Play therapy for children in Penticton and the South Okanagan
Play is a child’s first language. In a room set up for them, with an adult who isn’t hurrying them anywhere, children show what they can’t yet say, and then, slowly, it starts to change shape.
Ages 3 to 12, mostly
Most of the children I see are between 3 and 12. I sometimes work with older children when play, art, and conversation are a good fit — if you’re unsure, send me a note and we can decide together.
Neurodivergent kids welcome
I’m a Certified AutPlay® Therapy Provider, which is play-based and neurodiversity-affirming.
Parents are part of the picture
You’ll have space to share what’s been happening, ask questions, and stay close to the work as it develops.
It’s quieter than it looks
From the doorway it can look like an hour of playing. What’s actually happening is that a child is testing whether this room, and this adult, can hold something difficult without flinching, and finding out that they can.
Your child leads, and I follow. Much of my advanced training in Synergetic Play Therapy comes down to one skill: staying calm and steady while a child moves through something big, so their nervous system can borrow that steadiness until it becomes their own.
What you can expect
Every child and family comes to therapy differently. There’s no fixed programme and no set number of sessions; I take time to understand what’s been happening, what you’ve already tried, and what you hope might change.
We’ll meet or talk before any work with your child starts, usually a first session with parents or caregivers, so I can understand what’s been happening and you can hear how I work. When your child does begin in the playroom, sessions may hold play, art, creativity, and conversation, and the balance depends on their age, personality, and way of communicating. I follow their lead.
You stay an important part of the picture throughout, with regular check-ins about what’s emerging, what may help at home, and whether continuing still makes sense.
Once I’ve heard a little about your situation, I can say more about what’s likely to help your family.
What children bring here
- Anxiety, worry, stomach aches
- A dysregulated nervous system
- Separation, divorce, a new home
- Grief and loss
- Friendship struggles and school refusal
- Sleep that has fallen apart
- Frightening or traumatic events
- Being overwhelmed by a loud world
$150 per 50 minutes for a child, and $175 for family or parent sessions. Twenty-four hours’ notice to change a time.
Most extended-health plans cover counselling with an RCC, Autism Funding can be used here, and I’m registered with CVAP.
In person in Penticton, or securely online anywhere in British Columbia.
When you’re ready, start small
A short note about your child is a fine first step, and it commits you to nothing. If you’d rather talk it through, we can set up a free 15-minute call.