Therapy for Children

Ohana Counselling offers in-person and online therapy for children. 

Patti has completed all requirements necessary to become certified in Play Therapy because she agrees with Maria Montessori that: "Play is the work of the child".

Each child is unique and it is important that therapy be provided in a developmentally appropriate way. For the majority of children 10 and under, play and expressive therapies are Patti’s preferred models of therapy.

What is Play Therapy?

Some parents may feel uncertain when their child leaves a session saying, “We just played.” It can raise the question of why a child would come to therapy to play when they could simply do so at home. The key differences lie in the environment, intentional set-up, structured approach, and guided processing that occur in the therapy room. Additionally, the therapist offers an objective perspective, unclouded by emotional involvement, to help evaluate and understand what the child may be thinking or feeling.

Play is the natural language of children. It is through play that they express themselves, connect with others, and make sense of the world around them.

Play therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy designed to meet children at their developmental level. Through therapeutic play, children are able to express worries, process difficult emotions, practice coping strategies, and build stronger relationships with the important people in their lives.

Often, emotional, social, or behavioural challenges are signs that a child is struggling with experiences beyond their current ability to manage. Play therapy helps process trauma and fosters the development of essential life skills, including:

• Attention and focus

• Self-regulation

• Impulse control

• Flexible thinking

• Perspective-taking

• Empathy

• Problem-solving

• Self-esteem

• Relaxation techniques

• Positive self-talk

Play therapy can also strengthen family relationships, laying the groundwork for healthy social and emotional growth. Parents and caregivers are supported in understanding their child’s unique emotional needs and equipped with practical strategies to help navigate everyday challenges.

Play therapy interventions may include: 

• Sand tray

• bibliotherapy

• storytelling

• role-playing

• puppets, stuffed animals, and dress-up

• dolls, action figures

• music

• arts and crafts

• Theraplay

• Bal-a-vis-x

Statement re. Custody Concerns

Although Ohana Counselling works with many families who are going through separation and divorce, our focus is on the child’s needs. Ohana does therapy work with and for the child, not the parents, as it relates to separation and divorce. Patti does not do any custody work nor does she complete affidavits, write letters or attend court for the purpose of determining custody.

*If this is something that you think you may need, Ohana is not the right fit for your needs.