Play-Based Therapy

What is Play-Based Therapy?

Play Therapy is an evidence-based approach that helps children heal and grow by using their language- play. Activities may include creative arts (painting, clay, collage), music, storytelling, role play, sand play, movement, games, dolls, and puppets. Play therapists tune into the child's world and help them express themselves in a way that feels most natural to them - through play.

Signs a Child May Be Experiencing Difficulties

• Difficulties managing emotions (frustration, anger, fear)

• Difficulty focusing or following through with tasks

• Changes in school performance

• Isolation and withdrawal

• Physical symptoms (headaches, stomach aches)

• Nail biting

• Avoidance

• Bed wetting

• Aggressive behaviors

• Self-harm

  
  

Areas of Concern

• Changes in family dynamics

• Grief and loss

• Trauma

• Chronic illness

• Behavioural issues

• Mental health concerns (anxiety, depression, ADHD)

• Friendship or relationship difficulties

How Therapeutic Play Addresses Challenges

Facilitates communication

• Processes hard to access emotions like sadness or anger

• Encourages sharing of thoughts and experiences

Fosters emotional wellness

• Creates positive feelings and experiences

• Identify and express emotions

• Teaches ways to handle tough feelings or situations

Enhances social skills

• Understand others' feelings and points of view

• Builds relationship skills like talking, getting along, and working well with others

Increases personal strengths

• Develops self-esteem, self-regulation

• Explores beliefs, values, and what's right & wrong in guiding their choices

  
  

Ages

• Commonly used with children aged four and up

• Adolescents

• Adults

Role of Therapist

• Builds a safe, accepting, and supportive environment

• Believes in the child's ability to solve problems and heal

• Understand that growth is gradual

• Follows the child's lead while gently guiding progress

For more information, check out our play therapy blog or schedule a free 15 minute consult with our child therapist Emily Dulong.

403-640-7667

calgarytherapyinstitute@shaw.ca