Play Therapy
Uses play as the primary means of communication and expression, helping children process emotions, develop coping skills, and work through difficult experiences.
What Is Play Therapy?
Play therapy uses the natural language of children — play — to help them express feelings, explore experiences, and develop solutions to problems. A trained play therapist provides a safe, accepting environment with carefully selected toys and materials that facilitate expression.
There are two main approaches: child-centred play therapy (non-directive, the child leads play while the therapist reflects and supports) and directive play therapy (the therapist introduces specific activities to address identified issues).
Play therapy is particularly valuable for children who cannot easily articulate their feelings verbally, including young children, children with developmental disabilities, and children who have experienced trauma.
Who Benefits from Play Therapy?
mental health
Helps children process anxiety, grief, anger, and difficult experiences through play when they cannot express these through talk therapy.
autism
Adapted play therapy supports emotional regulation, social interaction, and processing of sensory and social experiences in a low-demand environment.
intellectual disability
Meets children at their developmental level, using play as an accessible medium for emotional expression and skill-building.
fasd
Provides a safe space for processing emotions and experiences without requiring the verbal and abstract thinking skills that may be challenging.
What to Expect in a Session
First Session
The therapist meets with parents first (without the child) to understand the history and concerns. The child then has an introductory session to explore the playroom and build rapport with the therapist.
Ongoing Sessions
The child plays freely in a specially equipped playroom while the therapist follows their lead, reflects feelings, and provides a safe, accepting presence. The therapist may introduce specific activities for identified issues.
Your Child's Role
Your child plays with whatever interests them in the playroom. Through play, they naturally express feelings and work through difficulties. The therapist's skilled responses support healing.
Caregiver's Role
Parents receive regular updates (without breaking the child's confidentiality) and may receive coaching on relationship-enhancing play techniques to use at home.
When to Start
Early Childhood (0-5)
Play therapy is ideal for children ages 3-12 who are experiencing emotional or behavioural difficulties. It is particularly effective for children who are too young for traditional talk therapy.
School Age (6-17)
Continues to be effective through age 12. Older children and adolescents may benefit from a blend of play-based and talk-based approaches.
General guidance: Play therapy is most helpful when a child is showing signs of emotional distress — increased aggression, withdrawal, regression, anxiety, or changes in behaviour — and cannot articulate what they're feeling.
| Item | Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Assessment | $150–$350 | Play therapy intake and observation |
| Per Session | $120–$200 | 45-50 minutes |
| Insurance | Covered under psychology or psychotherapy benefits depending on the provider's registration | |
| Tax Credit | Eligible for METC when provided by a registered psychologist or psychotherapist | |
Money-Saving Tips
- Registered psychotherapists and counsellors typically charge less than psychologists for play therapy
- Some community mental health agencies offer play therapy on a sliding scale
- Ask about filial therapy training, which teaches parents play therapy techniques to use at home
| Province | Status | Program | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC | Limited | — | Generally not covered by MSP; some children's mental health programs incorporate play therapy approaches.(Under 12) |
| AB | Limited | FSCD | Not typically a standalone funded service; may be included as part of a broader mental health treatment plan under FSCD.(Under 12) |
| SK | No data | — | — |
| MB | No data | — | — |
| ON | Limited | Children's Mental Health Ontario | Available at some publicly funded children's mental health agencies; most play therapy is private-pay.(Under 12) |
| QC | No data | — | — |
| NB | No data | — | — |
| NS | No data | — | — |
| PE | No data | — | — |
| NL | No data | — | — |
| NT | No data | — | — |
| NU | No data | — | — |
| YT | No data | — | — |
Evidence & Research
Play therapy has moderate evidence supporting its effectiveness for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Meta-analyses show positive effects for anxiety, depression, behavioural problems, and self-concept. The evidence is stronger for child-centred approaches and for children under age 12.
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious of any provider who:
- The therapist does not have specific play therapy training or certification (look for Certified Play Therapist designation)
- The therapist forces the child to play with specific toys or in specific ways rather than following the child's lead
- There is no parent involvement or communication about the child's progress
- The therapist breaks confidentiality by sharing detailed play content with parents beyond what is therapeutically appropriate
- The playroom does not have appropriate toys and materials specifically selected for therapeutic purposes
How to Find a Provider
- 1
Search the Canadian Association for Play Therapy (CAPT) directory at canadianplaytherapy.com
- 2
Ask your paediatrician or school counsellor for referrals to play therapists
- 3
Contact children's mental health agencies in your area — many offer play therapy
- 4
Look for psychologists or psychotherapists who list play therapy as a specialization
- 5
Check if your children's treatment centre offers play therapy services
Conditions That Use Play Therapy
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