Play Therapy
Play therapy is a specialized, evidence-based form of psychotherapy designed to help children express feelings and work through challenges using the natural language of play. Our provisional psychologist Gwendolyn has specialized training in play therapy and is currently the only clinician at this office that offers this specific service.
FAQs
What Is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a specialized, evidence-based form of psychotherapy designed to help children communicate and process their emotions through the natural language of play. Since young children often struggle to express complex feelings in words, play becomes a safe and supportive way for them to explore experiences, resolve challenges, and develop coping skills.
At Renyou Psychology, play therapy incorporates a variety of techniques including creative expression, sandplay, storytelling, and symbolic play. This therapeutic approach fosters emotional growth, resilience, and self-awareness, helping children and adolescents work through challenges such as anxiety, trauma, grief, behavioural difficulties, and family changes.
How Can Play Therapy Help?
Gwendolyn utilizes play therapy as a safe and natural way for children to express feelings they may find hard to put into words. Through guided, creative play and intentional play activities, children can process emotions, develop healthy coping skills, improve communication, and build confidence. Play therapy supports emotional healing and growth tailored to each child’s unique needs
What Concerns Does Play Therapy Address?
Gwendolyn’s play therapy supports children and adolescents dealing with anxiety, behavioural challenges, grief, trauma, emotional regulation difficulties, peer conflicts, family transitions like divorce or remarriage, and low self-esteem. Each plan is personalized to help your child navigate their specific challenges.
How Are Parents Involved?
Parents begin with an initial parent-only consultation with Gwendolyn to discuss their child’s history, current concerns, and therapy goals. While individual therapy sessions with your child remain a confidential space, Gwendolyn works closely with parents to share tools and strategies learned during parent sessions. She collaborates with parents to develop tailored therapeutic goals and treatment plans, ensuring consistent support between therapy and home.
What Does a Typical Play Therapy Session Look Like?
At Renyou Psychology, Gwendolyn offers sessions where children use age appropriate activities like sandplay, art, storytelling, puppet play, and therapeutic games to express their feelings and work through presenting challenges. The child leads the session while Gwendolyn carefully observes and guides them to explore emotions, build coping skills, and grow in a safe and supportive environment. Each session is tailored to meet your child’s individual needs.
How Long Does Play Therapy Usually Last?
The length of therapy varies depending on your child’s needs and goals. Some children benefit from short-term support of a few months, while others may engage in longer therapy. Gwendolyn regularly reviews progress with families to adjust plans as needed.
Where do I start?
The first step is to schedule a parent-only consultation with Gwendolyn. This session helps us understand your child’s history, your concerns, and therapy goals so we can create a tailored plan that meets your family’s needs. This can be in person or online to facilitate your needs.