What Is Play-Based Therapy? A Guide for Parents in Kelowna
If you’ve been searching for child counselling in Kelowna or wondering how therapy works for young children, you may have come across the term play-based therapy.
But what exactly is it, and how can it help your child?
At Lakeside Clinical Counselling, we often use play-based therapy to support children experiencing anxiety, ADHD, autism, separation/divorce, emotional regulation challenges, and school difficulties. Here’s what parents need to know.
What Is Play-Based Therapy?
Play-based therapy (also called play therapy) is a developmentally appropriate counselling approach that helps children express emotions, process experiences, and build coping skills through play.
Children don’t naturally communicate the way adults do. While adults talk through problems, children “talk” through play.
Toys become words.
Play becomes storytelling.
Behavior becomes communication.
A trained child therapist uses play intentionally to understand a child’s inner world and gently guide them toward emotional growth.
Why Play Is So Important in Child Therapy
Research consistently shows that play is essential to healthy child development. Through play, children learn to:
Express feelings safely
Problem-solve
Practice social skills
Build confidence
Regulate big emotions
Process difficult life events
When a child is struggling with anxiety, behavioral challenges, ADHD, autism, or family changes like divorce, play-based therapy provides a safe and natural way to work through those experiences.
What Happens During a Play-Based Therapy Session?
Parents often ask: “Is my child just playing?”
While it may look simple, play-based therapy is structured and intentional.
A session may include:
Creative play (dolls, figurines, storytelling)
Sand tray therapy
Art and drawing
Games that build emotional regulation skills
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) tools adapted for kids
Role-play to practice coping strategies
The therapist observes themes, emotional patterns, and coping strategies while helping the child build healthier skills.
How Play-Based Therapy Helps With Anxiety
For children experiencing anxiety, play therapy can:
Reduce worry and fear
Build emotional vocabulary
Teach calming strategies
Increase confidence in social or school settings
Help children process transitions like separation or divorce
Because anxiety often shows up as behavior (meltdowns, avoidance, irritability), play allows children to work through fears without feeling pressured to “explain” them.
Play-Based Therapy for ADHD and Autism
Children with ADHD or autism often benefit greatly from play-based therapy combined with structured approaches like CBT.
Play can help with:
Emotional regulation
Impulse control
Social communication skills
Flexibility with change
Building self-esteem
When therapy matches a child’s developmental level and strengths, growth happens more naturally.
Does Play Therapy Involve Parents?
Yes, parent involvement is an important part of effective child counselling.
At Lakeside Clinical Counselling, we work collaboratively with parents to:
Share themes and insights
Teach practical tools for home
Support co-parenting through separation
Strengthen parent-child connection
Therapy works best when children feel supported both in session and at home.
How Long Does Play-Based Therapy Take?
Every child is different. Some children benefit from short-term support (8–12 sessions), while others may need longer-term therapy depending on:
Severity of anxiety or emotional challenges
Family changes (such as divorce)
Neurodevelopmental differences (ADHD, autism)
School or peer difficulties
Your therapist will discuss goals and progress regularly.
Is Play-Based Therapy Right for My Child?
Play-based therapy is especially helpful for children ages 3–12 who:
Struggle with anxiety
Have experienced separation or divorce
Show emotional outbursts or behavioral challenges
Have ADHD or autism
Have difficulty expressing feelings verbally
Are navigating school or friendship challenges
If your child seems overwhelmed, withdrawn, reactive, or “not themselves,” early support can make a meaningful difference.
Looking for Play-Based Therapy in Kelowna?
At Lakeside Clinical Counselling in Downtown Kelowna, we offer warm, child-centered counselling for children and youth. Our therapists integrate play-based therapy and CBT strategies to help children feel safe, seen, and supported.
If you’re wondering whether play-based therapy could help your child, we’re happy to answer your questions and explore fit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is play therapy evidence-based?
Yes. Play-based therapy is supported by decades of research in child development and mental health.
Will my child know they are in therapy?
Yes, but sessions feel safe and supportive rather than clinical or intimidating.
Can play therapy help with divorce adjustment?
Absolutely. Play allows children to process family changes in a developmentally appropriate way.
If you’re searching for child therapy in Kelowna, play-based therapy for anxiety, or ADHD support for kids, we’re here to help.
Reach out today to learn more about how we can support your child’s emotional well-being. Complete our Best Fit Form to find the right counsellor: Kelowna Counselling