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.

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 

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Behavioural and mental health disorders
  • Anxiety Disorders 
  • Intellectual Disabilities
  • Specific Learning Disorders/Disabilities 

To book or learn more about assessment processes:

Contact the Greenberg Admin team at 403-392-9247 

Contact Ricki-Lee Gillespie at 587-701-7647