Child Counselling and Play Therapy
Children speak through play. Our psychologists and counsellors help them work through big feelings, worries and hard experiences in a way that feels safe and natural. In Coquitlam, Medicine Hat and online.
Play is a child's language
Children often do not have the words to explain what they feel. Through play, they can show us. You can learn more about a child through play than through conversation alone: their emotions, experiences, relationships and how they see the world.
Our child counselling is led by a team that includes a Certified Play Therapy Supervisor and counsellors trained in Child-Centred Play Therapy. Sessions take place in a warm, child-friendly playroom with toys, art supplies, sand tray, music, clay and storytelling, and we work closely with parents at every step.
How we help children
- Anxiety, worry and fears
- Big emotions, anger and meltdowns, including after-school meltdowns
- Trauma, loss and difficult life events
- Separation, divorce and family change
- Social skills and making friends
- ADHD, autism and FASD support
- School refusal and school stress
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Children in foster, kinship and adoptive families
Approaches we use with children
Play therapy
Sand tray, art, music, clay and storytelling
CBT for children
EMDR
Parent involvement
What to expect
- 1
Parent meeting
We start with you, to understand your child's history, strengths and your concerns. - 2
Child sessions
Weekly or biweekly sessions in the playroom or, for some children, online. - 3
Parent check-ins
Regular updates and strategies you can use at home, while respecting your child's privacy in session. - 4
Connected care
If an assessment would help, our psychologists are part of the same team.
Fees and coverage
Many extended health plans cover sessions with these professionals. Play therapy may be eligible under BC Autism Funding, Alberta FSCD or Child and Family Services. Ask our intake team.
Child counselling in Coquitlam and Medicine Hat
Our Coquitlam playroom serves families from Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Burnaby and New Westminster. Our Medicine Hat clinic serves Medicine Hat, Redcliff and nearby communities.