A Holistic Approach to Therapy
Play Therapy in Calgary
At Inspire Wellness Therapy, we understand that children often express themselves best through play. Our newly opened playroom at our North Calgary location is thoughtfully designed to provide a nurturing environment where children can explore their emotions, develop coping skills, and build resilience—all through the natural language of play.
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that leverages play to help children process experiences, express feelings, and navigate challenges. By engaging in activities like storytelling, art, and imaginative play, children can communicate in ways that feel safe and accessible to them. This method is particularly effective for children aged 3 to 12, but can also benefit older youth.
What is it for?
Play therapy can support children facing a variety of challenges, including:
• Anxiety, depression, or emotional regulation difficulties
• Grief and loss
• Trauma or abuse
• Family transitions such as divorce or relocation
• Behavioral concerns or social difficulties
• Developmental delays or neurodivergent needs (e.g., ADHD, ASD)
Through play, children can safely explore their feelings, develop problem-solving skills, and build confidence.
How it works
Play therapy creates a safe, supportive space where children can express thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to put into words. Through carefully selected toys, games, and creative activities, a trained therapist helps the child explore their inner world at their own pace
1. Building Trust & Safety
The therapist begins by creating a warm, welcoming relationship with the child, helping them feel safe and comfortable in the playroom.
2. Observation Through Play
As the child engages in play, the therapist observes their choices, behaviors, and emotional themes — which often reflect underlying concerns or needs.
3. Guided Exploration
Using a mix of non-directive (child-led) and directive (therapist-guided) techniques, the therapist helps the child explore feelings, develop coping skills, and practice problem-solving.
4. Emotional Expression & Processing
The child may reenact difficult experiences, express fears, or work through emotions using symbolic play, storytelling, or art. This helps them gain insight and relief.
5. Skill-Building & Growth
Over time, play therapy supports emotional regulation, social skills, communication, and confidence. Children begin to apply these new skills in everyday life.
6. Parental Involvement
Therapists often provide feedback and guidance to caregivers, helping reinforce progress and support the child’s growth at home.
What Are the Benefits of Play Therapy?
1. Emotional Expression & Healing
Play therapy gives children a safe space to express feelings they may not have words for — like sadness, fear, or anger — helping them process and heal from difficult experiences.
2. Improved Coping & Regulation
Through play, children learn to manage big emotions, reduce anxiety, and develop healthy coping strategies that they can use at home, at school, and in everyday life.
3. Stronger Social & Communication Skills
Play therapy supports the development of empathy, confidence, and connection with others. Children often improve their ability to relate, communicate, and problem-solve in social settings.
Ready to experience the transformational power of spiritual self-fulfillment therapy in person in Calgary or through telehealth? Contact Inspire Wellness Therapy today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a happier, healthier, and more fulfilled life.