PLAY THERAPY
Unlocking Self-Expression Through Play
Providing an integrative approach to counselling and psychotherapy in Medicine Hat and surrounding areas.
PLAY THERAPY
Unlocking Self-Expression Through Play
Play is a child’s natural language, offering a window into their inner world.
“PLAY IS OFTEN TALKED ABOUT AS IF IT WERE A RELIEF FROM SERIOUS LEARNING. bUT FOR CHILDREN, PLAY IS SERIOUS LEARNING.”
— FRED ROGERS
Understanding Play Therapy
I am a Certified Play Therapist with The Canadian Association For Play Therapy.
Play Therapy harnesses the innate self-expression of children, a concept pioneered by experts such as Virginia Axline, Violet Oaklander, and Garry Landreth. Through primarily non-verbal methods, this therapeutic approach enables children to explore their difficulties, emotions, and experiences using creative tools like toys, sand, puppets, clay, art, dance, and music.
At the heart of Play Therapy is the establishment of a secure and predictable relationship between the child and therapist. This environment fosters safety, acceptance, and freedom, allowing for exploration and growth.
Research from both the UK and the US indicates that approximately 80% of children experience a reduction in maladaptive behaviors following Play Therapy sessions. With a growing evidence base, this therapy effectively addresses a wide array of challenges, including psychosocial issues, behavioral disorders, chronic illness, trauma, abuse, ADHD, anxiety, stress, depression, grief, and loss.
“Through play, children can express what they cannot put into words, unlocking the door to their feelings and experiences.”
Virginia Axline
Qualifications
- I am a Certified Play Therapist with The Canadian Association For Play Therapy.
- Master’s Degree Counselling Psychology
- Licensure as a mental health practitioner
- Completion of core courses covering child development, personality theories, psychotherapy principles, child and adolescent psychopathology, and legal, ethical, and professional issues
- 180 hours of play therapy training from a CAPT Approved Provider, including training with Lorrie Yasenik and Ken Gardner at the Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute (RMPTI)
- Clinical experience working with children totaling between 2000 to 2500 hours
Your Journey Begins Here
Take the First Step Toward Wellness
Everyone deserves the opportunity to heal and grow. Whether you’re facing challenges or seeking guidance, I am here to support you every step of the way.