Play Therapy

Children may not always have the words to explain what they feel - but they can communicate with us through play.

A knocked-over tower, a carefully arranged dollhouse, a child burying and uncovering treasures in the sand. These moments may look simple, but they often tell an important story, and in therapy, that story becomes the starting point for growth.

What is play therapy, and how can it help?

Play therapy is an evidence-based approach that uses toys, art, movement, storytelling, and creative activities to help children process emotions, build resilience, and develop healthy coping skills in a safe, supportive environment. Through play, children can express feelings they may not yet have words for, work through stressful or confusing experiences, build confidence and social skills, and feel understood and supported.

It can help children with:

  • Anxiety, worries, and fears

  • Big emotions and emotional regulation

  • Behavioural challenges and aggression

  • Social and friendship difficulties

  • School refusal and separation anxiety

  • Grief, loss, and life transitions

  • Trauma and stressful experiences

  • Self-esteem, confidence, and emotional withdrawal


Play therapy can be especially helpful for children who are:

  • Highly sensitive or deeply imaginative

  • Neurodivergent (including ADHD, autism, giftedness, and sensory differences)

  • Struggling to engage in traditional talk therapy

Our approach at Acorn Psychology

We provide play therapy for children and youth ages 3-16, tailoring sessions to each child’s developmental stage and unique needs:

  • Ages 3-6: Play is often the primary language of therapy. Sessions are highly experiential, sensory, and relationship-based.

  • Ages 7-11: Play remains central, while children begin integrating more reflection, emotional awareness, and skill-building.

  • Ages 12-16: Teens may still benefit from therapeutic play, creativity, and experiential strategies, blended with more traditional talk therapy approaches.

Every child is different, so therapy is individualized and may include:

  • Child-centred play therapy

  • Sand tray therapy

  • Art and creative therapies

  • Sensory and movement-based activities

  • Imaginative play and role play

  • Cognitive-behavioural play strategies

  • Emotional regulation and coping skills

  • Parent-child play sessions

We follow your child’s lead, while gently helping them build the tools they need to move forward.

Parents are an essential part of the therapeutic journey. We work closely with caregivers by providing:

  • Feedback on your child’s progress and themes from sessions

  • Practical strategies for home

  • Guidance for supporting emotional regulation

  • Parenting tools that strengthen connection and confidence

When parents understand the why behind their child’s behaviour, change becomes more possible for everyone. Because when children feel safe enough to play, they begin to heal. And when they heal, they grow.