Healing Through Play: How Synergetic Play Therapy Supports Children’s Emotional Growth.
I am Juliana, a child registered psychologist and certified Synergetic Play Therapist. Synergetic Play Therapy (SPT) is a research-based approach to therapy that integrates neuroscience, attachment theory, and principles of play therapy. The essence of play therapy is rooted in the neuroscience of how children process emotions, develop self-awareness, and regulate their responses. This play therapy model emphasizes the importance of child-centered theory, recognizing that each child’s experience is unique and must be understood through their own perspective and lived experiences.
As a psychologist I guide children through play because children can express feelings that might be difficult to articulate, and Synergetic play therapy facilitates their ability to recognize how their nervous system affects their behaviors and emotions. A child may experience heightened stress responses or emotional dysregulation, and synergetic play therapy helps them learn to calm their nervous system through the therapeutic process. This provides children with skills to manage their emotions in real-world situations, which is critical for their long-term mental and emotional well-being.
Attachment Theory also plays a fundamental role in Synergetic Play Therapy. A secure attachment with a caregiver is essential for healthy emotional development, and SPT helps strengthen this bond by creating a safe, nurturing therapeutic environment. Children feel heard and validated, which builds trust in the therapist and helps them process past and current experiences that may have impacted their emotional development. In this way, the child’s attachment system is not only supported in therapy but also in how they reconnect and heal with their primary caregivers.
A significant element of Synergetic Play Therapy is the active involvement of parents in the therapeutic process of child therapy. While the child is in the playroom, I work to understand and support their emotional world. However, much of the healing and growth also happens outside the therapy room, in the home where parents are integral in the child’s ongoing development. I provide parent coaching to guide caregivers on how to support their child’s emotional and behavioral regulation at home. Parents are encouraged to reflect on their child’s progress, ask questions, and implement strategies learned during therapy. This partnership ensures that the child’s therapeutic work is reinforced and continues to flourish in everyday life. By integrating Synergetic Play Therapy, neuroscience, attachment theory, and active parent involvement, I create a holistic approach that promotes long-term emotional and behavioral health in child therapy.
Additionally, the provision of mental health and psychoeducational assessments in my practice not only inform treatment to families and schools by giving a detailed understanding of a child’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning, but also give insight and guide me to determine the best treatment approach tailored to the child’s needs. The assessment results help inform decisions about therapy techniques and interventions. It is important to note that, as a therapist, I adhere to ethical guidelines regarding dual relationships. This means that I cannot provide both assessment and therapy to the same child simultaneously. However, I can offer therapy after an assessment is completed or, if therapy is already in progress, we may pause the counseling process while the assessment takes place and resume therapy afterward. This ensures that the treatment process remains focused and unbiased, allowing for the most effective and ethical care.
If you’re looking for child therapy or psychological assessments for your child, I would love to work together to support their growth and well-being. Please feel free to book an appointment through WJW Counselling & Mediation or call 780-460-1037 to get started.
