Play Therapy & Counseling Services
Supporting children and families through play-based connection.
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Individual Play Therapy
Who This Helps
Children experiencing anxiety, frequent tantrums, emotional overwhelm, separation fears, difficulty adjusting to change, trauma, grief, family transitions, school-related stress, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, behavioural challenges, or trouble expressing emotions.Quick Info
- Ages: 2–10 years
- Session length: 50–60 minutes
- Format: In-person (contact for online options)
What is Individual Child-Centered Play Therapy?
Individual Child-Centered Play Therapy provides children with a safe and supportive space to express their thoughts and emotions through play—their natural form of communication. In this approach, the child leads the play while I follow their direction with empathy, acceptance, and understanding. Using toys, art materials, and imaginative play, children can process experiences, develop problem-solving skills, and build emotional awareness.
This non-directive method helps strengthen a child’s self-esteem, improve emotional regulation, and foster healthier relationships both at home and at school. Over time, play therapy can reduce anxiety, increase confidence, and promote resilience as children learn to navigate life’s challenges in healthy and developmentally appropriate ways.
Play therapy can be beneficial for many children who struggle to express or manage their emotions. Children who experience frequent tantrums, irritability, anxiety, separation fears, or difficulty adjusting to changes often respond well to this approach. It can also support children coping with trauma, loss, family transitions (such as divorce or welcoming a new sibling), or school-related stress.
Play therapy is commonly used to help children with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, or social difficulties. Because play is a child’s natural language, this approach allows them to communicate and process their feelings safely and effectively—especially when they may not yet have the words to describe what they’re experiencing.
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Group & Sibling Play Therapy
Who This Helps
Children who benefit from practicing social skills, emotional regulation, communication, conflict resolution, teamwork, and peer connection. Especially useful for siblings with frequent conflict, children struggling with friendships, or children who feel isolated, shy, or overwhelmed in social settings.Quick Info
- Ages: 3-12 years
- Session length: 45-60 minutes
- Format: Small group sessions in-person
What is Group & Sibling Play Therapy?
After children complete their individual phases of play therapy, they may have the opportunity to participate in group or sibling play therapy sessions.
These sessions are designed to help children practice the emotional, social, and relational skills they’ve developed during individual therapy in a supportive and interactive setting. Group and sibling play therapy provide a safe space for children to build cooperation, empathy, communication, and problem-solving skills with peers or family members—while continuing to receive the support and guidance of a trained play therapist.
Participation in group or sibling sessions is determined based on each child’s readiness and therapeutic progress to ensure the best experience and outcomes for everyone involved.
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Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT)
Who This Helps
Parents wanting to strengthen connection with their child, reduce power struggles, improve behaviour, and better understand their child’s emotions. CPRT is especially helpful for children with anxiety, aggression, emotional dysregulation, sibling challenges, or attachment-related concerns.Quick Info
- Ages: 2-10 years
- Session length: Various
- Format: In-person (contact for online options)
What is Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT)?
CPRT is a powerful and research-supported approach that helps parents strengthen their bond with their child through play. Based on the work of Dr. Brenna Hicks and grounded in child-centered play therapy principles, CPRT teaches parents how to use special play sessions to build connection, increase emotional safety, and improve communication.
During these sessions, parents learn specific skills—such as reflecting feelings, setting nurturing limits, and allowing the child to lead—to help their child feel seen, heard, and understood. As parents apply these skills at home, children often become more confident, cooperative, and emotionally regulated.
CPRT empowers parents to become the healing agents in their child’s life, creating lasting changes in both behavior and the parent-child relationship.
If you notice ongoing difficulties such as frequent power struggles, emotional outbursts, a child who seems stuck in “acting out” or “shutting down,” or you as a parent feel disconnected, misunderstood or unsure how to reach your child, CPRT offers a pathway that focuses on relationship and connection rather than just behavior management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the right support for your child can feel overwhelming—and you may have lots of questions along the way. This FAQ section is here to help you feel informed, confident, and supported as you explore whether play therapy is the right fit for your family. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, I’m always happy to connect and provide more guidance.
How do I know if my child needs play therapy?
Many parents seek play therapy when they notice changes in their child’s behavior or emotions. Signs may include frequent tantrums, trouble sleeping, anxiety, withdrawal, aggression, big emotional reactions, difficulty adjusting to changes, or challenges at school.
If you’re unsure, a consultation can help determine whether play therapy is the right fit and what type of support would benefit your child most.
What happens during a play therapy session?
Play therapy sessions are designed to feel safe, calm, and child-led. Your child uses toys, art materials, role-play, and other expressive tools to communicate their feelings and experiences. Instead of directing the play, I follow your child’s lead with understanding, acceptance, and empathy.
This approach helps children build emotional awareness, process experiences, solve problems, and develop coping skills at their own pace.
Will I be involved in my child’s therapy?
Yes. Parent involvement is a meaningful part of the process. While individual sessions focus on your child, I will meet with you regularly to share progress, provide insights, and offer strategies you can use at home.
For families who want deeper connection and parenting support, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) is also available and can significantly strengthen communication and family relationships.
How long does it take to see progress in play therapy?
Every child progresses at their own pace, but many families begin noticing small positive changes within the first few weeks—such as improved communication, fewer emotional outbursts, or better coping skills. Meaningful, lasting growth typically develops over time as trust builds and your child feels safe to express themselves.
I will guide you along the process and check in regularly so you always understand how your child is doing and what to expect next.