Therapeutic play is a structured and evidence-based approach that helps children process emotions, develop coping mechanisms, and improve communication skills. Designed for children as young as three years old, therapeutic play provides a safe and supportive environment where they can express their feelings through play-based activities, such as storytelling, role-playing, drawing, and the use of toys. This form of therapy is widely used in clinical, educational, and healthcare settings to address emotional, behavioral, and psychological challenges.

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Why Therapeutic Play is More Effective for Children than Traditional Therapy?

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Unlike traditional talk therapy, which relies on verbal expression, therapeutic play is specifically designed for children, who often lack the cognitive and linguistic skills to fully articulate their emotions and experiences. Play serves as a natural language for children, making it an effective medium for them to communicate their thoughts and feelings without pressure. Research has shown that children are more likely to engage and respond positively to therapy when it is delivered through play, as it aligns with their developmental level and fosters a sense of safety and comfort.

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Furthermore, therapeutic play engages multiple areas of the brain associated with emotional regulation, problem-solving, and sensory processing. This multisensory engagement helps children integrate their experiences more effectively, leading to deeper emotional processing and long-term psychological benefits.

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The Benefits of Therapeutic Play

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1. Emotional Expression and Processing – Play provides children with a natural and comfortable medium for expressing emotions they may not yet have the words to describe. It allows them to work through fear, anxiety, sadness, and trauma in a non-threatening way.

2. Development of Coping Strategies – Through guided play, children learn problem-solving skills, emotional regulation techniques, and adaptive ways to handle stress and change. These coping strategies can be applied in real-life situations to improve their resilience.

3. Improved Communication Skills – Many children struggle to articulate their emotions verbally. Therapeutic play encourages them to communicate their thoughts and feelings through symbols, gestures, and creative expression, fostering stronger interpersonal skills.

4. Strengthening Social Skills – Engaging in therapeutic play with a therapist or peers helps children develop social skills such as cooperation, empathy, and conflict resolution, which are crucial for healthy relationships.

5. Reduced Anxiety and Stress – Research shows that play therapy can lower cortisol levels (a stress hormone) and promote relaxation, helping children feel more secure and less overwhelmed by their emotions.

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Therapeutic play is a powerful tool that supports children’s emotional and psychological development. Backed by scientific research and psychological theories, it provides a safe, engaging, and effective way for children to express emotions, develop coping strategies, and enhance social skills. Whether used in clinical settings, schools, or hospitals, therapeutic play continues to be an essential intervention for fostering mental well-being in children from a young age. Parents and caregivers can also support therapeutic play at home by creating a safe space for imaginative and expressive activities, encouraging open-ended play, and engaging in storytelling or role-playing to help children navigate emotions and social challenges.

 

What to expect: 

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The first one to two session are used to complete an intake assessment with parents/guardians/primary caregivers. By the end of this assessment, practitioners will be able to offer some first impressions of what our work will include and a treatment plan to follow. Should you wish to proceed with therapeutic play, you will then book sessions that fit the treatment plan and your personal schedule. 

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Research suggests that it takes an average of 20 therapeutic play sessions to resolve the problems of the typical child referred for treatment. 

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Fees:​

Intake Session: $155 (this includes a one-time charge for supplies required and used during your child’s sessions)

Follow-up Sessions: $130/50 min session