Play Therapy in Stratford & Online Across Ontario
Helping Children Heal Through Play
When children are struggling, they don’t always have the words to explain what’s wrong—but their behaviour, body, and play often hold the truth.
Play Therapy creates a safe, developmentally appropriate space where kids can express emotions, process hard experiences, and build the tools they need to thrive.
At Reclaim & Rise, we offer a range of play-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Play Therapy and Synergetic Play Therapy, tailored to your child’s age, needs, and personality.
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a specialized form of therapy that uses play—the natural language of children—as the medium for emotional healing and growth.
Instead of relying solely on talking (which many kids can’t do effectively yet), trained therapists use games, art, movement, role-play, and storytelling to help kids:
Express feelings safely
Work through anxiety, anger, grief, or trauma
Build emotional regulation and coping skills
Improve communication and confidence
Strengthen connection with caregivers
Our Approach to Play Therapy
We blend different play-based modalities depending on your child’s age, preferences, and needs:
Cognitive Behavioural Play Therapy (CBPT)
CBPT adapts traditional CBT principles to a child’s world. Through games, puppets, and stories, children learn to identify unhelpful thoughts, develop new coping strategies, and shift behaviour patterns—all while feeling safe and engaged.
It’s especially helpful for:
Anxiety
OCD
Emotional regulation
Behavioural concerns
Self-esteem
Synergetic Play Therapy (SPT)
Synergetic Play Therapy combines neuroscience, attachment theory, and somatic awareness. It’s not just about “fixing” the child—it’s about helping them regulate through relationship, attunement, and presence.
This approach is ideal for:
Sensory sensitivity or emotional dysregulation
ADHD and high sensitivity
Developmental trauma
Nervous system overwhelm
Children who have experienced early relational disruptions
SPT focuses on helping children feel seen, safe, and regulated—while also supporting parents in understanding and co-regulating with their child.
What Ages is Play Therapy For?
Play therapy is typically most effective for children ages 4–12, but some approaches can be adapted for teens through creative expression, metaphor, and somatic techniques.
If your child is outside this age range, we can talk about what support might be most developmentally appropriate.
What Can Play Therapy Help With?
Play therapy is used to support a wide range of emotional, behavioural, and developmental concerns, including:
Anxiety and fears
Emotional outbursts or shutdown
Trauma or loss
School refusal or separation anxiety
Social difficulties
ADHD and sensory challenges
Big life transitions (divorce, moves, blended families)
Sleep or eating issues
Attachment and relational struggles
Even when kids can’t explain what’s wrong, play gives us a way in—and a way forward.
Why Choose Reclaim & Rise for Play Therapy?
At Reclaim & Rise, we don’t believe in cookie-cutter strategies. We honour each child’s pace, personality, and nervous system.
Our play therapists are trained in child development, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based interventions. But more importantly, they’re emotionally attuned, playful, and deeply committed to helping your child feel safe and understood.
We also partner with you, the parent or caregiver, to support connection and co-regulation at home. You’re not left on the sidelines—you’re part of the healing.
Give Your Child the Space to Be Fully Seen
If your child is struggling—and you’re feeling helpless, confused, or exhausted—you’re not a bad parent. And you’re not alone.
Play Therapy meets your child exactly where they are, using play to gently access what words can’t, and helping them build the tools to feel safer, calmer, and more in control.
Book your free consultation below. Let’s explore how we can support your child—and your family—together.