Therapy
We provide evidence-based interventions to support children and their families with a range of behavioural, social, and emotional concerns. Telehealth services are also available if deemed appropriate.
In particular, Stephanie is trained in providing Child Centred Play Therapy to children from 3 to 10 years of age. For older children, play can foster a supportive therapeutic relationship, and often play-based approaches are used through the therapy process. Stephanie can help children with difficulties such as challenging behaviours, anxiety, and grief and loss.
What is Child-Centered Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a theoretically based approach to therapy that builds on the normal communicative and learning processes of children, because play is the child’s language and toys are the child’s words (Landreth, 2002).
Child Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), in particular, is a nondirective play therapy approach, that follows the child’s lead in exploring how they perceive and experience the world by developing a relationship of safety and trust. It is based on respect for the child’s ability to direct his/her own growth, to gain insight into experiences, and to work through challenges.
CCPT has been shown to be effective for a wide range of presenting problems:
-
Grief and loss
-
Significant traumatic life events
-
Depression and anxiety
-
Anger and aggressive behaviour
Reviews of over 100 play therapy outcome studies show that the positive effects of play therapy range from moderate to high. Nondirective approaches had better outcomes than therapist-led approaches. Furthermore, positive effects were greatest when a parent was actively involved in the child’s treatment.