Child/Youth & Play Therapy In Kelowna
Play Therapy In Kelowna
Play therapy in Kelowna is a fantastic way to engage children and youth in feeling comfortable enough to share what they’re going through and feeling. At Crossroads Collective, we give them permission to play and in return, they open up to us.
Our Counselors use play therapy techniques and play based interventions and have all taken advanced training in these areas. Crossroads Collective Educational Institute also provides over 200+ hours of in clinic training for all counselors and weekly supervision that they attend to share cases and feedback in order to create and achieve treatment goals.
The first step to working with our Play Therapy Team is to fill out an inquiry form
PLAY THERAPY IN KELOWNA CAN HELP
The use of play therapy in Kelowna as a tool helps children work through emotional issues. It allows children to form deeper self-esteem which helps improve their lives. Play Therapy can be used to address these concerns and others:
- Behavioral concerns
- Attachment
- Emotional concerns
- Relationships
- Communication development
- Traumatic past experiences
Children are often not able to communicate their feelings in the same way adults do. This type of therapy allows children to recreate, and with the assistance of the therapist, discuss the feelings and emotions they’re feeling. Whether it’s sadness, anger, worry, or extreme happiness, all feelings are welcome during play therapy in Kelowna.
TECHNIQUES USED IN SESSIONS
There are a variety of types of expressive play therapy in Kelowna including dramatic and fantasy play, sandbox play, and art-focused play. When a child comes to us, we allow them to explore the office and select the play activities they want to do. This helps build trust and a therapeutic alliance between the child and therapist.
The child’s therapist may also choose certain activities to help certain types of emotions or reactions come out. For example, they may encourage the child to play with dolls to elicit emotions pertaining to the family.
HOW WE WORK OUR MAGIC
This type of child therapy works best when it happens consistently. So, having a predictable schedule of the day and time remaining the same allows your children to get comfortable with us.
While a parent may want to ask questions to their child about the session, allow your child to reach out to share first. If the parent is tempted to ask, it could hurt the trust and comfortability that the therapist has worked to gain with the child.
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The Services We Offer
When you enter our clinic at Crossroad Collective, you and your family are our priority and our team works with you as though you are an extension of our family. Give us a call to learn more about:
Counselling • Child/Youth & Play Therapy • Life Coaching • Behavioural Consulting & Parenting Strategies • Sleep Consulting • Couples Counselling • Family Therapy • High Conflict & Mediation • Speech Therapy • Group Workshops • Music Centre • Nutritional Therapy • Fitness Coaching • Massage Therapy
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Play Therapy, What is it?
Play Therapy is a revolutionary type of therapy or counselling that is mainly used with children. The reason why it is so popular is because most kids are not capable of processing their feelings or explaining their problems as well as an adult. From the outside, it might look like our therapist is only playing but there is a lot more to it.
Play Therapy To Understand
Our team of therapists will use the playtime to understand and observe your child’s behavior and problems. If a child needs help with exploring their emotions or if they have unresolved trauma, we can help with their journey. If your child needs to redirect some inappropriate behaviors or if they simply need to learn some new coping mechanisms, give Crossroad Collective a call today to learn more about play therapy.
Who Practices Play Therapy in Canada?
There is a wide variety of mental health professionals that practice play therapy in Canada. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists that specialize with children’s therapy. Play Therapy can also be practiced by social workers, physical therapists as well as behavioral therapists. There is also a lot to learn for parents who wish to learn more about this kind of therapy.
What Are The Pros Of Play Therapy With Crossroad Counselling?
The first step to play therapy is to gain the trust of your child via diverse games based on your child’s interests. Once trust has been gained, your child will become more comfortable with the therapist which will bring them to become more vocal and more creative.
10 Benefits Of Play Therapy
Here are some of the pros of our play therapy services:
- Increase your children’s self respect
- Give them a sense of respect and empathy towards others
- It can help to alleviate feelings of anxiety
- It will strengthen their social skills
- It will teach them to express their feeling in a healthy way
- It will teach them how to solve problems with creativity
- It helps them to develop healthy coping strategies
- It can strengthen family ties
- It will teach them to take responsibility for their behaviors
- It can help to develop motor skills
Keep in mind that play therapy is not a replacement for medication or other necessary treatments for your kid. If your children are diagnosed with physical or mental illness, contact us to ask if this is the right service for them. It can also be combined with other forms of therapy in most cases.
When Do We Use This Kind Of Therapy?
Play Therapy is mostly used with children from 3 to 12 years old but it can really be beneficial for people of any age groups. Here are some of the most common situations where this kind of therapy is recommended:
- When dealing with illness or stressful medical procedures
- When someone has a learning disability or a development delay
- When problematic behavior has been observed in school
- When there is a problem with a child’s behavior, high aggressivity for example
- When children are facing issues within their family like a divorce or the death of someone close to them
- When your child had to face traumatic events and they don’t know how to deal with their feelings
- When domestic violence has been reported, if there is a case of neglect or even a case of abuse.
- When a child is dealing with high anxiety or depression
- When a children has an eating disorder
- When a children has an toileting disorders
- When a child is diagnosed with ADHD
- When a child is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorder
What Should You Keep In Mind?
You should keep in mind that play therapy is a therapy method that can be combined to other methods or be used on it’s own. It is used to uncover psychological issues and to deal with them. This kind of child’s therapy should only be practiced by certified professionals. If you need more information about play therapy, you should reach out to our team or book an appointment directly on our website.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or if you are interested in booking an appointment, contact our team of experts. They will take the time to understand your situation and needs. At Crossroad Collective, we are a team of professionals that are here to help you. Do not wait any longer and contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Child/Youth Play Therapy
What is play therapy, and how does it help children?
Play therapy is a natural way for children to express their thoughts and feelings when they may not yet have the words. Using toys, games, sand tray therapy, and creative activities, children explore difficult emotions, gain insight, and develop healthy coping skills. It’s a great resource for emotional regulation, self-esteem, and problem-solving skills.
How is play therapy different from traditional counselling?
Play therapy focuses on play-based tools to help children process emotions, express feelings, and improve communication skills. While traditional counselling often uses talk therapy, play therapy allows a child to express their inner world through action and imagination. It’s especially helpful for younger children or those with special needs.
What issues can play therapy help with?
Play therapy and counselling services at Crossroads Collective in Langley BC supports a wide range of concerns, including:
- Anxiety, anger management, and stress
- Grief counselling and life transitions
- Child abuse recovery and unresolved trauma
- Relationship issues in the family
- Difficult emotions like sadness, frustration, or fear
- Social skills, self-control, and communication
Who provides play therapy at Crossroads Collective in Langley?
Our team at Crossroads Collective includes experienced therapists trained in play therapy techniques, sandplay therapy, and child development. They understand how to gently guide a child through healing while also supporting the entire family’s well-being.
Is play therapy only for young children?
Not at all! While it’s widely used with younger children, play-based counselling benefits preteens, youth, and even young adults, especially those who struggle to talk openly about their feelings. Creative approaches help all ages build self-awareness, emotional regulation, and coping skills.
What is sand tray therapy, and why is it used?
Sand tray therapy (also called sandplay therapy) allows children to express feelings and experiences by building scenes in a tray of sand with miniature figures. It’s a powerful way to help kids process trauma, grief, or emotional issues they might not yet be able to talk about. For more detailed insights, check out this helpful blog on sand tray therapy.
Can play therapy improve my child’s behaviour?
Yes. When a child learns to identify and express emotions, they’re more likely to show improved self-control and make positive choices. Play therapy helps children understand their actions, develop problem-solving skills, and communicate more clearly with parents and others.
Does my child need to have a diagnosis to benefit from play therapy?
No diagnosis is needed. Many families seek counselling simply because their child is facing challenges with self-esteem, friendships, life changes, or school stress. Early support through play therapy at Crossroads Collective will make a big difference in your child’s long-term mental health and personal growth.
How does play therapy support emotional healing?
Through play, children explore emotions, release anger, and gain understanding of their experiences. Whether it’s grief, divorce, bullying, or family stress, the therapy space becomes a safe place for self-discovery, connection, and healing.
Can parents be involved in the therapy process?
Yes! Regular exercise and gentle physical activity like walking or yoga reduces anxiety by regulating mood, lowering stress hormones, and improving sleep. These lifestyle adjustments should be paired with therapy for the best results.
How long does play therapy usually take?
Every child is different. Some children benefit after just a few sessions, while others need ongoing support for deeper emotional issues or trauma. Our therapists will work with you to create a plan that supports your child’s well-being and goals.
How can I get started with play therapy and counselling services in Langley?
You can reach out to Crossroads Collective to schedule an initial consultation by filling out our quick intake form here. We’ll match your child with a caring therapist experienced in play therapy, grief counselling, and youth-focused approaches. Together, we’ll create a path to greater self-esteem, emotional growth, and a happier life.
We are here to support you along your journey.
We are now accepting both virtual appointments as well as in-person appointments. Click below and schedule your first visit today!
Play Therapists
Lisa Moore, MA
MA Counselling Psychology, RCC, CCC, Clinical Counsellor, Play Therapy Program Supervisor
DEMOGRAPHIC: Children, Youth, Adults and Family Therapy
SPECIALTIES: Play Therapy, Special Needs Advocacy and Diagnosis, Anxiety, Depression, Career Counselling, Addictions, LGBTQIA+, Aboriginal Issues, Grief
Amanda Morazain, RCC
MA Counselling Psychology, RCC, CCC, Clinical Counsellor, Play Therapist, Trauma-Focused CBT Therapist
DEMOGRAPHIC: Children, Youth, Adults, and Couples Therapy
SPECIALTIES: Play Therapy, Trauma, Neurodiversity, Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Emotion Regulation, Career Counselling, Grief, Separation and Divorce, High Conflict
Gurdeep Patara, RPC, CT
Diploma of Applied Psychology and Counselling
DEMOGRAPHIC: Toddler, Child, Youth, Adult, Adults 65+ Individual and Groups
SPECIALTIES: Play Therapy, Neurodiversity, Depression, Suicidal Ideation, Low self-
worth, Self-Confidence, Physical and Mental abuse
Domonique Murdoch, MA
MA Counselling Psychology, Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
DEMOGRAPHIC: Children (Over and Under 6 years old), Youth, Adults and Family Therapy
SPECIALTIES: Anxiety, Self-Esteem, Emotion Regulation, Queer-Allied, Neuro-Affirming
Katerina Medina, MA
Registered Clinical Counsellor, RCC
DEMOGRAPHIC: Children and Youth
SPECIALTIES: Children, Youth, Family Therapy and Parenting Support, New Parents, Couples, Adults
Eleanor McAlpine
RCC, CCC
DEMOGRAPHIC: Children, Youth, Adults
SPECIALTIES: Self esteem and confidence coaching, Anxiety, Depression, Career and Strengths, Exploration, Dealing with separation and divorce from the child and parents perspective, Strategies for Success with ADHD
Breanna Hagley
Intern Counsellor
DEMOGRAPHIC: Youth, Young Adults, Adults
SPECIALTIES: Gender Affirming Care, Justice Involved Youth, Play Therapy, Parenting Support, Anxiety, Divorce, Grief, LGBTQ2S+ Allyship
Rubynoor Sohal, MFT
MA-Marriage and Family Therapy, Pre-Licenced Psychotherapist
DEMOGRAPHIC: Couples, Children, Adults, Family Therapy
SPECIALTIES: Relational Issues (Couples, Parental, Etc.), Anxiety, Depression, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Autism, Pre/Post Natal Issues, Life Transitions, Neurodivergence, Behavioural, Emotional Regulation, Intimacy Issues
Amanda De Paiva
Intern Counsellor
DEMOGRAPHIC: Children, Youth, Adults, Families, and Couples
SPECIALTIES: Play Therapy, Attachment, Anxiety, Depression, Emotional Regulation, Trauma-Informed Care, Sensory Sensitivities, Neurodiverse-Affirming Practice, Creative Movement, Family Reconnection
LOCATION: Kelowna, BC
