Play Therapy 

What is Play Therapy?

It isn't just about the toys though children and adults like to play in our playrooms! 

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According to the American Association for Play Therapy, Play Therapy is

 

"the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal

 

process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of

 

play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and

 

achieve optimal growth and development." Training helps the clinician

 

gain understanding about the many theoretical models that are utilized

 

by the trained Play Therapist. The Canadian Association for Play Therapy

 

believes in the value of play therapy and its contribution to an

 

individual’s mental, emotional, social and psychological well being.

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Much research validates the efficacy of Play Therapy. Dr. Sue Bratton

 

(former Professor at the University of North Texas)  continues to gather

 

Child Therapy and Play Therapy research studies here. 

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Changing Steps provides the model of Play Therapy that matches the

 

need of the child. Our approach is therefore, integrative and prescriptive.

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This means we can provide Child Centred Play Therapy, Theraplay,

 

Family Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy as well as other models. 

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At Intake your therapist will discuss the concerns that need to be

 

addressed and share the approach that we feel will be best suited to

 

meet the child/youth or family where they are at. Therapist are trained

 

to use Play Therapy after attending training approved by Canadian

 

Association for Play Therapy. Our Director has taught courses on trauma

 

and  play therapy in Australia, the United Kingdom, Italy, the United

 

States and across Canada.