Play Therapy for Children in Vancouver
At Eclipse Counselling and Family Services, we offer play therapy in Vancouver for children who are struggling emotionally, behaviourally, or socially. Children often experience big feelings before they have the words to explain them, and play therapy creates a safe, supportive space where those feelings can be expressed and understood.
Families across Vancouver come to us when traditional child counselling does not feel like the right fit. Play therapy meets children where they are and helps them work through challenges in a way that feels natural and non-threatening.
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses play as the primary form of communication. For children, play is language. Through toys, art, storytelling, sand tray therapy, and creative expression, children can explore thoughts and emotions they may not yet be able to talk about directly.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, play therapy allows children to process experiences at their own pace. A trained child counsellor observes themes, patterns, and emotional responses during play and gently supports growth, regulation, and healing.
Benefits of Play Therapy
Play therapy offers meaningful support for children by encouraging:
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Emotional expression in a safe environment
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Trauma processing and emotional regulation
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Behavioural improvements at home and school
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Social skill development and confidence-building
Many parents notice changes not only in behaviour, but also in how their child communicates, copes, and connects with others.
Issues We Address Through Play Therapy
Our child counselling services support a wide range of concerns, including:
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Behavioural issues
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Emotional regulation challenges
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Low self-confidence
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Social skills difficulties
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Parental divorce or separation
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Bullying and peer issues
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Anxiety, stress, and worry
Each child’s experience is unique, and play therapy allows treatment to be tailored to their specific needs.
What to Expect in a Play Therapy Session
A typical play therapy session lasts 50 minutes. Sessions may be structured or non-directive, depending on the needs of the child. Initial sessions will be focused on assessing the child’s strengths and challenges.
Parents are often involved at the beginning of therapy to discuss concerns and goals. Ongoing check-ins help ensure progress is supported both in sessions and at home. Depending on the child’s needs, parent sessions may be included alongside individual play therapy sessions.
Age Ranges We Serve
Play therapy is typically offered for children aged 4 to 12 years, depending on developmental needs and presenting concerns. If you are unsure whether play therapy is appropriate for your child, we are happy to discuss options during a consultation.
Play Therapy Techniques We Use
Our approach may include a combination of:
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Child-centred play therapy
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Directive play therapy
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Sand tray therapy
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Art and creative expression
Techniques are selected based on each child’s age, personality, and therapeutic goals.
Is Play Therapy Right for Your Child?
Play therapy may be helpful if your child is experiencing frequent emotional outbursts, withdrawal, anxiety, difficulty adjusting to change, or struggles following a family transition. If something feels “off” and your child cannot explain why, play therapy can provide a gentle path forward.
Rates and Booking
Play therapy sessions are billed at standard counselling rates. Many extended medical plans cover child counselling with a Registered Clinical Counsellor.
Families in Vancouver can book a free consultation to ask questions, discuss concerns, and explore whether play therapy is the right fit.
About Lynn Malbeuf's Play Therapy Training
Lynn Malbeuf is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with extensive experience working with children, adults, parents, and families. She has completed Foundation Play Therapy training through the Canadian Association of Play Therapy and brings a strong background in early childhood education, counselling, and family systems. Lynn also holds a Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education and an ECE License to Practice, including certificates in Infant/Toddler Education and Special Needs.
Serving Greater Vancouver
Eclipse Counselling is conveniently located to serve families throughout: