Play Therapy Counselling in Chilliwack
Child counselling (ages 4-12) offers a supportive space for children to explore their emotions, build regulation skills, and feel understood while also supporting caregivers in navigating what their child needs most.
Session rates: $160 (50 minutes)
Play Therapy may be helpful for children who are experiencing:
Big or overwhelming emotions
Difficulty with emotional regulation
Behavioural changes or challenges
Anxiety or worries
Adjusting to changes at home, school, or in relationships
Stress related to difficult or confusing experiences
Each child’s needs are unique, and counselling is tailored to their developmental stage, temperament, and circumstances.
“Toys are children's words and play is their language" — Gary L. Landreth
What to expect from play therapy counselling in Chilliwack
A gentle, child-centred space
Child counselling provides a supportive and developmentally appropriate environment using toys, bubbles, art, and books where children can express themselves in ways that feel natural to them. Whether non-directive play or directive skills for emotions, thoughts, and behaviours - it’s intentional support.
An experienced, patient approach
I bring extensive experience supporting children, youth, and families in non-profit and community mental health settings, including working with families during times of crisis. I have education in Early Childhood Education, Child and Youth Care, and various Therapeutic Play and Filial Therapy trainings.
Collaboration with caregivers
Parents and caregivers are the most important and influential person in a child’s life. I collaborate with and support parents or guardians to help them better understand their child’s emotional world and how to support regulation, connection, and growth at home. I meet with parents every 4-6 sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, parents/caregivers are involved in the child’s/youth therapy through an initial parent information gathering session (intake), and parent consultation sessions every 4-6 sessions (or more often depending on the presenting concern). These parent sessions include themes, progress and opportunities for the parent to share concerns, challenges, or progress at home/school. While the child/youth’s sessions will remain confidential/private (unless there is a risk to self or others), parents/caregivers are involved in the process as they are the most important and influential person in the child’s life. In some cases, it may be beneficial to include the parent/caregiver in the child’s session such as filial therapy or to have a parent attend a session with a youth.
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Counselling and health care services for children ages twelve and under require consent from any and all legal guardians. BC’s 2013 Family Law Act 4 states that parents must consult with each other before they consent to counselling and other health care services for their children unless one guardian/parent has been granted sole custody and decision making authority. Proof of decision making and custody may be required prior to intake. We will make every attempt to reach out to all guardians listed to include them in the treatment process and consent. If your child has contact with their other parent(s), therapy is often more effective if all parents can participate in some capacity.
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I am trained in Early Childhood Education, Child and Youth Care and a Masters of Counselling Psychology. I have almost two decades of experience including daycare/preschool teacher, youth and family outreach worker, and mental health clinician for children and youth experiencing moderate to severe mental health diagnosis’.
In addition, I have completed trainings in:
Foundations of Play Therapy (75 hours - live/interactive) Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute
Emotion Focused Family Therapy Level One Certificate
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Children and Adolescents for Anxiety and Depression Certificate
Filial Therapy Informed Trainings including Child Parent Relationship Therapy based in attachment theory
Positive Discipline Parent Educator Certificate
British Columbia Association of Play Therapy Member
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“Play Therapy” is a registered specialization of counseling utilizing toys, expressive arts, and play in the therapy room. It’s more than just using toys and playing games to help the child feel comfortable. Play Therapists are registered with either the Association of Play Therapy, Canadian Association of Play Therapy, or British Columbia Play Therapy Association. Therapists who have registered must provide annual proof of the extensive training, supervision and experience hours specific to supporting children in play based interventions.
I currently offer Therapeutic Play as I am in the process of obtaining the training hours, experience hours, and clinical supervision specific to play therapy to meet the requirements of a registered Play Therapist.
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When booking sessions for children and youth, I recommend scheduling 4 sessions at a consistent weekly time. This supports a predictable environment to build rapport and relationship between the child/youth and the counsellor. A stronger therapeutic relationship in turn promotes progress in their goals.
My approach to working with children
My work with children is grounded in a trauma-informed, person-centred approach that recognizes the importance of safety, relationship, and trust. I consider the child within the context of their family, environment, and lived experiences, and I move at a pace that respects each child’s readiness and needs.
Counselling is not about fixing a child—it’s about helping them feel supported as they develop the skills and understanding they need to navigate their world.
"Enter into children's play, and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet."
— Virginia Axline
Considering counselling for your child?
If you’re wondering whether counselling might be helpful for your child, I invite you to reach out. Questions are welcome, and we can explore whether child counselling feels like a good fit for your family.