Young children are often unable to describe their pain and confusion in words. Stress and unhappiness in young children often show when their behaviour changes suddenly or inexplicably. This may result in parents feeling uncertain and confused as to what is going on and how to assist their children when they go through a difficult time.

Therapy with children often involves play, as play provides a means for communicating stressful thoughts or uncomfortable feelings that may be difficult for some children to put into words. Play therapy is different than regular play because the therapist helps a child address and resolve their own problems. Therapy with children attempts to recreate a child’s concerns in a safe and manageable way and to facilitate learning of healthy problem solving and coping skills.

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” - Albert Einstein

Commonly addressed areas of concern for children:

• Challenges in home life (e.g., loss, separation, divorce, blended families, difficulties with siblings)

• Managing upsetting emotions such as fear, sadness, and shame.

• Oppositional behaviour, emotion regulation, and maladaptive anger. Parenting concerns (e.g., appropriate discipline, limit setting, agreement between parents on decision making, fostering strong communication)

• School and learning-related difficulties (e.g., poor grades, school refusal, coping with symptoms of ADHD)
  Social/peer difficulties (e.g., bullying, conflict, isolation, loneliness)