Play-Based & Creative Therapy in Calgary
Go Beyond Ten — Where Expression Comes Before Explanation
Children don’t always have the words for what they feel — but they always have ways to show it.
At Ten Psychology, play-based and creative therapy offers children and teens a safe, natural way to express emotions, process experiences, and build confidence through curiosity, imagination, and connection.
Therapy here doesn’t rush insight.
It invites it — through play, art, movement, and creativity.
“With creativity comes calm. New pathways emerge.”
Understanding Play-Based & Creative Therapy — When Words Aren’t Enough
Play is a child’s first language. Through play, children explore relationships, rehearse challenges, and make sense of their inner world.
Creative therapy uses tools like drawing, storytelling, games, and imaginative play to help children express emotions they may not yet understand — or feel safe saying out loud.
This approach is especially helpful when children are experiencing:
Anxiety, worry, or big emotions
Emotional shutdowns or meltdowns
Difficulty talking about feelings
Changes or transitions (school, family, friendships)
Trauma, loss, or stress
Social or confidence challenges
Rather than asking children to explain what’s wrong, therapy meets them where they are — allowing understanding to unfold naturally.
How Play-Based & Creative Therapy Works at Ten Psychology
At Ten, play-based therapy is intentional, structured, and grounded in emotional safety — while still feeling light, engaging, and child-led.
Our psychologists observe how children play, create, and interact — gently guiding moments of insight, regulation, and skill-building along the way.
Sessions may include:
Symbolic play and imaginative storytelling
Art, drawing, and creative expression
Games that support emotional regulation and problem-solving
Movement-based activities for grounding and focus
Gentle conversation woven into play
Each session balances freedom with structure — helping children feel safe enough to explore and strong enough to grow.
“With curiosity comes confidence. Clear skies ahead.”
What Children Learn Through Play-Based Therapy
Through creativity and connection, children begin to understand themselves more clearly.
They learn how to:
Recognize and express emotions safely
Calm their bodies when feelings feel “too big”
Build flexibility, patience, and frustration tolerance
Strengthen confidence and self-esteem
Improve social understanding and communication
Develop problem-solving and coping skills
Over time, play becomes a bridge — from confusion to clarity, from overwhelm to confidence.
Creative Therapy for Teens — Expression, Identity & Self-Trust
Teens may not always want to “just talk.” Creative therapy offers an alternative — a way to process emotions without pressure, performance, or over-explanation.
For teens, sessions may include:
Art, journaling, or visual expression
Metaphor-based conversations
Creative problem-solving tools
Movement, grounding, or hands-on activities
This approach is especially helpful for teens navigating anxiety, perfectionism, identity exploration, or emotional shutdown.
Parent Collaboration — Carrying Therapy Home
Play-based therapy is most effective when parents understand the language of play.
At Ten, parents are part of the process. We help you recognize what your child’s play is communicating and how to support emotional growth between sessions.
Parent support may include:
Understanding emotional themes that emerge in play
Learning calming and regulation strategies for home
Supporting transitions and routines
Encouraging confidence without pressure
When parents and therapists work together, children feel safer — and progress lasts longer.
→ Learn more about Parent Counselling in Calgary for additional guidance and coaching.
A Space Designed for Creativity & Calm
Our Bridgeland clinic was intentionally designed to invite curiosity — open rooms, soft light, creative materials, and space to move freely.
Children are welcome to sit, stand, draw, play, imagine, or explore — whatever helps them connect best. There is no “right” way to be in therapy here.
For younger children (ages 3–7), we collaborate closely with our sister clinic Creative Sky Psychology, which specializes in early childhood play therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Play-based therapy is most commonly used with children ages 5–12, though creative methods can support teens as well.
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That’s okay — talking isn’t required. Play and creativity allow expression without pressure.
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Parent involvement varies by age and need. We always include parent guidance so strategies continue at home.
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Many families notice changes within a few months, especially when skills are practiced consistently.
Why Families Choose Ten for Play-Based Therapy
Boutique, family-focused clinic in Bridgeland / East Calgary
Psychologists trained in play-based and creative approaches
Child-led, developmentally informed care
Strong parent collaboration and guidance
In-person sessions in Calgary + secure online therapy across Alberta
No waitlist — start when you’re ready
Beyond Ten. Into Possibility.
Ten Child Psychology
172 9 St NE, Calgary AB T2E 4H2
📞 403-727-7473
Just off Deerfoot Trail — easily accessible from Inglewood, Riverbend, Crescent Heights, Tuxedo Park, Hillhurst, Quarry Park, Douglasdale, Cranston, Auburn Bay, Mahogany, and Seton.
We also offer secure online therapy for families across Alberta.
