Play-Based Therapy
At Boreal Therapy Collective, we are not Registered Play Therapists (RPTs), but we are skilled and passionate about play-based intervention.
Adult therapy techniques typically entail engaging in deep dialogue and cultivating internal insight. But therapeutic conversations look much different with kids, and therapy focused on treating children must reflect those developmental needs. At Boreal Therapy Collective, we work with children ages 8+.
Play-based therapy is intended to support young children experiencing a variety of emotional, social, and interpersonal concerns. Research shows that this type of therapy can boost a child's self-esteem and improve their problem-solving skills.
Signs Your Child May Benefit From Play-Based Therapy
As a parent, you want what's best for your child, but the idea of having them seek therapy may feel upsetting, confusing, or even frustrating. These are normal reactions, and you're not alone in your emotions. That said, many parents find that play-based therapy helps their child thrive in ways they didn't think possible.
Here are some signs your child may benefit from play-based therapy:
They have experienced trauma: Research shows that unresolved childhood trauma may leave a lasting imprint on a child's development. Very early traumatic events can be particularly damaging. Regardless of the type of trauma, play-based therapy offers a supportive environment for your child to receive professional guidance and treatment.
They are struggling in school: Behavioural problems at school or school avoidance often indicate a sense of emotional distress. Such problems might also speak to underlying social anxiety, learning disabilities, or general issues with adjustments and transitions. Play-based interventions can address these concerns and help your child feel more comfortable.
They are showing signs of depression or anxiety: While these symptoms often emerge in adolescence, many young children exhibit early signs of mental health issues. Early intervention can be paramount for a child's development. Play-based therapy can help identify sources of stress and introduce strategies that may help treat it.
The family is going through a significant change: The birth of a new baby or an upcoming divorce can be tumultuous for parents, but they can also be challenging for children. Even if your child doesn't show outward signs of distress, they may internalize their emotions, which can impact their overall well-being.
Common Play-Based Methods
Non-directive sessions are child-led. This means the child plays and explores freely - without the therapist giving a specific direction. Such an approach operates under the assumption that children are the experts in their own lives and that they will bring in whatever they need each session.
More structured play-based intervention, on the other hand, entails a therapist bringing in certain activities or guidance into the session. Most therapists balance some of both methods in their therapeutic practices.
Role-playing: Role-playing can take on several forms, but it often helps children rehearse certain situations, whether those are future interactions with a friend, taking an important exam, or even managing a stressful event the following weekend.
Drawing and colouring: Art allows children to express everything from their current feelings to their home life to the quality of their friendship. Play-based interventions often use art as part of assessment and treatment.
Worry boxes: Worry boxes encourage children to write down their worries, place them in a tangible box, and take some time each day to review their concerns with their parents. This practice helps children identify their fears and set reasonable limits around them, which is important for strengthening distress tolerance.
Mindfulness activities: Mindfulness jars, breathing exercises, and other play-based techniques focused on the here and now can encourage children to practice healthy coping skills when they feel overwhelmed.
Storytelling: Storytelling in play therapy refers to allowing young children to express their truths and needs at their own pace. Rather than speaking face-to-face, most therapists will use various games or artwork to help inspire this type of thoughtful free association.
Play-Based Therapy in Fort McMurray
How to Start Play-Based Therapy for Your Child
Beginning play-based therapy with Boreal Therapy Collective is easy and requires no referral. You can book your initial assessment here!
Understanding Length of Therapy and Treatment
Therapy sessions are 50-minutes long, with ten minutes set aside for record keeping. During your child’s first appointment, the therapist will meet with you and your child for a quick introduction. After this, the therapist will meet with your child one-on-one (don’t worry, if your child wants you to stay it’s okay). The therapist will ask your child questions to better understand their areas of struggle. This is known as an assessment. Depending on how much your child shares, the assessment phase can last anywhere from one to three appointments. The assessment is critical. It helps the therapist identify your child’s needs and develop an appropriate treatment plan. At the end of each appointment, you will be invited back to review of what occurred during the appointment (including any strategies to practice at home).
After the assessment is complete, treatment begins! In the treatment phase, your child will be gently introduced - at their own pace - to a variety of skills to practice and implement to better manage their symptoms. Most children will have a therapy session every two weeks, and we recommend this for optimal treatment. Effective therapy typically takes somewhere between six to twelve appointments (for some more, others less). Many choose to continue therapy once formal treatment is complete. This is referred to as maintenance. People who do this typically have an appointment once every six to eight weeks. This is not a requirement and is a matter of personal choice.
Play-Based Therapy at Boreal Therapy Collective
Where We Are Located
We’re located at 8530 Manning Avenue, Unit 104. You’ll find us in the Service Canada building (on the side of the building that faces the Clearwater River). To check out our space, click here.
Parking is located at the front and back of the building. The front parking lot is closer to us but tends to fill up quickly. There is also an empty dirt lot adjacent to our office that many use for parking. If you park at the back (where Service Canada is located), you can walk around the building to reach our office. To learn more about parking, click here.
Importantly, you do not need to be in town for treatment. We offer in-person and virtual therapy and our therapists are happy to provide whatever option works best for you!
Rates & Benefit Coverage
Sessions are billed at a rate of $200.00/hour. We offer direct billing to 25+ benefit providers. With your consent, we will always direct bill first. If we are unable to direct bill, you can pay via pre-authorized debit or credit card. You will be given a receipt once payment has been collected. For more information, click here.
