Play Therapy Calgary
Where Healing Happens Through the Language Children Understand Best
Children don’t process emotions or communicate distress the same way adults do. When a child is struggling with big feelings, trauma, behavioral challenges, or difficult life changes, traditional talk therapy often isn’t enough. Play therapy recognizes that play is a child’s natural language and uses this powerful medium to help children work through their challenges, express feelings they may not have words for, and develop healthier coping strategies.
At Alberta Family Psychology, our certified play therapists create a safe, accepting space where children can explore their inner world through toys, games, art, and storytelling. We believe that children have an innate capacity for healing when given the right environment and support. Play therapy allows children to process difficult experiences, build self-esteem, and develop emotional regulation skills in a way that feels natural and engaging to them.
Who Is Play Therapy For?
Children and families where traditional talk therapy isn’t appropriate or effective, and where children need specialized support that honors their developmental stage and natural way of communicating through play.
Kids with social difficulties
Kids who have experienced trauma
Children with behavioral challenges
Kids navigating family changes
Child-Centered Therapy That Follows Your Child's Natural Rhythm
During sessions, children choose their own activities while the therapist follows their lead, reflecting their feelings, and helping them process experiences through play. A child might use dolls to work through family dynamics, create art to express feelings they can’t verbalize, or use sand tray therapy to build worlds that represent their inner experience. The therapist helps children develop new coping skills and healthier ways of expressing emotions through this natural play process.
We regularly communicate with parents about their child’s progress while maintaining appropriate confidentiality. Parent consultation sessions help you understand what your child is working through and provide strategies you can use at home to support their continued growth. The pace of healing follows your child’s natural rhythm rather than adult timelines, allowing for deep, lasting change.
What You Can Discover On The Other Side
Play therapy is guided by trained professionals who understand the therapeutic power of play and know how to facilitate healing through play experiences. While it looks like playing, the therapist is carefully observing, reflecting feelings, and helping the child process emotions and experiences in ways that promote growth and healing.
Play therapy is most effective for children ages 3-12, though it can be adapted for teens who are developmentally younger or prefer non-verbal expression. Younger children who haven’t developed verbal skills for expressing complex emotions often benefit greatly from play therapy’s non-verbal approach.
Children enter a specially designed playroom with various toys and materials. They choose their own activities while the therapist follows their lead, reflecting their feelings and helping them process experiences. Sessions might include dollhouse play, art creation, sand tray work, or dramatic play, depending on the child’s preferences and therapeutic needs.
While we maintain confidentiality about specific play content, we provide regular updates to parents about themes, progress, and strategies you can use at home. We also offer parent sessions to help you understand your child’s therapeutic process and support their continued growth outside of therapy.
Yes, play therapy is highly effective for trauma, abuse, and serious behavioral challenges. Play provides a safe way for children to process overwhelming experiences without having to verbalize them. For severe issues, we may recommend additional support services and work closely with other professionals involved in your child’s care.
Direct billing
We believe in removing barriers to accessing treatment.
We can direct bill many major insurance companies to ensure your experience with us is more convenient and stress-free.
Our Approach
Our care approach for trauma counselling in Calgary revolves around you.
Begin by booking an appointment with one of our psychologists specifically, or request a match with one based on your individual needs. During your first meeting, we’ll learn about you and your treatment goals and offer our recommendations for specific, evidence-based help. We can also perform assessments to properly diagnose your mental health concerns, enabling us to customize your treatment further. Each subsequent session is a refinement of your goals and the methods that we use to reach them. We encourage growth and self-reflection throughout the process and welcome you to control as much of the decision-making as you are comfortable with.