The Science of Symbols: Why I Use Expressive Play Therapy to Help Children Heal
- Destinee Kreil
- Feb 8
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
By Destinee Kreil, Clinical Director & Child Therapist
As a parent, you’ve likely experienced that moment of "disconnection"—where your child is clearly struggling with big emotions, but when you ask them what’s wrong, they simply don’t have the words. You want to help them, but you feel like you’re hitting a wall.
At Strong River Counselling, I want to offer you a different way in. I specialize in Expressive Play Therapy, specifically utilizing the Marie-José Dhaese model. To me, this is the most respectful and profound way to meet a child’s needs, because it honors the fact that for a child, play is their first language.
What Makes Expressive Play Therapy Different?
While many people have heard of "talk therapy," the Expressive Play Therapy model developed by Marie-José Dhaese is something quite unique. It isn't just about having toys in a room; it’s about providing a variety of creative "languages"—sandtray, clay, paint, puppets, and movement—that allow a child to bridge the gap between their internal world and the external one.
When your child enters my Coquitlam clinic, they aren't expected to sit on a couch and explain their anxiety. Instead, they are invited to "show" me through the creative process.
The Brain Science: Why the Dhaese Model of Expressive Play Therapy Works
As the Clinical Director of Strong River Counselling, I am deeply committed to the "why" behind what we do. This model is rooted in developmental neuroscience, targeting the parts of the brain that traditional logic simply cannot reach:
Bypassing the "Talk" Brain: Brain imaging shows that trauma and intense stress often shut down the Broca’s area—the part of the brain responsible for speech. Expressive Play Therapy bypasses the verbal centers and goes straight to the limbic system where feelings live.
The Power of Externalization: By using a symbol—like a "lonely" puppet or a "stormy" painting—the child moves the problem from inside themselves to outside. This creates what Marie-José Dhaese calls "symbolic distance," allowing them to explore fears without the nervous system going into a full "fight or flight" response.
Neuroplasticity in Action: Every time a child navigates a challenge in the sandtray, they are literally rewiring their brain. They are building new neural pathways that say, "I am safe, and I can handle this."
Clinical Benefits and Signs Your Child Needs Expressive Play Therapy
When we engage in this deep work at Strong River Counselling, we aren't just looking for a temporary fix. Parents often seek out Expressive Play Therapy when they notice red flags such as regressive behavior, school refusal, or unexplained stomach aches.
The benefits of this approach include improved emotional regulation, increased resilience, and a significant reduction in the "tug-of-war" at home. As children feel more understood through their play, their relationship with you—their parent—becomes more secure and less defined by conflict.
Building a Bridge to Your Living Room
At our 3030 Lincoln Ave office, my goal is to provide a "soft place to land" where your child feels truly seen. But the work doesn't stop in the playroom. I work closely with you to help you decode the symbols in your child’s play, ensuring that the healing carries over from my clinic back into your daily life.
You don't have to decode these big behaviors alone. If you’re ready to trade the daily struggle for a deeper connection, I invite you to book a free 15-minute consultation with me. Let’s explore how Expressive Play Therapy can help your family find its rhythm again.
FAQ: Expressive Play Therapy at Strong River Counsellingw
1. What makes the Marie-José Dhaese model different?
The Dhaese model is an attachment-based, trauma-informed model that prioritizes the child’s internal sense of safety. It emphasizes the "expressive" arts—sand, art, and sensory materials—to tap into the non-verbal parts of the brain.
2. Is this effective for older kids or pre-teens?
Absolutely. For older children, it often looks more like sandtray or expressive arts work. Even at 11 or 12, some emotions are still "too big for words," and these creative outlets provide a sophisticated way for them to process complex feelings.
3. How long does it take to see progress?
Every child is unique. However, because the Dhaese model works directly with the brain's emotional centers, parents often notice shifts in regulation and connection within the first few months.
4. Where can I find an Expressive Play Therapist in Coquitlam?
I provide specialized Expressive Play Therapy right here at Strong River Counselling, located at 3030 Lincoln Ave, Coquitlam. We are a local sanctuary for families across Port Moody, PoCo, and the Tri-Cities.
Destinee is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and the Clinical Director of Strong River Counselling in Coquitlam, BC. With a specialized focus on child and family mental health, she provides expert guidance for families navigating complex emotional landscapes, including childhood anxiety, trauma, and behavioral challenges. Destinee is an advocate for evidence-based support, utilizing her expertise in Play Therapy and Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) to help children and parents across the Tri-Cities build resilience and foster deeper emotional connections.
