benefits of play and play therapy. (#playtherapy)
Watch Video: Play Therapy Works – Child Therapy https://youtu.be/_4ovwAdxCs0
Talking To Kids About Going To See A Counselor or Psychologist
Do you wonder how to talk to your child about coming to see a counsellor? Below is a great article by another play therapist on what to say before bringing your child to counselling. It guides you on how to talk with your child about therapy once counselling has begun.
Open Article: Explaining Play Therapy to Children
My Qualifications to Do Play Therapy
I have been studying play therapy since summer of 2001. Over the years I have attended dozens of professional development courses. As part of my Masters Degree at Simon Fraser University I conducted research on the dynamics of Parent-Child Play where I observed mothers playing with their children and interviewed both parents and children about their experiences of play at home. I am a member of the British Columbia Play Therapy Association (BCPTA) and the Canadian Association for Child and Play Therapy (CACPT) and in the process of completing my certification as a Registered Play Therapist. My work is supervised by two registered play therapist supervisors both of whom have made noteworthy contributions to child psychotherapy locally and in Canada.
Parent Resources To Find Out More Information About Play Therapy
American Association for Play Therapy
Canadian Association for Child and Play Therapy
British Columbia Play Therapy Association
Alberta Play Therapy Association
Let’s talk today about how I can help your child.
Play Therapy Counselling Services at HFC – Find out more about how we treat anxiety, adhd, etc.