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 can be confused when a child comes out of a session and say “we played”. They wonder why they don’t just let them play at home… Some differences include: the environment; set-up; structure; processing; and even just having someone who is not emotionally involved in a situation. See the podcast “What is Play Therapy?” where Patti interviews Theresa Fraser. LINK coming mid-May 2022

Play is the natural language of children and is essential to growth and development. It is how they express themselves, connect with others and understand the world around them.

Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy that is developmentally-appropriate for children experiencing challenges in their lives. When therapeutic play is used, it can help your child express their worries, better manage distress, rehearse new skills and strengthen relationships with the important people in their lives.

Emotional, social and behavioural issues are often signs your child is struggling with something beyond their capacity to deal with. Play therapy can process trauma and strengthen essential life skills, such as:

• 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 enhance family relationships and further strengthen the foundation for healthy social-emotional development. You will be supported in meeting the unique emotional needs of your child and broadening your toolkit to best tackle day-to-day 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.