Can you relate?
Decades later, I can still remember being in grade one when my teacher handed each of us a brand-new pack of plasticine. There was something magical about it — the soft crinkle of the wrapper, the pastel colours lined up in neat rows, and of course, that unforgettable smell and squishy texture.
The chance to create something entirely new — something that had never existed before — felt full of possibility. But what stayed with me even more than the plasticine was my teacher’s warmth and genuine presence. I remember feeling safe, encouraged, and free to play without worrying about creating something perfect.
Those memories remind me why I use child-centred, play-based approaches in my counselling work.
Play isn’t just fun — it’s how children and youth naturally explore their emotions, build resilience, and discover their strengths.
In my sessions with children and adolescents, curiosity, creativity, and connection guide the process.
Through play, they find a bridge between thoughts and feelings — a space where growth, confidence, and understanding can emerge.
The Four Pillars of Play-Based Counselling:
• Safety & Trust: Children feel secure to explore and express themselves.
• Connection: Warm, attuned relationships support healing and resilience.
• Expression: Creative play helps communicate what words cannot.
• Empowerment: Children take an active role in learning, problem-solving, and self-discovery.
At Safe and Sound Family Counselling, I aim to create spaces where children feel seen, understood, and free to explore their inner world — through the wonder of play and the power of relationship.
Come play! Book today with Sharlene Hamilton, MPCCSharlene Hamilton
Grief • Neurodiversity • Relationships • LGBTQ+ • Spiritual Questioning
Contact Me
