Transforming Lives Through Play

Welcome to Play Therapy Centre. Discover the power of play therapy with Monique Potgieter, a registered mental health social worker who also work with adolescents and adults.

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The Play Therapy Process

Play therapy is a unique approach that allows children to express themselves freely through play and interaction, helping them work through emotional and behavioral challenges in a way that traditional talk-based therapy may not be able to achieve.

Why Choose Play Therapy

Play therapy offers a safe and supportive environment for children to explore their emotions, develop coping skills, and improve communication with others. It is a highly effective method that can address a wide range of issues, including anxiety, aggression, ADHD, grief, and trauma.

The Benefits of Play Therapy

Through play therapy, children can enhance their self-confidence, learn problem-solving skills, and develop a better understanding of their own emotions. It promotes personal growth and helps children build resilience for the future.

Expertise and Care

At Play Therapy Centre, we provide specialized play therapy services for children and adolescents. We also provide counselling services for adults.

Child-Friendly Approaches for Therapy

Our therapists use exciting age-appropriate activities and toys to help children and adolescents express themselves and overcome emotional and behavioral challenges.

Supporting Your Child's Emotional Well-being

Our therapy services focus on addressing anxiety, mood difficulties, anger, mental health associated with neurodiversity (ASD & ADHD), grief & loss, self-confidence, sense of self trauma, and selective mutism. Our therapist is also ACC registered.

What to Expect During a Play Therapy Session

During play therapy, you can expect a safe and non-judgmental environment where a trained therapist uses play activities to help children express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences either in a non-directive or directive way. The therapist might observe the child's play, join in, or offer guidance and directives, depending on the child's needs and goals. Over time, the child may develop better coping skills, improve communication, and gain insights into their feelings and behaviours.

Therapy Options

Play Therapy
  • Child-centered and Gestalt Approach
  • Effective for various issues
  • Enhance emotional intelligence
  • Evidence-based results
  • Preferred option for ages 2-12 years
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Family Support
  • ​Involving families in a child’s therapy process
  • Holistic approach
  • Parent support sessions
  • Parent education sessions
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Counselling
  • Unique​ ​s​t​r​e​n​g​t​h​s​ ​a​n​d​ ​approaches​ ​t​o​ t​h​e​r​a​p​y​
  • P​r​o​vi​di​n​g​ individuals with​ ​v​a​l​u​a​b​l​e ​tools and perspectives to address
challenges
  • ​Versatile​ ​and​ widely​ ​u​s​e​d ​therapeutic approach
  • For adolescents and adults
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Skills Development Sessions
  • Safe environment for neurodiverse children
  • Increased confidence
  • T​ai​l​o​r​e​d​ one-on-one s​u​pp​o​r​t
  • E​n​h​a​n​ci​n​g​ ​s​o​ci​a​l​ ​s​k​il​l​s​, ​communication​,​ self-esteem and interpersonal 
relationships
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FAQs

Find answers to common questions about play therapy, what to expect, and how to prepare children for their session.

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What is play therapy?

Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy for children and adolescents, using play as a medium for communication. A trained therapist creates a safe environment where children express their thoughts and emotions through activities like drawing, storytelling, and role-playing. This helps them explore feelings, develop coping strategies, and improve emotional and social skills.

What are the Benefits of Play therapy?

Play therapy helps children express emotions, enhance communication skills, and develop problem-solving abilities. It improves emotional regulation, boosts self-esteem, and fosters healthy relationships. The therapy also aids in trauma processing, behavioral improvements, and cognitive development, accommodating diverse cultural backgrounds.

How long is a session?

​Therapy sessions are 45-60 minutes long, depending on the age of the client. T​h​e​ ​4​5​-​m​i​n​u​t​e​ ​d​u​r​a​t​i​o​n​ ​o​f​ ​c​h​i​l​d​r​e​n​'​s​ ​t​h​e​r​a​p​y​ ​s​e​s​si​o​n​​ ​i​s​ ​t​a​i​l​o​r​e​d​ ​t​o​ ​a​c​c​o​m​m​o​d​a​t​e​ ​t​h​e​i​r​
d​e​v​e​l​o​p​m​e​n​t​a​l​ ​n​e​e​d​s​,​ ​a​t​t​e​n​t​i​o​n​ ​s​p​a​n​,​ ​a​n​d​ ​e​m​o​t​i​o​n​a​l​ ​r​e​g​u​l​a​t​i​o​n​ ​a​b​i​l​i​t​i​e​s​,​ ​e​n​s​u​r​i​n​g​
​t​h​a​t​ ​t​h​e​r​a​p​y​ ​r​e​m​a​i​n​s​ ​e​f​f​e​c​t​i​v​e​,​ ​e​n​g​a​g​i​n​g​,​ ​a​n​d​ ​b​e​n​e​f​i​c​i​a​l​ ​f​o​r​ ​t​h​e​ ​client's ​w​e​l​l​-​b​e​i​n​g​ ​
a​n​d​ ​g​r​o​w​t​h​.

Is play therapy effective?

Yes, play therapy is effective for addressing emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. It offers a child-centered way for children to communicate and process experiences, build problem-solving skills, and develop a supportive therapeutic relationship.

How to prepare?

Explain play therapy in simple terms and reassure the child that it’s a safe, fun place to express themselves. Discuss what to expect during sessions, encourage questions, and normalize the process to reduce any fear or stigma. No specific preparation is needed for each session, but sometimes homework may be given. A social story can be provided upon request.