Play Therapy & Child Counselling

Child anxious, angry or withdrawn? Play therapy in Centurion & Middelburg with a registered Educational Psychologist. Gentle support for anxiety & trauma.

Maybe it started with a note from the teacher. Or a growing list of battles at home: the meltdowns that seem bigger than the trigger, the silence at the dinner table, the tears that come out of nowhere. Children don’t always have the words to express what’s inside, but they always find a way to show it.

Our therapy services, from specialized play therapy for younger children to individual counselling for older kids and teens, help children work through feelings, behaviors, and life changes in ways that feel right for them. As a registered Educational Psychologist (HPCSA Reg. No: PS 0158127), Ronita matches the approach to your child’s age, temperament and unique needs.

What we address

We help with:

• Anxiety, fears, and phobias: if your child carries worry as physical tension (tummy aches, headaches, restlessness), TRE (Tension & Trauma Release Exercises) can help, and our post on the Havening technique for exam stress explains another body-aware approach families ask about
• Anger, behavioral struggles, acting out
• Grief, loss, major life transitions (divorce, relocation)
• Social challenges like bullying or friendship struggles
• Self-esteem, identity issues, emotional regulation

If behavioral or learning issues are present, a psychoeducational assessment can help identify underlying learning difficulties that may be contributing to emotional challenges.

Why play? (And why it works)

A child’s job is to play, and play is how children think. Long before they have the words, children work through what’s happening inside them through toys, art, and stories, the same way adults use conversation. A child who can’t say “I’m scared about the fighting at home” will show it in a family of dolls, build it in the sand tray, or act it out with puppets.

In a play therapy session, I follow your child’s lead. The playroom becomes their space, and I join them in it, observing, gently naming what I notice (“it looks like the bear is really angry”), and helping them make sense of their own story. Nothing your child does in the playroom is wrong: anger can be pounded out safely, fears can be locked in boxes, and hard endings can be played again and again until they feel manageable.

That’s what makes play therapy different from being told to behave or cheer up. Your child learns to notice feelings, express them, and cope with them, and those skills stay useful long after therapy ends.

What happens in a session

For younger children, sessions run 45-50 minutes and happen weekly in the same child-friendly room, so the space comes to feel like theirs. A typical session starts with a calm handover at the door: your child walks in, you settle in the waiting area, and we wind down the same way at the end so the transition home isn’t jarring.

Inside, the playroom is deliberately simple: sand trays, puppets, art materials, and toys that invite rather than overwhelm. Some children dive straight into the sand tray; others draw for the whole session. There’s no script. Over the weeks, patterns emerge: themes your child returns to, feelings they’re finally ready to touch. That’s where the real work happens.

Older children and teens use the space differently: more conversation, more games, more art and journaling, and tools like cognitive strategies when they’re ready for them. Sessions for this age group run 50-60 minutes.

I also keep in touch with you through periodic feedback conversations, sharing themes and progress (while protecting your child’s confidentiality) and practical ways to support things at home. You’re a partner in this process, not a bystander.

Play therapy for younger children

Through play, storytelling, puppets, art, and sand trays, children express what they can’t say. The therapist observes, guides, and gently helps them explore emotions, conflicts, or memories in a safe way. Over time, this helps them process feelings, build coping skills, and feel more integrated.

For a young child, the play itself is the healing. Being heard in the playroom, having a grown-up take their play seriously without judgement, is often the first time a child feels understood from the inside out.

Therapy for older children & teens

We adapt. Therapy may involve talking, expressive techniques (journaling, art, games), or tools like cognitive strategies, depending on what resonates with your child. The goal is the same: to help them understand themselves, feel less overwhelmed, and grow stronger emotionally.

Teens especially are carrying a tangle: school pressure, friendships, identity, and the looming question of what comes next. A teen may start sessions with shrugs and one-word answers; given time and a space that isn’t trying to fix or judge them, they usually find their voice. Where anxiety is tangled up with the future, around subject choices and post-matric decisions, our career guidance services help turn that uncertainty into a clearer path, while counselling provides the emotional support alongside it.

Signs your child might benefit from therapy

Parents usually reach out because something has shifted. Common signs include:

• Persistent worry or fears: trouble sleeping, clinging, a constant stream of “what if” questions
• Anger or acting out that seems bigger than the situation: tantrums that don’t match the trigger, aggression at home or school
• Withdrawal: a sociable child who stops playing with friends, a talkative child who goes quiet
• Regression: bedwetting, baby talk, or losing skills they had already mastered
• Big life changes: divorce, a new sibling, moving house, the death of a loved one, starting a new school
• School struggles: refusing to go, falling behind, complaints of being bullied

None of these on its own means therapy is needed. But if the pattern has lasted a few weeks and is getting in the way of everyday life, it’s time to talk. Early support is gentler and more effective than waiting until a problem has become entrenched.

How to prepare your child for the first session

The best preparation is honest and light. Tell your child they’re going to meet someone who helps children with big feelings, and that it’s a place where they can play. There are no tests, no right answers, and they won’t be in trouble. Avoid framing it as a punishment, a check-up, or a reward for good behaviour.

You don’t need to explain every detail. Keeping it simple lets your child form their own first impression. After the session, resist the interrogation: “what did you do?” is fine, but “did you tell her about the dream?” pushes. Children open up in their own time. I’ll share with you how it went, and together we’ll find a rhythm that works for your family.

What to expect

Therapy starts with a parent intake meeting, so I can understand your child’s story, your concerns, and your goals. Everything is confidential unless there’s imminent risk, and we adhere strictly to professional ethics and legal guidelines.

Why us

You want someone who sees your child as a whole person. Ronita combines credentials with empathy. Our therapy spaces are welcoming and child-friendly, not clinical or intimidating. If, during therapy, we feel your child needs specialist attention (e.g. psychiatric assessment, educational assessment, or occupational therapy), we will guide you to trusted professionals. If you are not sure which of those to approach first, our guide to choosing between an occupational therapist, Educational Psychologist and psychiatrist explains the difference.

Related Support

These services may also be relevant:

• Psychoeducational Assessment: If learning or attention difficulties may be driving the emotional struggles, an assessment gives the full picture
• TRE Therapy (Tension & Trauma Release): For children holding physical tension from anxiety or difficult experiences
• Career Guidance & Subject Choice: When teen anxiety is tangled up with questions about the future

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does therapy take?

Therapy duration varies widely depending on the issue and child. Some concerns may resolve in 6-10 sessions, while deeper issues (trauma, grief, complex anxiety) may take several months. We review progress regularly and adjust as needed, and I’ll share what I’m seeing along the way. Every child’s pace differs: some families notice early changes within the first few weeks, others see growth build more gradually.

How long is each session?

Play therapy sessions for younger children (ages 4-10) typically last 45-50 minutes. Sessions for older children and teens may be 50-60 minutes. We keep sessions appropriately paced so children don’t feel overwhelmed.

How much does therapy cost in South Africa?

We understand therapy is an investment, and we work with families to find sustainable arrangements.

Does medical aid cover play therapy?

Many medical aids cover therapy under Mental Health or Psychology benefits (PMBs). Coverage depends on your specific plan and available benefits. We’re registered with HPCSA and provide invoices with proper ICD-10 codes for submission. Check your scheme’s annual limits and authorization requirements.

Will you tell me everything my child says?

Therapy requires confidentiality to build trust. We share general themes, progress updates, and anything you need to know to support your child at home. However, specific session details remain private unless there’s a safety concern (risk of harm). We balance your need to know with your child’s need for a safe, confidential space.

Can you provide reports for court or school?

Yes, if needed and appropriate. We can provide reports for schools, court proceedings (custody, trauma-related), or other professionals. Additional fees apply for formal report writing. Discuss this need upfront so we can structure sessions accordingly.

What if my child doesn’t want to talk?

That’s completely normal and why play therapy exists. Younger children express themselves through play, art, sand trays, and storytelling rather than talking. We meet your child where they are. Even resistant or anxious teens often open up once they feel safe and understood. If learning difficulties are contributing to behavioral issues, consider a psychoeducational assessment to understand the full picture.

How do I know if therapy is working?

You may notice changes in behavior at home or school - less tantrums, better sleep, improved mood, more communication. Progress isn’t always linear; some weeks are harder than others. We provide regular feedback and adjust our approach if something isn’t working. For children holding physical tension, TRE therapy can complement traditional therapy.

What age is play therapy suitable for?

Play therapy works best for younger children (roughly ages 3-10), when play is a child’s natural language. Older children and teens usually respond well to talking-based counselling, though expressive activities like art, journaling, and games still play a big role. The right approach depends on your child’s age, temperament, and what they’re working through - we match the method to the child.

Want to start your child’s healing journey? Contact us today to explore which therapy approach would suit your child or teen, at our Centurion or Middelburg practice. We’ll listen, explain, and match you with a path forward. Your child doesn’t have to face things alone - help can start now.