Relationship Therapy Centre
Play Therapy Mississauga
Helping kids express what they can’t always say out loud.
Regulate Emotions
Support your child in handling big feelings like anger, anxiety, and sadness without overwhelm.
Build Stronger Connections
Improve communication, empathy, and behaviour in a way that fits your child’s world.
Support Healing
Help your child explore their thoughts, needs, and experiences through creativity and play
“I know what I want, but I just don't know how to make it happen!”
You’ve tried the deep chats. The pep talks. The well-timed snack breaks. But when your child is overwhelmed or shut down, getting them to open up can feel impossible. And no matter how much you want to help, it’s hard to support them when you’re stuck guessing what’s really going on. You want them to be able to express what they are feeling and get the tools and support to help them navigate hard moments and heal what hurts.
That’s where play therapy comes in.
At Relationship Therapy Centre, we offer a safe, comfortable space where your child can express themselves naturally through play therapy.
Does This Sound Like Your Child?
- They’re having big feelings that they can’t explain
- Tantrums, meltdowns, or outbursts happen more than you'd like to admit
- They’ve become more withdrawn, anxious, or hard on themselves
- Changes at home or school (like divorce or bullying) seem to be hitting harder than expected
- You’re walking on eggshells, unsure how to respond without making things worse
- You know they’re struggling, but they won’t (or can’t) talk about it
Feelings can get big for your child, but they don’t have to be scary. We offer play therapy in Mississauga and virtually across Ontario, BC, and Alberta, to help your child make sense of their emotions one little step at a time.
Understanding Play Therapy
Every child has their own way of making sense of the world, and it’s not always through words.
Instead of asking kids to talk through things they might not fully understand yet, we give them space to express what’s going on through play. Whether it’s drawing, storytelling, role-play, or games, these creative outlets help kids process emotions, explore tricky experiences, and feel more in control.
Our approach is tailored to your child’s unique personality, strengths, and comfort level. As we get to know them, we’ll use a mix of evidence-based strategies to support emotional regulation, confidence, and communication skills in a way that feels natural and empowering for them. Through it all, we work closely with you, because supporting your child means supporting your family too.
Play Therapy Can Support:
Big Emotions
When worry, sadness, or anger feel too overwhelming, play gives kids a safe outlet to express and regulate what they’re feeling.
Communication & Behaviour
If your child has trouble listening, sharing, or connecting, play therapy helps build empathy, problem-solving, and emotional awareness in a way that feels natural.
Life Transitions
Changes like divorce, moving, or switching schools can be hard to process. Play therapy offers comfort, stability, and space to adjust.
Grief & Loss
When kids are coping with the death of a loved one or another kind of loss, play therapy can support their healing without forcing them to find the “right” words.
Stress From Bullying or Peer Challenges
If your child is struggling socially, play therapy helps them build self-worth and develop the confidence to navigate friendships more comfortably.
Inner Child Work (for Parents)
Sometimes, our child’s challenges mirror our own early experiences. Play-based approaches can help caregivers (or older children) connect with their own inner child and respond with more empathy and insight.
ADHD & Focus Issues
Play therapy can help children with ADHD develop emotional regulation, impulse control, and social skills in a setting that honours how they naturally learn and engage.
Anxiety
When anxiety shows up as tummy aches, sleep struggles, or avoidance, creative therapy helps kids face their fears with more tools and support.
Grow Confidence And Spark Brave, Playful Change.
We offer in-person play therapy in Mississauga, as well as online sessions across Ontario, BC, and Alberta.
Book online or contact us to get started. Not sure who to book with?
Click here to get matched with a therapist.
Relationship Therapy Centre
Why Work With Us
As humans, we have two fundamental needs; to be connected with ourselves, and to experience belonging with others.
When we shift our perspective from criticism, internally or externally, and turn to curiosity, we begin to create space for compassion, accountability, change, and growth.
At Relationship Therapy Centre:
- We have a diverse team of recognized therapists who reflect the wide range of our community in the areas we service. We offer therapy in several languages and lived BIPOC experiences.
- We are committed to providing personalized support with tools and resources tailored to your goals.
- We approach your care through a relational lens, recognizing the interconnected nature of our lives and the influence we have on one another.
- We can help you understand the origin of the challenges you face, and develop skills to address the problematic cycles that try to keep you in distress.
Therapists Who Offer Play Therapy
Our Approach
How Play Therapy Works
We Connect
We start with a parent-only session to hear what’s been going on, learn about your child’s strengths and challenges, and understand what matters most to your family. This helps us build a plan that feels supportive and aligned with your goals.
We Collaborate
Play becomes the language. Through games, art, stories, and imaginative play, your child can express what they’re feeling in ways that feel safe and natural to them. Sessions are co-created with you and your child, using playful tools that encourage emotional growth and coping skills.
We Grow
Before and after each session, we check in with you to ensure you feel supported and involved. Along the way, we’ll celebrate small wins, track progress, and offer tools you can use at home. The goal is to help your child grow more confident, connected, and emotionally equipped to take on life’s ups and downs.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any risks to play therapy or things I should watch out for?
Play therapy is designed to be gentle, safe, and supportive. But like any healing process, exploring tough feelings can sometimes bring up big emotions. Your child might show more sadness, frustration, or anxiety at first, or express things at home they haven’t before. They might even resist sessions early on as they adjust to this new space. All of this is normal. Your therapist will guide you through what to expect, help your child feel safe, and offer support for how to respond at home. With the right support, most children come out of play therapy feeling more confident and equipped to handle life’s challenges.
Do parents need to be involved?
Yes. Parent involvement is a key part of play therapy. You’ll have regular check-ins with your child’s therapist to talk about progress, learn what your child is expressing through play, and explore how to support their growth at home. The more connected therapy and home life feel, the more supported your child will be.
How do I know if my child needs play therapy?
If your child is having frequent emotional outbursts, feeling anxious or down, struggling with changes at school or at home, or having a hard time making friends, play therapy can help. It’s also a good fit if your child has physical complaints related to stress, like stomachaches or headaches, or if they seem overwhelmed by emotions and unsure how to express them.
What if my child doesn’t want to participate?
That’s totally normal! Many children feel unsure at first. Play therapy is designed to meet them where they are, using creativity and play to build comfort at their own pace. The sessions are child-led, so trust builds naturally. Most kids begin to feel safe and engaged once they see that therapy is a space just for them.
Can play therapy be done virtually, or does it need to be in person?
Both are possible. In-person sessions allow for a full playroom experience, where your child can explore a variety of toys and materials. But virtual play therapy can work really well too, especially for families who prefer staying home or have a hard time getting to appointments. Our therapists adapt activities to the online format and coach parents on how to support the process at home. The most important thing is finding the setup that works best for your child.
Is the therapist just going to be playing with my child?
Yes, the play therapist will be playing with your child, and ideally, you’ll be part of that too. But it’s not just about play for the sake of fun. The therapist is paying close attention to what your child gravitates toward, using developmentally appropriate activities to help them express emotions and experiences in a way that feels safe and natural.
Our therapists are trained to observe, reflect, and guide the play so it becomes a powerful tool for healing and growth. They look for patterns, help your child build awareness, and support both of you in developing new ways of understanding and connecting with each other.
That said, the work doesn’t only happen in the therapy room. As the parent, you play a key role too. We’ll help you make sense of what your child is communicating through play and give you tools to respond in ways that feel supportive and attuned at home.
How long will it take to feel better?
It depends on your child’s age, needs, and goals. Some kids feel better after just a few sessions, while others benefit from ongoing support over several months. We are committed to helping your child build emotional strength and skills that last, without rushing the process. Your therapist will work with you to set realistic goals and track progress along the way.
What You Can Expect From Play Therapy:
- Your child will learn how to name and manage emotions like anger, worry, or sadness.
- They practice simple strategies to feel calmer and in control during tough moments.
- As they grow new skills, their self-esteem and sense of security often get a boost.
- They start to trust themselves more, leading to braver choices at home and school.
- They will learn how to communicate in a natural, effective way.
- Their connection with family members often becomes stronger.
How To Get Started
Take the first step toward the change you desire
Offering in-person therapy in Mississauga. Virtual therapy sessions are available in Ontario, BC, and Alberta.
Book a Free 20-Minute Consultation
Make a connection with a therapist and see if they’re a good fit for you.
Get Matched
After answering a few questions, we will match you to a therapist that aligns with your needs.
Schedule An Appointment
Call Us
905-415-2647 Ext.0
Email Us
admin@relationshiptherapycentre.com
Blogs & Resources
Play Therapy in Mississauga & Across Canada
Let play do the talking when words are hard to find.
This is therapy that helps your child grow, play, and feel more like themselves again.