Play Therapists

As a counselor specializing in play therapy for children, I am dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment where young individuals can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences through play. With a background in psychology and specialized training in play therapy techniques, I work closely with children facing various challenges to help them develop coping strategies, build resilience, and enhance their emotional well-being.

Through the use of creative and interactive play activities, I support children in expressing themselves, processing difficult emotions, and developing crucial social and emotional skills. Whether a child is dealing with trauma, anxiety, behavioral issues, or family conflict, I aim to create a trusting therapeutic relationship that encourages growth, healing, and positive change.

My role as a counselor involves listening actively, providing empathy, and guiding children towards self-discovery and empowerment. By utilizing play as a therapeutic tool, I help children communicate their inner world, learn problem-solving skills, and build confidence in themselves. My passion lies in helping young individuals navigate life’s challenges and thrive in their emotional and mental well-being.

I am a Registered Clinical Counselor and licensed with the BCACC with an RCC designation.  I am also registered with the CCPA and have a CCC designation.  I have various advanced training in Play Therapy and have completed certificate programs in the following areas:

• Foundations of Play Therapy Certificate
• Specialization Certificate 
• Intervention Certificate
• Play Therapy Supervision Certificate

CHILD AND YOUTH THERAPY

• Child play therapy using play therapy techniques and other play therapy interventions such as 
• Sandtray therapy: Using miniature figures and a tray of sand to create scenes that reflect the child’s thoughts and feelings.
• Art therapy: Utilizing art materials to help children express themselves visually and explore their emotions.
• Puppet play: Allowing the child to express their feelings and thoughts through interactions with puppets.
• Therapeutic games: Using board games or other structured activities to facilitate emotional expression and problem-solving.
• Storytelling: Encouraging the child to create or narrate stories that reflect their experiences and emotions.
• Role-playing: Engaging in pretend play scenarios to explore different perspectives and practice new coping skills.
• Movement or dance therapy: Incorporating movement and dance to help children release pent-up emotions and enhance self-expression.
• Symbolic play: Encouraging the child to use toys and objects symbolically to work through conflicts or challenges.

I specialize working with families and children in the following areas:

• Children experiencing behavioral challenges or emotional issues
• Self esteem and confidence coaching
• Children with social skills deficits or difficulties in peer relationships
• Anxiety and depression and other mental health conditions
• Career exploration with youth
• Trauma and Abuse
• Grief and Loss
• Dealing with separation and divorce from the child and parents perspective
• Children with developmental delays or disabilities
• Children on the autism spectrum (ASD) or with other neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Helping parents and children with strategies to deal with ADHD and ADD
• Informal Assessments for Autism, ADHD, Oppositional Defiance Disorder 

PARENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ADVOCACY AND MEDIATION:

• Access to informal assessments and diagnosis
• Informal Psycho-educational, Autism, ADHD testing
• Referral to local psychologists for formal assessments and testing and diagnosis
• Referral to local behavioural consultants and creating a behavioural intervention team
• Mediation with school districts and IEP planning
• Access to 3rd party funding and Ministry of Children and Family case workers
• Completing government and agency paperwork to obtain funding, therapy and resources:  CKNW, Variety Club and CRA Child Tax Credit
• Family planning at transitional ages: birth, school age and adult
• Working with CLBC and adulthood transitions meetings

Children are not always able to find the words to express challenges they are facing or how they are feeling. Play therapy creates a safe, stress-free place to learn new problem-solving skills, practice empathy, build self-esteem and respect for others, while building language and communication skills. It gives children the chance to share and speak with a trusted adult who can objectively help them figure out their day-to-day.

These skills and mindset shifts can help children and youth recognize, understand, and express their emotions, decreasing anger, worries, and negative behaviour at home, at school, and in relationships.

As an option, I am able to meld my two passions: psychology and music to offer music-integrated therapy as part of play therapy. This can be particularly helpful for children to calm their autonomic nervous system, reduce anxiety, and build self-confidence and competency through a creative outlet that brings happiness.

I have experience working with clients who are neurodivergent and recognize the unique differences that come with that. I have supported children and youth with ADHD, Autism, ODD, anxiety, depression, and OCD.

I am a part of the Crossroads Collective High Conflict team which specializes in working with families who are navigating heightened levels of conflict, and/or have been court-involved. I am trauma-informed and have specialized knowledge and extensive training in high-conflict family dynamics.

Additionally, I am registered as a counsellor with the Crime Victim Assistance Program and have further training and certification in Trauma-Focused CBT to be able to help those who have symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, fear, anxiety, or depression related to traumatic life events.

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and licensed with the BCACC with an RCC designation. I am also registered with the CCPA and have a CCC designation. I am a member of the BC Chapter of the Association of Family Conciliation Courts.

Child play therapy techniques and interventions may include things such as:

Role-playing: Engaging in pretend play scenarios as we explore understanding different perspectives and practicing new coping skills.

Storytelling: Encouraging the child to create or narrate stories that reflect their experiences and the emotions, behaviour, and thoughts that went along with them.

Music Therapy: Playing instruments, singing or creating songs, and analyzing lyrics to decrease stress, practice mindfulness, and allow an exploration of thoughts, beliefs, and events through a creative outlet.

Puppet Play: Using puppets to communicate family dynamics and express thoughts and feelings through the interaction of pretend characters.

Communication Games: Using games to create an opportunity for the child to recognize, explore, and express their worries, thoughts, feelings, and current behaviours.

Therapeutic Games: Using board games or other structured activities to facilitate emotional expression and problem-solving.

Symbolic Play: Encouraging the child to use toys and objects symbolically to work through conflicts or challenges.

I truly care about creating a positive, strength-based approach to helping your child and would love to be a part of your journey.

My background as a behaviour interventionist has shaped my understanding of children’s behaviour as a form of communication. I use this perspective to guide interventions both within therapy and in home and school settings. My approach is holistic, considering the whole child and family, and I prioritize collaboration with other professionals when possible to support the child’s development.

As a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, I am dedicated to continuous learning and stay current with evidence-based practices. I have also completed a play therapy certification. I am committed to providing the highest quality support for children and families.

Speciality areas: 

–  Under 6 years 

–   Neurodivergence 

–   Autism

–    ADHD

–  Anxiety

–   Self-esteem

–  Divorce and separation

–   Emotion regulation

–   2sLGBTQIA+ clients

As an Indo-Canadian I have experience in being brought up in two wildly different cultures. That experience has taught me that everyone is different and have their own beliefs and customs. With that, it allows me to create a non-judgmental space for the children I work with. I work with children and youth of all ages.

Child and Youth Play Therapy:

 Therapeutic Games: Board games and/or interactive games to help with expressing emotions and how they problem solve.

Sand Tray: Allowing the kids to create scenes that convey how they may feel and their thoughts.

Role Playing: Engaging in pretend play to convey any situations that they may want to work through and practicing coping skills that we may be working on.

Art Therapy: Drawing pictures or colouring to help explain feelings and emotions that may be harder to verbally convey.

Specific Problem-Solving Games: Games that are designed to challenge the children that thrive on thinking games as a way of communication. 

Dance /Movement/ Music Therapy: Allows kids to release any pent-up energy that the child may be feeling and allowing them to express themselves in a safe environment. 

Storytelling: Allows the child to narrate stories that may be based on true life events to help the child to see ways of problem-solving and ways to cope in healthy ways. 

My specialties include:

• ADHD
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Separated/Divorced parents
• Childhood traumatic events
• Bullying
• Discrimination
• Racism

I also help and coach the families to learn more about their child’s needs and where they can help and support at home. Providing psychoeducation which allows you to have more tools that you can utilize at home to help understanding and empathy for everyone involved. I look forward to meeting your child and creating an environment where they can flourish, grow and thrive to be the best version of themselves.

These techniques include:

• Sand Tray Therapy: Children create stories and explore emotions through symbolic play with miniature figures, helping them gain clarity on complex feelings.
• Art Therapy: Through drawing, painting, and crafts, children can express emotions that are hard to put into words, unlocking their inner world.
• Role-Playing & Puppetry: Using imaginative scenarios to explore emotions, build empathy, and develop problem-solving skills in a safe environment.
• Storytelling & Bibliotherapy: Engaging children in therapeutic storytelling or reading to foster emotional understanding, resilience, and connection.
• Child-Led Play: Allowing children to guide the session, helping them feel empowered and in control while they explore and process their emotions at their own pace.

Each session is uniquely designed to help your child work through emotional and behavioral challenges in ways that are natural and comfortable for them. Whether they’re managing big feelings like fear and sadness, learning to cope with anxiety, building social connections, or healing from trauma, my approach ensures they are supported in a way that fits their developmental stage.

I also work closely with parents and caregivers, offering guidance and tools to strengthen family bonds, reinforce growth, and extend healing beyond the therapy room. Together, we create a cohesive support system to help your child thrive in all aspects of their life.

With a compassionate, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based approach, I ensure every child feels heard, understood, and safe to explore their emotions. If your child is struggling with behavioral challenges, anxiety, trauma, or simply needs a space to process and grow, I’m here to walk alongside them, helping them shine brighter with each step.

I am a Master of Art Counselling Psychology Student with Yorkville University. Once I complete my degree, I intend to become registered as a clinical counsellor (RCC) through BCACC. I completed my Bachelor of Art with a major in Psychology at the University of British Columbia Okanagan campus in 2019. I have worked in mental health for over 7 years.

As a parent to children with mental health issues, I have experienced in providing advocacy and support for children in school settings, within the children’s support network, and implementing strategies in the home. I know that a strong support system is vital in bringing about a positive mental health outcome for youth who have difficulties. 

My approach is soft, gentle, kind, and curious. Together we can develop a treatment plan through creative problem solving and finding ways to understand the child’s unique needs and concerns. Providing an element of play allows children to feel comfortable in the therapeutic setting and provide opportunities for connection and discovery. Meeting the child in their element allows them to feel more comfortable working on big topics. 

I would welcome the opportunity to work with your child in areas including:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Anxiety
• Life Transistions
• Attachment issues
• Parental Divorce
• Traumatic Events
• Social Skill Building
• LGBTQ2S+ support

I would be happy to help your child and family develop through a supportive environment.

CHILD AND YOUTH THERAPY

• Child play therapy using play therapy techniques and other play therapy interventions such as 
• Sandtray therapy: Using miniature figures and a tray of sand to create scenes that reflect the child’s thoughts and feelings.
• Art therapy: Utilizing art materials to help children express themselves visually and explore their emotions.
• Puppet play: Allowing the child to express their feelings and thoughts through interactions with puppets.
• Therapeutic games: Using board games or other structured activities to facilitate emotional expression and problem-solving.
• Storytelling: Encouraging the child to create or narrate stories that reflect their experiences and emotions.
• Role-playing: Engaging in pretend play scenarios to explore different perspectives and practice new coping skills.
• Movement or dance therapy: Incorporating movement and dance to help children release pent-up emotions and enhance self-expression.
• Symbolic play: Encouraging the child to use toys and objects symbolically to work through conflicts or challenges.

I specialize working with families and children in the following areas:

• Children experiencing behavioral challenges or emotional issues
• Self esteem and confidence coaching
• Children with social skills deficits or difficulties in peer relationships
• Anxiety and depression and other mental health conditions
• Career exploration with youth
• Trauma and Abuse
• Grief and Loss
• Dealing with separation and divorce from the child and parents perspective
• Children with developmental delays or disabilities
• Children on the autism spectrum (ASD) or with other neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Helping parents and children with strategies to deal with ADHD and ADD

This is where play therapy comes in—a compassionate and effective approach to supporting your child’s emotional development and well-being. It’s not just a tool for coping, but a gift that can shape your child’s future in profound ways. 

Children express themselves and learn  through play. And when they struggle to put feelings into words, play therapy offers a safe, non-judgmental space where they can communicate in ways they feel comfortable. In this setting, a trained therapist guides your child through play-based activities that help them process emotions, build coping skills, and find ways to express their fears, joys, and frustrations.

Way back in the 80s I did an undergrad in counselling psychology and in the intervening years I worked supporting individuals in the community. Now I have just completed the coursework for a Masters in Counselling. I am starting my practice under the clinical supervision of a qualified supervisor to whom I can appeal for direction if I get stuck. 

I have three adult children and I love Bluey and Winnie the Pooh. I have a big weird dog that likes to run around in my yard. I relate to the artistic kids that don’t fit in and the neurodivergent kids who are experiencing the world a bit differently. 

I was a quirky kid who grew up into a quirky but functional adult and I have retained a curiosity and gentle playfulness that I can use to quickly create a sense of safety for your child. If you want to chat for a few minutes to see if I might be a good fit for your family, please book a 15 minute call.