Child Directed Play
Children are naturally curious, and playfulness is foundational to how they learn, explore, and express. In therapy, play becomes more than fun — it’s a bridge between internal experience and external expression.
I offer a variety of tools in session — board and card games, building toys, trains and cars, puppets, dolls, Play-Doh, fidgets, books, a climbing apparatus, and even more active play options like soccer, monkey bars, and trampoline activities for those who express themselves best through movement. For many children, movement is a natural pathway to emotional regulation, engagement, and connection. Children are encouraged to explore freely or choose what draws them in. When executive functioning is part of the goal, we may weave structure into play: planning our time, organizing tasks, or role-playing scenarios.
Why does play work so well in counselling for children? Because play provides a safe, natural environment for them to process what’s going on inside — even when they can’t yet put it into words. Through symbolic play and role-play, they can act out fears, struggles, wishes, and scenarios, giving voice to their inner world in a contained, nonthreatening way. This helps build rapport, trust, and comfort.
The science supports it. Meta-analyses and reviews show that play therapy can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and behavioural challenges in children. (Source1) Studies also report improvements in emotional regulation, social skills, problem-solving, and self-esteem. (Source 2) Importantly, play therapy allows therapists to observe how children organize their inner world — watching themes, patterns, choices — and gently guide reflection or re-storying. (Source 3)
And play isn’t just for children. Adults, too, can reconnect with their inner child through play—whether through movement, art, games, or imaginative exercises. This can open powerful pathways for healing the parts of ourselves that once felt unseen or unheard. By creating a safe, compassionate space, adults can process long-held emotions, integrate past experiences, and rediscover joy, curiosity, and agency.
In short, play is both language and process. It offers children and adults alike alternate outlets—not forced or scripted—to explore, heal, and integrate. And when you’re ready, we can bring elements of your or your child’s unique interests into the work, so growth happens not through pressure, but through meaningful exploration.