"Play Therapy is based upon the fact that play is the child's natural medium of self-expression." — Virginia Axline
"Through play, children create stories to make sense of their world." — Daniel J. Siegel
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy helps children process anxiety, behaviour challenges, trauma, or family changes using toys, art, sand, and games. They learn to express feelings, solve problems, and build stronger relationships—all at their developmental pace.
Play therapy supports children who:
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Feel anxious about separation, social situations, or school
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Struggle with self-regulation during strong emotions or transitions
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Need support processing accidents, loss, family changes, or medical experiences
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Navigate family transitions like divorce, moves, or new siblings
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Want to build friendships and learn conflict resolution
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Need help understanding and expressing their big feelings
I use an integrative approach to meet each child's needs.
My approach includes:
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Child-centred play therapy
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Cognitive-behavioural play therapy
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Sandplay therapy
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Theraplay®
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Family play therapy
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Filial therapy
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EMDR and more...
Buddy, my therapy dog in training, helps create a safe, playful space.
Play Therapy for Teens and Adults Too
Play therapy works for teens and adults when words alone aren't enough.
"Traumatic memories are stored in non-verbal parts of the brain... Talk therapy frequently fails trauma survivors." — Bessel van der Kolk
"The lower brain processes feelings through non-verbal signals... Play accesses what words cannot."
— Daniel J. Siegel
Play lets teens and adults bypass verbal blocks to access subconscious experiences. In my practice, Play helps teens organize their narrative, and the use of visual elements reveals what the conscious mind holds back.
What to Expect
Sessions: 50 minutes (weekly, bi-weekly, or once a month based on needs)
Duration: Most children benefit after 12-25 sessions
Four key phases:
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Getting comfortable – Exploring the playroom
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Growing confidence – Deeper engagement
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Working through challenges – Progress with normal setbacks
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Strengthening gains – Ready to transition
Parent role: Regular parent sessions (may also be involved in therapy sessions) + practical home strategies.
How to Prepare Your Child
Tell them: "We're going to meet Christina, who uses play to help children share their feelings. You can draw, play with toys, or use sand. I'll be right outside."
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Don't call it "fixing problems."
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Wear play clothes (messy is good!)
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After sessions: not to ask "What did you do?" or "What did you say?" as we need to make sure children feel safe and free to express themselves in the therapy room.
