At the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre, we use the power of play to help children heal and recover from trauma.
We understand that children who have experienced abuse or trauma often struggle with expressing their emotions and communicating their experiences. That’s where play therapy comes in – it allows children to express themselves in a safe and supportive environment, using toys, games, and other creative tools to explore their feelings and experiences.
What is Play therapy?
Play Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that is specifically designed for children. It is based on the idea that children have a natural tendency to play, and that through play, they can express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
During a Play Therapy session, the child works with a trained and certified Play Therapist, who provides a wide range of toys, games, and other creative tools to help the child explore their emotions and experiences. The therapist creates a safe and non-judgmental space for the child to play and express themselves, and may use techniques such as storytelling, role-playing, and art-making to help the child process their feelings and experiences.
Play Therapy is often used to help children who have experienced trauma or other difficult life experiences, such as abuse, neglect, or family conflicts. It can also be used to help children who are struggling with behavioural or emotional issues, such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD.
One of the key benefits of Play Therapy is that it allows children to communicate in a way that feels natural and comfortable to them. Children may not have the language or cognitive abilities to express themselves verbally, but through play, they can communicate their emotions and experiences in a way that is meaningful and therapeutic.
Overall, Play Therapy is a powerful tool for helping children heal from trauma and other difficult experiences, and for promoting emotional growth and resilience.
Is Play Therapy right for my child?
Our team of trained and certified play therapists works closely with each child to create a personalized treatment plan, based on their unique needs and experiences. Our play therapy sessions are designed to be fun and engaging, while also promoting healing and growth.
Our program is available at no charge to children who have been through the investigation process and are referred directly to the Centre by Niagara Regional Police and Family and Children’s Services Niagara. We work closely with these agencies to ensure that each child receives the support and care they need.
Additionally, a limited number of spaces are available to the broader community on a fee for service basis.
If you believe that your child could benefit from play therapy, please contact us to learn more about our program and how we can help. We are committed to helping children heal from trauma and move towards a brighter, more hopeful future.