At One Tree Psychological and Therapeutic Services, we provide specialized play therapy for children in Edmonton and the surrounding Alberta region. Whether your child is navigating emotional challenges, trauma, behaviour concerns or simply needs a safe space to express themselves, our experienced team offers tailored support through the natural language of play.
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a child-centred therapeutic approach that uses play, toys, art, games and imaginative activities, as a medium for children to express feelings, explore experiences and build coping skills. Because children often communicate through play rather than words, this method allows therapists to connect with them in a meaningful, age-appropriate way.
While traditionally focused on children, play therapy can also benefit adults with trauma or developmental challenges who may find it easier to express themselves non-verbally.
Who Can Benefit?
Play therapy may be a good fit if your child:
- Struggles with anxiety, sadness, or behavioural changes.
- Has experienced a major transition (such as separation, relocation, loss) and finds it hard to verbalize what they feel.
- Displays challenging behaviour at home or school and you’d like to understand the underlying causes.
- Needs help developing emotional awareness, self-regulation, or social skills.
- Would benefit from a safe, creative space rather than traditional talk-therapy alone.
Our Approach
In our Edmonton-area clinic, we tailor each play therapy session to your child’s needs, development, and pace. We use approaches that may include:
- Non-directive play therapy – letting the child lead and express freely under guided containment.
- Directive play techniques – when structured activities help children address specific challenges.
- Parent-/caregiver-involvement – because research shows play therapy works best when trusted adults are part of the process.
- Regular check-in with parents/caregivers about progress, goals, and how to support the child outside the therapy room.
What to Expect in Your First Session
Your first visit will be introduction and discussion with you (the parent/caregiver) about what brings you in. Your child will not attend this first session. The following sessions will be with your child where they can begin to explore the playroom. Over time, a child begins to feel safe enough to express their inner world through play, which allows the therapist to gain insight into their emotional struggles.We’ll observe, guide gently, and at the end share insights and next steps. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how this process supports your child and ways you can reinforce progress at home.
How to Get Started
- Book your free 15-minute consultation to see if play therapy is right for your child.
- Contact us at (780) 886-5471 or complete our Best Fit Form.
- We accept direct payment and many major insurance plans.
- Ready when you are, let’s help your child express, grow and thrive.
Choosing play therapy is a powerful step in helping your child feel seen, heard and emotionally safe. If you’re ready to explore this journey, we’d be honoured to walk with you and your family.
Check out our clinicians who use play therapy in Edmonton: Brittney, Melanie, Christianne and Danyelle.