child-centered play therapy

where play becomes a path to healing

take the quiz + find a therapist that fits your kids!

where feelings can play

Children don’t always have the words to explain what they’re feeling — but they do know how to play.

Child-centred play therapy is a developmentally appropriate, evidence-based approach that allows children to express thoughts, feelings, and experiences through play — their natural language. In a safe, supportive space, children use toys, art, imagination, and storytelling to explore big emotions, build self-regulation skills, and make sense of their world.

At wellbe, play therapy isn’t about fixing or correcting behaviour — it’s about understanding what your child is communicating and helping them feel seen, supported, and empowered - without needing them to have all the words.


who is play therapy helpful for?

 

Child-centred play therapy can support children who are experiencing:

  • anxiety or worry

  • emotional regulation challenges

  • big feelings, meltdowns, or withdrawal

  • neurodivergence (including ADHD and autism)

  • school stress or social challenges

  • changes in family dynamics (separation, new siblings, transitions)

  • difficulty expressing thoughts or emotions with words

It can be especially helpful for children who struggle to talk about what’s going on — or who don’t yet have the language to do so.

what does a session look like?

Each play therapy session is designed to feel safe, welcoming, and child-friendly.

Your child may choose to:

  • play with toys or figurines

  • draw, build, or create

  • use imaginative or pretend play

  • move their body or explore sensory materials

  • There’s no right or wrong way to play.

The therapist’s role is to create a consistent, trusting relationship — offering reflections, emotional support, and gentle guidance that help your child process feelings, practice self-regulation, and develop emotional resilience over time.

support for parents, too

We know that when a child is struggling, parents often feel worried, overwhelmed, or unsure how to help — and you don’t have to navigate that alone.

While play therapy sessions are centred on your child, our therapists also support parents through:

  • check-ins and parent sessions

  • guidance on understanding your child’s emotional world

  • tools and strategies to support regulation and communication at home

You’re an important part of your child’s support system, and we’re here to guide you, too.

our approach at wellbe

At wellbe, child-centred play therapy is part of a thoughtful, whole-child approach to mental health care.

We believe children thrive when they feel:

  • safe

  • understood

  • supported in age-appropriate ways

Our therapists meet children where they are, using evidence-based practices that respect each child’s unique personality, nervous system, and lived experience — while keeping therapy engaging, accessible, and even fun

 

finding the right therapist matters

Finding the right therapist for your child can feel overwhelming — but it makes all the difference.

That’s why we created our matching quiz to help guide you toward a therapist who fits your child’s needs, personality, and stage of development.

Take the quiz + find the right therapist for your child:

meet your team

your wellbe therapists

FAQs

If you have any questions about therapy for kids use our chat box, or contact us.

 
  • Play therapy is commonly used with children ages 3–12, but can be helpful for older children depending on their needs and comfort with expressive approaches.

  • Play is the therapy. Through play, children communicate feelings, process experiences, and practice emotional regulation in ways that feel natural and safe.

  • Every child is different. Some children benefit from short-term support, while others need longer-term care. Your therapist will regularly review progress and discuss next steps with you.

  • Yes. While sessions are child-centred, parents are an important part of the process. Therapists offer parent check-ins, guidance, and support to help reinforce emotional skills at home.

  • Play therapy can support children experiencing anxiety, emotional regulation challenges, neurodivergence, social difficulties, school stress, bullying, family changes, or difficulty expressing emotions.

  • Finding the right fit matters. Our matching quiz helps guide you toward a therapist who aligns with your child’s needs, personality, and stage of development.

    👉 take the quiz + find a therapist for your child: click here


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