Children and young persons (CYP) may struggle to express their feelings or make sense of difficult experiences in words.
That’s where play therapy comes in.
Play therapy provides a safe space for CYPs to explore their emotions naturally. Whether they’re dealing with anxiety, sadness, aggression, or changes in their lives, play therapy helps them process their feelings, build coping skills and develop healthier ways to manage their feelings.
This evidence based approach is proven to support CYPs from as young as 3 years old, as well as teenagers. At Sofia Wellness Clinic, play therapy is offered in a safe, non-judgemental environment for children from 6 and above.
Issues Play Therapy Can Help With
Whether a child is dealing with the emotional aftermath of trauma, struggling with behavioural issues, or facing significant life changes, play therapy can be a helpful and effective intervention. Below are some key issues that play therapy can address:
- Anger issues
- Anxiety disorders
- Behavioural issues
- Bullying or being bullied
- Bereavement
- Trauma responses
- Parental separation
- Major life transitions
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Chronic illness or disability
Benefits of Play Therapy
Play therapy is more than just fun and games, it’s a valuable tool that allows CYPs to work through their emotions and challenges in a natural and comfortable way. For many CYPs, especially those struggling with verbal communication, play is their primary means of expression. Here are some key benefits that play therapy offers:
- Non-Verbal Expression: CYPs who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally can communicate their thoughts through play
- Comfortable Environment: Creates a safe, non-judgmental space where CYPs can feel at ease, without the pressure they might feel in traditional therapy
- Empowerment and Control: CYPs take the lead, choosing activities and progressing at their own pace, which help build confidence
- Emotional Awareness: Helps CYPs identify and understand their emotions, especially if they’ve struggled to do so before
- Improved Communication: Strengthen communication skills over time
- Increased Self-Regulation: CYPs learn to manage their emotions to cope with stress and difficult situations
- Building Relationships: Encourages cooperation, empathy and problem-solving
How Play Therapy Works
Play therapy typically progresses over a series of sessions where our therapists will work closely with your child and their caregivers.
01 | Understanding Your Child
The first session typically involves meeting with the CYP and their caregivers to gather their insights, concerns and the child’s history. The therapist will also meet the CYP, allowing time to chat and build rapport. Together, the therapist and caregiver will discuss goals for the therapy process.
02 | Expressing Emotions through Play
Depending on the CYP’s comfort level, caregivers may join the first few sessions, or the therapist may begin one-on-one sessions. The therapist will use carefully selected toys and activities such as:
- Role-play & storytelling with puppets or figurines
- Arts and crafts
- LEGO building
- Sandtray
- Card games
These tools help the child express their inner world, with the therapist guiding the process using either a directive or non-directive approach. The counsellor may ask questions or reflect on the child’s play to uncover underlying emotions or provide insights.
03 | Feedback & Support For Caregivers
After each session, the professional therapist may provide brief feedback and observations to the caregiver.
A more detailed review can be scheduled after 5 to 6 sessions. During this session, the therapist reviews key themes from the CYP’s therapy, evaluates progress and suggests ways caregivers can support their emotional growth outside of sessions.
Our Play Therapy Counsellors
Our Play Therapy Fees
Our child counselling play therapy sessions are held only in-person at our office.
| Consultation | Duration | Senior Counsellor | Counsellor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial session | 75min | $250 | $220 |
| Subsequent sessions | 75min | $250 | $220 |
| Out-of-session phone call or email | Per 10min blocks | $40 | $35 |
Why Choose Sofia Wellness Clinic?
Nurturing Environment
We are committed to providing a supportive and welcoming space where children can openly share their emotions and thoughts. Our goal is to help them build self-assurance and a deeper understanding of their feelings in a judgemental-free zone.
Skilled Psychotherapists
Our team of highly trained child counsellors have extensive experience in supporting young clients. They are dedicated to helping children navigate emotional challenges, build resilience, and develop positive coping strategies for growth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Play Therapy
Can play therapy really be effective?
Some people might think play therapy is just play, but it’s actually a powerful way for children to process emotions and work through challenges.
For example, a child who has experienced a stressful event, like a car accident, might use toy cars and figurines to act out the crash during a play therapy session. A trained therapist can observe this play and gently guide the child to express their feelings of fear or confusion, helping them process the event in a safe way. Since kids don’t always have the words to explain their feelings, play gives them a natural way to communicate and heal.
How can I tell if play therapy would be a good fit for my child?
If your child is struggling with emotions, behaviour, or a difficult life experience, play therapy could be a great option. Since children often express themselves better through play than words, this approach helps them process their feelings in a way that feels natural and safe.
If you are unsure, consulting with a professional therapist can help determine if play therapy is the right fit for your child.
How often should my child attend play therapy sessions?
The frequency of play therapy sessions depends on your child’s individual needs and the specific challenges they are working through. Typically, children attend sessions once a week to provide consistency and allow time for progress. Your child’s therapist will assess their needs and recommend a schedule that best supports their emotional growth and healing.
How long does it take to see progress in my child?
The time it takes to see progress in play therapy varies for each child. Progress depends on factors like the nature of their challenges, their learning pace, and how well they can apply new skills outside of therapy. Some children may show improvements in just a few sessions, while others may need several months to experience noticeable changes.
Regular parental involvement plays a crucial role in reinforcing what is learned in sessions. Parents who understand their child’s needs and incorporate therapeutic play at home often see faster, more lasting results. Play therapy is a gradual process and consistency is key.
