Kids Play Therapy
What is kids play therapy?
Kids play therapy is a child focused form of therapy that utilizes play as a means to help children express their feelings, thoughts, and experiences. Children are often most comfortable and safe when playing and this approach allows a play therapy professional to approach them while they are in a comfortable and familiar setting.
As many children are in a preverbal stage of development, they may have difficulty expressing themselves in a traditional talk therapy setting. By using play in an intentionally therapeutic manner such as a sand tray, game, or challenge, it allows a child to express or speak openly.
A play therapist directs and interprets play and is able to get to the root of what the child may be feeling or processing. From there, through a few play therapy sessions, the therapist is able to establish trust and help the child communicate more effectively.
Proud member of the BC Play Therapy Association.
When should play therapy be considered?
When a child has experienced loss, bullying, sibling conflict, divorce or separation, a move to a new school or general anxiety, they may have difficulty comprehending their experiences and seem to isolate, act out or internalize these situations. Often, children do not have the tools to communicate their feelings verbally. As a result, kids play therapy with a trained clinical therapist helps them in addressing emotional and psychological challenges. Through play they are able to communicate in a more familiar way.
Kids play therapy is helpful if your child is experiencing any of the following:
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma
Social difficulties
Divorce or separation
A move
Loss of a loved one
Sibling conflict
Bullying
What tools are used in play therapy?
Sand tray
Puppetry
Storytelling
Art therapy
Board games
Imaginary play
A trained play therapist understands that each child is unique. As such, during play therapy, a familiar setting helps the child feel comfortable to express themselves. Some children express themselves through playing with toys, while others enjoy drawing. Our play therapy room is equipped with toys such as a sandtray, fidget toys , action figures, art supplies, and board games. By having various tools available, our certified play therapist, Ivania Redpath, is able to establish a connection in a comfortable setting and help children communicate.
Play represents a child's inner world, the gap between concrete experience and abstract thought. Symbolic function of play is most important.
Why choose Liv Therapy Services as your child’s play therapist"?
As a mom of two, Ivania Redpath, the owner of Liv Therapy Services is a Registered Clinical Counsellor in BC as well has completed 180 hours of intensive play therapy training. Raising her two children, Ivania understands the importance of treating each child as a unique individual.
If your child is experiencing any difficulties in their daily lives, we can help. Call us today to book a FREE 15 minute play therapy consultation. We will answer any questions you may have and book your first play therapy session at the White Rock office. By assessing your child's needs Ivania will be able to develop an appropriate treatment plan. For your convenience, we offer daytime and afternoon appointments. Call today.
