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Child-Centered Play Therapy in Kingston

Therapy that meets kids where they are — through play, not pressure.

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Your child might be…

• More emotional or withdrawn
• Struggling after a family change
• Anxious, acting out, or just “not themselves”

That’s where CCPT helps.

Why Play Therapy Works

Child-Led Healing

Kids process emotions through play long before they can name them. CCPT lets children express safely, without pressure to talk.

Emotionally Safe Space

The therapy room becomes a consistent, trusted environment where your child can explore and release big feelings at their own pace.

Backed by Research

CCPT is grounded in the respected models of Virginia Axline and Dr. Garry Landreth, built on decades of clinical evidence.

Not all play is therapy.
And not all therapy works for kids.

Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) is a research-backed model developed by Virginia Axline and Dr. Garry Landreth. It allows children to process difficult experiences through symbolic play — in a safe, consistent, non-directive relationship.​

It’s not about talking it out.

It’s about trusting the child’s way of healing.

A child playing on the floor with toys

What Happens in a Session?

• Sessions are 45 minutes in length
• Sessions take place in a fully equipped play therapy space
• Parents receive updates and guidance outside of session
• Children lead the process at their own pace

Meet Your Therapist

Melanie Huffman is a child and parent counsellor based in Kingston, Ontario. She is trained in Child-Centered Play Therapy and is committed to building safe, trusted spaces for children to process what words can’t express.

Investment in Your Child's Wellbeing

Book a Free Parent Consultation

30–45 minutes to discuss your concerns and explore if play therapy is right for your child.

Play Therapy Session – $170

45-minute individual session for your child.

Some private insurance plans may cover sessions with a Registered Nurse Psychotherapist. Check with your provider about your benefits.

Parent Consultations

I believe parents are essential partners in their child's healing journey. That's why I offer Free Parent Consultations (30–45 minutes) rather than short intro calls.

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These consultations are offered:

  • At the start of the play therapy process (initial parent consultation)

  • As routine check-ins, typically after every 5th session

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During our time together, we'll talk about what you're noticing, what's changing, and how to support your child at home.

Melanie typing on laptop

About

Melanie Huffman is a Registered Nurse Psychotherapist certified in Child-Centered Play Therapy, based in Kingston, Ontario. She is dedicated to creating safe, trusted spaces where children can process what words can't express.

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Melanie in session (client is an actor)
A cild using the darts in the play therapy room

Helping children find their voice - through play.

About
Let's Connect

I help children heal through play, their natural way of understanding the world. Using Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), I offer a safe, supportive space where kids can express big feelings, build confidence, and heal at their own pace.​

Registered Nurse Psychotherapist
Certified in Child-Centered Play Therapy

Free Parent Consultation
30–45 minutes. No pressure.

​

         Located inside Rising Phoenix Therapy & Wellness

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We acknowledge that our therapy practice rests on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples. We recognize that this land has been a place of healing and care for thousands of years. As mental health practitioners, we honour the enduring relationship between Indigenous peoples and these lands, and we commit to practices that respect this legacy while working toward reconciliation and healing.

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