Children learn to play before they learn to walk or talk - play is a child's first language and it is their most natural form of communication. Young children who have experienced upsetting events and trauma often do not have the maturity to communicate their uncomfortable feelings and negative beliefs through words. In the play therapy experience, toys are the child’s words, and play is the language. Through the use of art, puppetry, sandtray, therapeutic stories, and games, children can often show metaphorically what they cannot communicate with words and thus experience healing. Play also provides emotional distance from distressing topics and builds a safe and enjoyable therapeutic relationship. Play therapy is effective for children as young as three years old and can continue to be helpful with older children and occasionally up into the teen years.
Our trained therapists can help support children dealing with a wide range of challenges, including:
- Trauma
- Parent-Child Attachment
- Emotional Regulation
- ADHD
- Autisim
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief & Loss
- Stress
- School Issues
Teens
There are many things that teens and adolescents can do to support their well-being and therapy is often a good choice. Talking to a therapist can help adolescents because it is an opportunity to talk about issues, thoughts, emotions, behaviour and physical reactions. Counselling is also a great option for working through ideas, issues, and worries as well as for supporting transitions, challenges, barriers, and goals. Overall, it helps teens to participate in activities related to feeling better or supported, and it lends itself to personal growth and development.
Our trained therapists work with teens in dealing with a wide range of challenges including:
- Relationships - Family, Work, School, Friendships and Romantic
- Stress
- Anxiety & Depression
- Trauma
- Grief & Loss
- Emotional Regulation
- Self-Esteem & Body Image
- Gender Identity & Expression
- Sexuality
