Play Therapy Calgary
When something is wrong, children rarely say so directly. Instead they act out, withdraw, stop sleeping, or start clinging. They don’t have the words yet — but they do have play.
Play therapy is a research-backed form of psychotherapy that uses a child’s natural language — play, art, sandtray, and creative expression — to help them process emotions, work through difficult experiences, and build the coping skills they need to thrive. At Solasta, our registered psychologists and therapists offer child-centred play therapy in Calgary for children aged 3 and up.
No referral is required. A free 15-minute consultation is available to help you find the right fit.
How Play Therapy Works
Children experience the world differently from adults. When they’re overwhelmed, scared, or confused, they often can’t name what’s happening — let alone talk about it. Play is how children make sense of their experiences, rehearse difficult situations, and communicate what they can’t yet put into words.
In play therapy, a trained therapist creates a safe, structured space where children can use toys, art materials, sandtray, puppets, games, and creative activities to express themselves at their own pace. The therapist observes, follows the child’s lead, and gently guides the process — building trust and helping the child work through what’s troubling them without forcing direct conversation.
Parents are kept informed throughout. You’ll receive regular updates on themes and progress, along with practical strategies to support your child at home.
What Play Therapy Can Help With
Play therapy is effective for a wide range of emotional, behavioural, and developmental concerns in children. Common reasons families seek play therapy at Solasta include:
Anxiety and worry
Children who are anxious often struggle to explain why — they just know something feels wrong. Play therapy gives anxious children a way to externalise their fears, explore what’s driving them, and practise coping strategies in a safe, low-pressure environment.
Trauma and abuse
When a child has experienced something frightening — abuse, neglect, witnessing violence, or a traumatic accident — play becomes a way to process the experience safely. Symbolic play allows children to revisit and gradually make sense of events without being forced into direct disclosure.
Divorce and family transitions
Major family changes — separation, remarriage, moving, a new sibling — can leave children feeling insecure, confused, or caught in the middle. Play therapy provides a neutral space to process these changes and regain a sense of stability.
ADHD, autism, and neurodivergent children
Play-based approaches are particularly well-suited to neurodivergent children who may not respond to traditional talk therapy. Sessions can be adapted to meet each child’s sensory, communication, and developmental needs.
Grief and loss
Children grieve differently from adults. They may seem fine one moment and distressed the next, or express grief through behaviour rather than tears. Play therapy gives grieving children a place to explore loss at their own pace and develop language for what they’re feeling.
Behavioural challenges
Acting out, aggression, defiance, and emotional outbursts are often signals that a child is struggling to regulate emotions they don’t understand. Play therapy helps children identify what’s underneath the behaviour and develop healthier ways to express and manage their feelings.
Social difficulties and peer relationships
Children who struggle to make friends, read social cues, or navigate conflict with peers can use play therapy to practise social interactions and build the skills they need to connect with others.
School refusal and performance anxiety
Children who resist school or experience significant anxiety around academic performance can benefit from play therapy that addresses the underlying fears and builds resilience and confidence.
What to Expect in Play Therapy at Solasta
When you bring your child to Solasta Counselling for play therapy Calgary, here’s what you can expect:
A Safe Space for Your Child
Parental Involvement
Child-Centered Therapy
Progress Monitoring
Comprehensive Support Through Therapy
We involve parents by offering guidance and updates on your child’s progress, ensuring they are supported both in therapy and at home.
What to Expect From Play Therapy at Solasta
Play therapy Calgary offers children a safe and engaging way to explore their emotions and work through challenges.
Initial consultation
We begin with a free 15-minute consultation to understand your concerns and match your child with the right therapist. This is a chance to ask questions and get a sense of whether Solasta is the right fit.
First session — parent intake
Before your child’s first session, we meet with parents to gather developmental history, understand the concerns that brought you in, and set goals for therapy. Your knowledge of your child is essential.
Play therapy sessions
Sessions are 50 minutes and take place in a warm, child-friendly space equipped with art materials, sandtray, puppets, toys, and games. Your child leads. The therapist observes, builds trust, and gently facilitates the therapeutic work.
Parent involvement and updates
Parents are active partners in play therapy. You’ll receive regular updates on progress and themes — not word-for-word accounts of sessions, but meaningful insight into what your child is working through and how to support them at home.
How long does play therapy take?
This depends on your child’s needs. Some children make meaningful progress in 8–12 sessions. Others, particularly those working through trauma or complex developmental concerns, benefit from longer-term work. Your therapist will give you a realistic estimate and review progress regularly.
Types of Play Therapy We Use
Our therapists draw on several evidence-based play therapy approaches depending on your child’s age, needs, and presenting concerns:
Child-centred play therapy (CCPT)
The most widely used play therapy model. The therapist follows the child’s lead completely, creating unconditional acceptance and a safe space for the child to direct their own healing process. CCPT is particularly effective for children dealing with anxiety, trauma, and attachment difficulties.
Cognitive-behavioural play therapy (CBPT)
Combines play with structured cognitive-behavioural strategies to help children identify and change unhelpful thought patterns. Often used with anxious or traumatised children, CBPT introduces coping skills and emotional regulation tools in a format that feels natural and engaging rather than clinical.
Sandtray therapy
Children use miniature figures and objects in a tray of sand to create scenes that represent their inner world. This approach is particularly effective for children who are non-verbal or who find direct communication difficult, and can reveal emotional material that a child may not be able to access through words alone.
Synergetic play therapy (SPT)
A neuroscience-informed approach that integrates attachment theory, mindfulness, and nervous system regulation into the play therapy process. SPT focuses on the therapeutic relationship as the primary mechanism of change — helping children develop self-regulation, emotional awareness, and secure attachment through attuned, playful interaction with the therapist.
Art therapy
Drawing, painting, and other art-based activities give children a way to express emotions visually — particularly useful for children who are reluctant to talk or who process experiences better through creative expression. Art therapy can also help children develop a sense of mastery and accomplishment.
Narrative play therapy
Children are natural storytellers. Narrative play therapy uses storytelling, puppets, and imaginative play to help children externalise their problems — separating the difficulty from their sense of self — and rewrite their story in a way that builds agency and resilience. This approach is particularly effective for children who have experienced trauma, loss, or significant life transitions.
Why Choose Solasta for Play Therapy Calgary?
Our therapists are experienced in working with children and use a variety of play-based techniques to help them express themselves and heal from emotional challenges.
CAP
All of our psychologists are registered with the College of Alberta Psychologist.
PAA
Many of our psychologists are members of the Psychology Association of Alberta.
CCPA
Many of our psychologists are members of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
Therapists Specializing in Play Therapy
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Our Calgary Office Space
Our thoughtfully designed counselling spaces are crafted to create a warm, welcoming environment where you can feel completely at ease.
Get Started With Solasta in Three Easy Steps
Find Your Therapist
Book Online
Choose a date and time that fits your schedule and receive instant confirmation of your appointment.
In-person or Online
Visit our welcoming Calgary office or meet with your therapist online from the comfort of your home.
FAQs
What age is play therapy suitable for?
Play therapy is most commonly used with children aged 3 to 12, though it can be adapted for older children and teens. Our therapists tailor the approach to each child’s developmental level and communication style.
Does my child need to have a diagnosis to access play therapy?
No. Many children benefit from play therapy without a formal diagnosis. If your child is struggling emotionally or behaviourally, that’s enough reason to reach out.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required. You can contact us directly to book a consultation.
What happens if my child doesn't want to play?
This is common, especially early in therapy. Our therapists are experienced in building rapport with reluctant children — the room is designed to be inviting, and there’s no pressure. Most children warm up within the first few sessions.
Can parents observe sessions?
Generally sessions work best when children have private time with their therapist — this builds the trust and safety that makes the work possible. However parents receive regular updates and are involved in the overall process.
Is play therapy covered by insurance?
Yes — sessions with registered psychologists and registered provisional psychologists are covered by most extended health benefit plans. Check with your provider for specific coverage details.