All About Counselling for Kids (Play Therapy!)

Earlier this year, Shine started offering kids counselling with Amanda (she/her), RCC. Since then she has been supporting many kids with their mental health and emotional regulation goals.

Counselling through play therapy offers many benefits to young kids. Play therapy allows the child to express what is happening in their world and mind through a safe and fun outlet. There are minimal demands placed on the child during play therapy and this can help calm anxieties.

Amanda prioritizes building a secure and affirming connection with each child coming in for therapy. Having access to a safe space and connection can help to regulate emotions.

Along with Amanda's kind and caring nature, Shine Therapy Services is also unique in that the kids have access to both a private treatment room and a shared play gym! This is great if they need to take movement breaks and regulate their bodies in a bigger space.

Some of the conditions or circumstances Amanda can support with include:

• Neurodiversity affirming play therapy for ADHD and autism (Amanda is PDA aware and sees both speaking and non-speaking kiddos).

• Big life transitions such as transitioning to kindergarten, parent separation, addition of a new family member, loss of a family member (including pets!)

• Separation anxiety

• Experiences of trauma

• Depression

• Generalized anxiety

• Poor self esteem

Amanda loves supporting kids to be their most authentic self and develop strategies to thrive in this sometimes crazy world we live in! If you're interested in play therapy- Amanda is accepting new clients!