Therapy for Kids

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood” – Fred Rogers

Is your child experiencing anxiety or being affected by a stressful home or school situation or transition like divorce, new school, major move, etc.?

In times like these, just like adults, children need a safe and supportive space to express their thoughts and feelings, learn to communicate their needs to their parents or caregivers more effectively, and develop basic skills of emotional regulation. To help them accomplish there goals, I use sandtray-based play therapy and mindfulness-based interventions.

Sandtray-based play therapy is one of the oldest methods of working with children

Sandtray is one of the oldest methods of working therapeutically with children; however, since its invention at the beginning of the 20th century, it has been also successfully adapted worldwide for working with adult individuals, couples, and families. I practice the sandtray worldplay approach, for which I received training from the Maritime Play Therapy Centre.

By creating a scene in a tray filled with sand, your child expresses and processes their thoughts and feelings

Sandtray worldplay is a type of play therapy in which your child creates a scene in a tray filled with sand, and then uses miniatures and objects from my collection to represent their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

I then help your child explore their sandtray creation through creative storytelling, using the figures and objects as prompts. This allows for spontaneous and non-threatening expression, and also provides insight into your child's inner thoughts and feelings, which they may be unable or uncomfortable to express through words.

Together, we'll help your child integrate their new insights

I'll work with your child on naming and processing the emotions that come up during play and offer age-appropriate tools and skills of managing these emotions and experiences. With younger children, with your child's consent, parent(s) may be invited to participate in counselling sessions. This may help your child integrate new insights and skills in the home environment and family dynamic. I will also recommend some additional resources to use at home with your child.

Sandtray interventions may be helpful to any client, especially those who are feeling stuck or want to explore their unconscious mind

People often wonder if sandtray is only for kids. Absolutely not! Even though it was first developed for working with children, sandtray therapy can be helpful to any client, and especially for people who find it challenging to express their thoughts and feeling through words, who are feeling stuck, neurodiverse individuals, and those who want to explore their unconscious mind.

Logistics

I offer in-person therapy sessions for kids in Wolfville. I do not work with kids online.

Session length: up to 60 minutes (depending on your child's age and needs, sessions may be shorter).

Fees: $160 per session.

Payment methods: e-transfer, credit card.

Contact me to book an appointment or to schedule a free 15-minute inquiry call to discuss your child's counselling needs, and address any questions you may have about working with me.