Welcome to Red Deer Play Therapy

At Red Deer Play Therapy, we believe every child deserves a safe, supportive space to be seen, heard, and understood—especially when words are hard to find. Through the natural language of play, we help children explore big emotions, process life’s challenges, and build the inner tools they need to thrive.

In-Person services coming soon to Rocky Mountain House!

We're busy behind the scenes connecting with the Family Resource Network to bring play therapy services to Rocky Mountain House.

Please stay tuned for updates, or reach out to our team at 403-396-7529 or hello@reddeerplaytherapy.com

About Play Therapy

Play therapy creates a safe, developmentally-appropriate space where children can express what’s going on inside—without needing to put it into words. It’s not just play; it’s a research-backed therapeutic process that helps children explore their emotions, build coping skills, and process experiences they may not fully understand or be able to talk about yet.

Play therapy is a child-led and neurodivergent-affirming therapy.

Just like adults can benefit from talking to a therapist, kids can benefit from working through emotions and challenges with a trained professional—only, instead of talking, they use play, art, storytelling, and imagination.

"Play is the foundation of learning, creativity, self-expression, and constructive problem-solving. It's how children wrestle with life to make it meaningful."

Susan Linn

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages is play therapy suitable for?

Play therapy can be beneficial across the lifespan! Play therapy is a well-researched therapy model, and is most commonly used to support children aged 3 to 12. Play therapy can also be effective for teenagers (and adults!) depending on their individual needs and goals. Our play room is stocked with a rich variety of toys, instruments and art supplies to help children and teens express themselves, develop their skills, and meet their therapy goals.

What are your areas of focus?

Children and teens come to therapy for a variety of reasons, including:

Anxiety
Attachment
Anger management
Attention and focus
Behavioural concerns
Confidence and self esteem
Coping Skills
Depression
Emotional regulation
Family transitions (including separation, divorce, relocation/moving)
Grief and Loss
Identity Development
LGBTQIA2S+ issues
Relationships
Self-harm or Self-injury
Social skill development
Suicide ideation (thoughts of suicide)
Trauma

What toys and items are available?

Play therapy offers a non-verbal avenue for children to express feelings, thoughts, and experiences. The play therapist uses a variety of materials to help young people express themselves. Our play room is filled with a variety of:

Art Supplies
Board Games
Card Games
Dramatic Play Items
Miniatures
Musical Instruments
Puppets
Sand Tray
Sensory Tools
Toys

Items are chosen for their therapeutic value, and reflect the diversity of the young people we serve.

Do you offer assessment services?

No, the psychologist does not offer assessment or diagnostic services at this time, but provides therapeutic supports to individuals across the spectrums of neurodiversity.

If you're interested in assessment, we can support you in this process through making a referral to some fabulous colleagues through Greenberg Psychological Services or Gillespie Psychological Services