Play and Expressive Therapy
Play therapy and expressive arts can help you to express your perspective, feelings, and emotions through play, art, sand, movement, and drama. Sometimes, it can be difficult for us to fully express ourselves through words. Dr. Crystal Dittrick at CARE Psychology is one of the only registered play therapists in Airdrie, Alberta.
Play Therapy
Play is our first language. Just as adults use words to communicate, children use play to connect and express themselves, which can be a great tool to use in therapy. Play Therapy allows children and youth to communicate the thoughts and feelings they have that might otherwise remain hidden in traditional talk therapy.
Play Therapy is a therapeutic approach based on developmental principles and can be a powerful tool for treating cognitive, behavioural, social, and emotional challenges. Play can help children and youth to express their concerns, process their experiences, work through particular problems, and develop more effective strategies to manage their world.
Expressive Therapy
Research suggests Play Therapy is an effective treatment approach regardless of age. With Expressive Therapy, we can use the principles and techniques of Play Therapy’s creative modalities, such as sand tray, art, drama, movement, and music to facilitate healing.
PLAY AND EXPRESSIVE THERAPY MAY ADDRESS A VARIETY OF TOPICS AND CONCERNS INCLUDING:
Anxiety and Worry
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity
Bullying
Depression and Sadness
Divorce
Eating Disorders
Externalizing Behaviours
Grief and Loss
Identity
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Panic
Performance Anxiety
Phobias
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Relationships and Interpersonal Conflict
Self-esteem
Self-injury
Stress-related issues
Trauma
Violence and Abuse
and other mental health concerns
Ready to book a consultation?
"ENTER INTO A CHILD'S PLAY AND YOU WILL FIND THE PLACE WHERE THEIR MINDS, HEARTS, AND SOULS MEET."
VIRGINIA AXLINE