Haylee O’Doherty

MA, RCC

As a trauma-informed play therapist, I believe children have an innate wisdom and creativity that guides their healing journey. In my work, I want to help children and families feel connected and confident to handle life’s challenges. My therapeutic approach centers on our intrinsic capacity to heal, and is guided by a commitment to safety, authenticity, and warmth. 

Play is a child’s natural language. Through the play therapy process, I tune into the child’s play to help them make sense of their experiences and overcome any challenges that they may be facing. Working with children and families, I draw from an integrative non-directive play therapy approach. This means that in our sessions, the child takes the lead through their natural play, and I provide attunement and co-regulation. Through this process, children can freely explore and express their emotions and experiences in a safe and non-judgemental environment. 

In addition to working directly with children, my work also focuses on integrating their caregivers, families, and broader systems into the therapeutic process. This often involves collaborating with these systems to ensure a supportive and holistic approach to care for the child. 

In my practice, I draw from various therapeutic modalities including Synergetic Play Therapy, Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), and Internal Family Systems. I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.