THE POWER OF PLAY: Supporting Kids Mental Health with Play Therapy
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month and Mental Health Week (May 5–11, 2025)
May is Mental Health Awareness Month in Canada—a time to reflect on how we care for mental health at every age!
As we kick off Mental Health Week (May 5–11), it’s the perfect time to talk about one of the most meaningful and developmentally appropriate ways we support children at CARE Psychology: play therapy.
If you’ve ever watched a child lost in imaginative play, you know it’s more than just fun. Play is how children process their world, explore emotions, and express what they might not have the words to say. For many children, it’s still their most natural and accessible form of communication.
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is an evidence-based, developmentally sensitive approach that helps children express themselves through play, creativity, and movement. With the guidance of a trained play therapist, children are invited to explore their thoughts and experiences using tools like sand, toys, art, games, puppets, storytelling, and role-play.
At CARE Psychology, our play therapy areas are thoughtfully integrated into warm, welcoming therapy rooms. Each space includes room to play, spots to relax, and options for creative expression—from a cupboard filled with thoughtfully selected toys to cozy couches for art and games. Whether a child needs to move, curl up, or quietly create, the space is designed to offered what they need most.
How Does It Help?
Play therapy can help children, teens—and really, people of any age—express and process what they might not be able to say out loud. Through play, they can explore feelings, make sense of experiences, and begin to heal in ways that feel natural, creative, and safe.
It can support:
Giving shape to emotions that are hard to name
Working through experiences that feel too big or confusing to talk about
Exploring feelings and stories that may not surface in conversation
Building emotional regulation, coping skills, and resilience
Strengthening social confidence and relationships
Reframe unhelpful thoughts and build self-esteem
Navigating anxiety, grief, trauma, or major life changes
A Thoughtful, Relationship-Based Approach
Our play therapy team uses multiple models and approaches, adjusting each session to meet the individual needs of the child. Every session is grounded in connection, safety, and trust—because meaningful growth happens within a supportive relationship.
Healing can happen in a sandtray, with a puppet, through art, or in a quiet conversation while playing a game. Sometimes it looks like laughter. Sometimes it looks like tears. And often, it begins in a space where a child or teen feels free to be themselves.
Our Play Therapy Team
Dr. Crystal Dittrick is a Registered Psychologist, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, and Certified Play Therapist Supervisor. She supports children through play therapy and also mentors developing play therapists.
Kristina Jelinkova (above) and Dr. Cristina Fernandez Conde (below) are both trained in play therapy and bring warmth, creativity, and skill to their work with children and families. They are currently working toward their play therapist designation with the supervision and support of Dr. Crystal.
Wondering If Play Therapy Might Help?
If your child has been struggling with worry, big emotions, peer difficulties, or a life transition, play therapy can be a gentle, effective way to support them. We are here to help you explore whether this approach might be a good fit for your child and your family.
Contact us to book a complimentary consultation—we’ll help you connect with the right member of our team.
Please join us during Mental Health Week 2025 on May 10, 2025 for the grand opening of our new space!
Kind Regards,
Dr. Crystal
CARE Psychology
