Counselling Services
Play Therapy
Helping children ages 3-12 process big emotions, difficult experiences, and behavioural changes - through the natural language of play.
Play Therapy
Play Is a Child's Natural Language
Being a parent can be really exhausting and overwhelming - especially when your child is struggling with emotional or behavioural challenges and you are not sure how to help.
Children don't have the words or the emotional vocabulary yet to explain what they're feeling. But they don't need words to heal. Play is the natural means of expression for younger children — it gives them a safe space for emotional expression and awareness, helps them make sense of their life experiences, and teaches them new coping skills in a way that feels natural and unthreatening.
In play therapy sessions, your child is given the freedom to express themselves through toys, art, sand trays, storytelling, and games — with a trained therapist gently guiding the process. Children who have experienced trauma, grief, difficult family transitions, or behavioural difficulties often respond especially well to this child-centred approach.
Parents are an important part of the process too. Kiran provides guidance and support to help you understand and connect with what your child is working through.
"Play is the language of children. Therapy through play meets them exactly where they are."
Areas of Support
Play Therapy Can Help Children With
Children communicate differently than adults. Play therapy opens the door to healing in a way that meets your child where they naturally are.
Emotional Challenges
- Anxiety & excessive fears or worries
- Sadness, withdrawal, or low mood
- Anger outbursts & emotional dysregulation
- Low self-esteem or confidence
- Nightmares or sleep difficulties
- Separation anxiety
Trauma & Difficult Experiences
- Abuse or neglect (physical, emotional, sexual)
- Grief and bereavement
- Parental separation or divorce
- Witnessing family violence
- Medical trauma or hospitalization
- Major life transitions & instability
Behavioural & Social Difficulties
- Aggression at home or school
- Defiance & oppositional behaviour
- Difficulty following rules or routines
- Social skills & peer relationship struggles
- Challenges with sharing, empathy, or turn-taking
Family & Life Changes
- Adjusting to a new sibling
- Blended family transitions
- Moving homes or changing schools
- Parental illness or family stress
- Attachment and bonding difficulties
Therapeutic Approach
How Play Therapy Works
Sessions are child-led and relationship-based while also teaching practical tools for managing emotions and challenges, with opportunities for parent-child sessions to strengthen connection and support progress at home.
01
Free 15-Minute Parent Consultation
We begin with a brief video call with you — the parent or caregiver — to discuss your child's situation, any concerns, and what you're hoping sessions can help with.
02
Initial Assessment
The first few sessions focus on getting to know your child and family, understanding the challenges you’re facing, and creating a plan to support your child’s goals and wellbeing.
03
Ongoing Play Therapy Sessions
Regular in-person sessions give your child a consistent, predictable space to explore feelings, process experiences, and develop coping skills through toys, art, sand trays, storytelling, and creative activities.
04
Parent Guidance & Support
You're kept informed and supported throughout. Kiran provides guidance on how to support your child's progress at home, so the work done in sessions extends into everyday family life.
"You set the pace, and together we work toward meaningful, lasting change."
Methods Used in Play Therapy
Expressive Play Therapy
Filial Therapy
Sand Tray Therapy
Art & Creative Expression
Stroytelling & Bibliotherapy
Attachment Therapy
Trauma-Informed Practice
Child Centred Approach
Mindfulness
Questions & Answers
Play Therapy FAQs
What age range is play therapy for?
Play therapy is most effective for children between the ages of 3 and 12. This is the developmental window when children naturally communicate through play rather than words, making it the most natural and effective therapeutic medium for this age group.
What actually happens in a play therapy session?
Sessions take place in a carefully equipped play therapy room with toys, art materials, a sand tray, puppets, and creative materials. Your child leads the session — choosing what to do and express. Kiran observes, gently reflects, and guides the process in a way that helps your child process emotions and develop healthier ways of coping. Sessions are not about "playing games" — every element has therapeutic purpose.
Do I stay in the room with my child?
Typically, parents wait outside during sessions. This gives your child a private, independent space to express themselves freely. However, for very young children or those with significant separation anxiety, parent involvement may be included initially — this is discussed during the assessment phase. Kiran may also suggest opportunities to engage in parent-child sessions to strengthen connection and support progress at home.
How many sessions will my child need?
This varies depending on the child and what they're working through. Building trust takes time, and consistency is important. Children often need 10–20 sessions for meaningful progress, though some situations require more. Kiran will discuss progress and expectations with you regularly. There's no set number — we move at your child's pace.
Is play therapy available online?
Play therapy is offered in-person only at the Victoria, BC office. The physical play environment — sand trays, art materials, toys — is essential to the process and cannot be replicated online. Parent consultations, however, can be conducted virtually.
Does insurance cover play therapy?
Many extended health plans cover services from a Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW). Direct billing is available for Sunlife, Greenshield, FNHA, Blue Cross Medavie, CVAP and through Telus e-claims (for a list of covered insurance providers, see the FAQ’s). Contact us to confirm coverage under your specific plan before your child's first session.
