Play Therapy
Play Therapy at Refresh Counselling gives children a safe, supportive space to express big feelings, process challenges, and build emotional resilience—through the natural language of play.
Helping Kids Heal Through Play
Children don’t always have the words to explain what they’re feeling—but they do have play. Play Therapy creates a safe space for children to explore their inner world, express emotions, and work through difficulties using toys, stories, art, and games.
You may have heard:
- They’ll grow out of it.
- Just give it time.
- Kids don’t get stressed like adults do.
How Play Therapy Supports Emotional Growth
At Refresh Counselling, Play Therapy helps children:
- Express feelings like fear, sadness, or anger
- Process trauma, loss, or big life changes (like divorce or moving)
- Develop problem-solving and coping skills
- Improve communication and self-confidence
- Strengthen relationships with parents and caregivers
Beside You On Your Journey
We provide a safe, supportive, and confidential environment where you can explore your emotions, heal from past wounds, and overcome internal or external challenges. Our team of registered Calgary Psychologists and Counsellors are here to walk beside you—offering compassionate care, professional insight, and evidence-based strategies to help you move forward.
Common Reasons People Seek Counselling
Our clients come to us with a wide range of concerns, including:
- Anger Management
- Anxiety
- Body Image
- Boundaries
- Cancer
- Cultural Issues
- Decision-Making
- Depression
- Eating Issues
- Emotional Regulation
- Family of Origin Issues
- Fear
- Guilt
- Shame
- Grief & Loss
- Parenting Issues
- Perfectionism
- Phobias
- Relationships
- Self-Care
- Self-Development
- Self-Esteem
- Sleep Problems
- Spirituality
- Stress Management
- Suicidal Ideation
- Trauma
- Work & Career
Whether you’re dealing with one issue or a mix of interconnected challenges, our therapists help you unpack what’s really going on and create a path forward—rooted in self-awareness, healing, and personal growth.
What to Expect from Your Therapy Journey
Every person’s path is different. Our registered Psychologists and Counsellors use a customized approach to fit your unique situation and goals. While your experience will be your own, many clients find therapy helpful in:
- Processing past traumas and losses
- Exploring core emotions and unmet needs
- Developing healthier thinking patterns
- Improving emotional regulation and communication
- Building coping skills and resilience
- Gaining clarity around identity, values, and direction
Evidence-Based Therapy Approaches We Use
We draw on a range of proven therapeutic models to support your growth, including:
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT): Reshape negative thoughts and build better behaviours
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Understand and express your emotions in healthier ways
- Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT): Identify strengths and set practical, future-focused goals
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Heal from trauma and reduce distress tied to painful memories
- Building coping skills and resilience
- Gaining clarity around identity, values, and direction
Why Choose Refresh Counselling?
At Refresh Counselling, we provide high-quality, personalized mental health care that respects your unique story. Our team takes the time to truly understand your challenges and tailor a treatment plan that fits your goals.
Mental Health Matters
We’re passionate about helping people heal—with genuine care, empathy, and respect for every journey.
Licensed & Certified
You can trust that our therapists are not only qualified but committed to staying informed and improving their practice.
Holistic & Collaborative
Our care is rooted in a holistic view of well-being, nurturing every part of you with the help of our dedicated team.
Specialized Care
With varied specialties, our team tailors care to each client—drawing from approaches like EMDR, CBT, Play Therapy, and more.
Meet the Team
Below is a list of our Therapists who can help navigate and support individual therapy.
Emma Lavoie
MC, Registered Social Worker
Faye Archer Wilson
MA, Registered Provisional Psychologist
Karthika Murthy
MC, MA, Registered Provisional Psychologist
Stefani Sulaver
MC, Registered Provisional Psychologist
Give Your Child a Safe Space to Thrive
Have Questions About Therapy?
Not at all. Everyone needs help sometimes. You may have had some skills or strengths that you’ve used to deal with challenges before, but for whatever reason, those aren’t working right now. Perhaps what you are dealing with right now feels overwhelming and you are unable to access your past strengths. Through your relationship with your counsellor and the process of therapy, you can explore the challenges you are facing and find your inner strength or develop new skills and strategies to find healing.
We offer Direct Billing to several different insurance providers. Generally, direct billing is determined by the therapist's designation. Below is a list of the current direct bill breakdowns.
- All Clinicians direct bill to: Alberta Blue Cross & GreenShield
- R. (Prov) Psych direct bills to: only Alberta Blue Cross & Greenshield
- Registered Psychologists direct bills to: Alberta Blue Cross, Greenshield, insurers part of Telus eclaims (Manulife, Canada Life, Desjardins, Industrial Alliance)
If your sessions cannot be direct billed, we will provide you with a receipt you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement, assuming your policy allows for the proper coverage.
Occasionally, some insurance companies ask for a little more information about your therapist to confirm their coverage for services. If that happens, please email our office with the specific information you will require and we will be happy to provide that to you.
(Please note: we cannot guarantee direct billing or insurance coverage - we always recommend confirming coverage with your specific provider)