About

Philosophy 

All children and families should have access to the support they require.  Life is complicated but even more so through the eyes of a child.

What is Play Therapy.

Play therapy helps children develop a safe relationship with a therapist, which allows a child to fully express and explore self, feelings, thought, experiences and behaviors through play.

Play Therapy is a therapeutic intervention that requires specific accredited training recognized through the Canadian Association of Play Therapy.  Therapeutic Play, play based approaches and any other play based wording is not considered Play Therapy.  

At What Age Can Children Be Seen For Play Therapy

Children as young as three and up to the age of twelve can be seen by the therapist

Meet the Therapist

Rhonda Stimpson RSW, BSW, ECD2

My name is Rhonda Stimpson and I am the sole proprietor of Bright Side Play Therapy.  I am a Registered Social Worker and I have a Bachelor of Social Work, a Certificate in Foundations of Play Therapy from the Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute, a Certificate in Using Sandtray in Play Therapy, a certificate in Safe and Sound Protocol and a Diploma in Early Childhood Development.  I am also an active member of the Canadian Association of Play Therapy.

Prior to my counseling practice I began my career as an Early Childhood Educator and then moved on to complete my Bachelor of Social Work.  I have worked in non profits, government agencies and child care centers.  I provided group parent education, and individualized support for families struggling with parent skills, group facilitation for parents of children struggling with anxiety and regulating their emotions and case management to families with intellectual disabilities. I discovered the world of Play Therapy and realized how important it is to reach children in this capacity.  Children are unable to work through their difficulties and trauma using talk therapy because their primary language is play. They are often unable to tell you how they are feeling and as a result you will notice difficulties in behavior, relationships with family and friends, sleep patterns and regression.  In the play room children develop a safe relationship with the therapist and as a result they are free to express those feelings and are able to learn and grow form the experience. 

 I am married with two adult children and in my spare time I spend time with my family and friends, traveling and hanging out with my dog Charlie. 

Theoretical Approaches within Play Therapy

• Child-Centered Play Therapy
• Theraplay: Attachment Relationships
• Filial Theory: Training for families in basic play therapy techniques
• Adlerian Play Therapy
• Cognitive – Behavioral Play Therapy
• Psychoanalytic Play Therapy

Professional Development

• Defuse the flame: Play Therapy Anger Management Techniques
• Safe and Sound Protocol
• Tips and Techniques to Address Anger and Dysregulation
• Using Filial Theraplay Approaches with Families in Play Therapy
• Puppets with Giggles
• Neufeld Level 1: Making Sense of Kids
• Reaching Deeper:  Touching the World of Children
• Under
• Parent Effectiveness Training
• Parent Education and Leadership Training
• Nobody’s Perfect Facilitator Training
• Positive Behavior Support
• Roots of Empathy
• Traditional Family Parenting
• Creative Interventions for Children with ADHD
• Art Therapy in a Play Setting
• The Child Whisperer: Treating Selective Mutism Through Play Therapy and CBT