"Toys are children's words and play is their language" — Gary L. Landreth.
Understanding Play Therapy
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a powerful therapeutic approach that helps children ages 3-12 express and explore their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through play. It uses the natural process of play as a medium for children to communicate and work through issues that might be too difficult or overwhelming to express with words. Through carefully guided play, children gain a sense of control, reduce anxiety, and begin to heal from emotional or psychological difficulties. Whether your child is facing trauma, struggling with emotions, or simply needs help navigating life's changes, play therapy can provide the tools needed for growth and healing.
My approach to Play Therapy
Just as there are many methods in working with youth and adults, there are different approaches to Play Therapy. I have focused my practice to integrate both Synergetic Play Therapy (SPT) and. TraumaPlay.
SPT blends traditional play therapy with the latest research in neuroscience, attachment theory, and the mind-body connection. In using SPT, I not only observe the child’s behaviour but also actively engage with the child in a way that supports emotional regulation, attunement, and the building of a secure therapeutic relationship.
TraumaPlay is a specialized form of play therapy designed to help children who have experienced significant trauma, such as abuse, neglect, or natural disasters. TraumaPlay integrates trauma-informed practices to help children process painful memories, understand their emotions, and regain a sense of safety and control.
Caregiver Support and Involvement
Often when caregivers are looking at Play Therapy, I am asked how engaged they will be in the process. While each therapist is different, I encourage active participation from parents/ guardians from the beginning to the end of treatment. This includes a thorough intake, parent-child assessments, as well as involvement in sessions if it is part of the collaborative treatment plan we create together. I offer parent feedback/ consultation sessions as well. I want all caregivers to have a clear understanding of the work that their child and I are doing and to feel confident and supported in navigating parenting strategies.