Journey of Art Play Group
Using Art & Play to build Emotional Intelligence
Using Art & Play to build Emotiional Intelligence
Sometimes it comes out as frustration.
Big reactions.
Shutting down.
Difficulty with peers.
Anxiety.
Perfectionism.
Emotional overwhelm.
Or saying “I don’t know” when you ask what’s wrong
This play and art-based therapy group helps children build emotional awareness, confidence, communication, and coping skills in a safe, supportive environment designed specifically for young children.
Through guided play, creativity, storytelling, movement, and connection, children begin learning how to recognize, express, and navigate emotions in healthy ways that support them both at home and at school.
You may be noticing that your child…
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Gets frustrated or overwhelmed easily
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Has emotional outbursts that seem bigger than the situation
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Struggles to explain what they’re feeling
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Becomes anxious in social situations or new environments
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Shuts down when upset
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Has difficulty managing disappointment or conflict
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Struggles with confidence or self-expression
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Has challenges making or maintaining friendships
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Becomes highly sensitive to criticism or change
And as a parent, it can be hard to know:
“Is this just a phase?”
“Will they grow out of this?”
“How do I help them express what they’re feeling?”
Many children simply don’t yet have the emotional vocabulary or tools to communicate what’s happening internally.
That’s where play and creative expression can become incredibly powerful.
WHY PLAY THERAPY WORKS
Children communicate differently than adults do
Adults process emotions through conversation.
Children often process emotions through play, imagination, movement, storytelling, creativity, and interaction
Play creates emotional safety.
It allows children to express feelings they may not yet fully understand or know how to verbalize.
In this group, children are gently supported in:
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Identifying emotions
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Understanding emotional reactions
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Building confidence expressing themselves
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Developing social and coping skills
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Practicing emotional regulation in real time
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Connecting with peers in a supportive environment
The goal is not perfection.
The goal is helping children build emotional skills early so they can navigate challenges with greater confidence, resilience, and self-awareness as they grow.
Facilitated by Gifty Dem
Registered Social Worker
Undergraduate Degree in Art
*May be eligible to be covered by extended health insurance
Dates of program include:
March 27th, 2026
April 10th, 2026
April 17th, 2026
April 24th, 2026
May 1st, 2026
Every Friday (excluding Good Friday) at 5:30 PM
Feelings Explorers: A Play & Art Journey into Emotions
In our sessions, children will:
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Learn to recognize and name their feelings
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Discover how thoughts, emotions, and actions are connected
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Use art and play to express what’s on their minds and in their hearts
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Practice kindness—to others and to themselves
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Try fun movement and mindfulness exercises
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Enjoy meaningful stories and guided group discussions
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Build confidence and emotional vocabulary in a supportive group setting
CNEW’s Art & Play Group provides a safe space for children to navigate their emotions, express themselves through creative means and build essential social-emotional skills
Weekly Activities Nurture Growth
& Imagination
During the art and play therapy group includes engaging activities like games, storytelling, hands-on art projects, gentle movement, and circle time rituals—all thoughtfully designed to meet children where they are developmentally and emotionally. How do these activities help children explore their inner world? From drawing and storytelling to role play and games, children get to explore their inner world in a safe, supportive group setting. What will my child learn from play therapy group? Children will learn how to identify their own emotions and then how to regulate their emotions in a developmentally appropriate way. What they learned will be shared with parents and caregivers so they will continue to practice using this outside of session.
Learning continues at home
Because we know learning continues outside our sessions, we provide take-home tools to help you continue the conversation at home—like feelings journals, affirmation cards, and creative worksheets.
Through art and play, we teach children explore emotions in a safe, creative space—building emotional skills that last a lifetime
FAQs
Where are play therapy‑group programs in Ontario that support children's emotional growth?
CNEW’s play therapy-group programs in Ontario help children build emotional regulation, social skills, and confidence. These group sessions work in conjunction with children's assessments, children's psychotherapy plans, memory training insights, and guidance to create well-rounded support for families.
What therapeutic play programs in Ontario help children express emotions safely?
CNEW provides therapeutic play programs in Ontario to encourage safe emotional expression and self-regulation. Programs combine play therapy-group methods, children psychotherapy, children’s assessments, and strategies for holistic child development.
How can I find therapeutic play sessions in Ontario that support child wellbeing?
CNEW’s therapeutic play sessions in Ontario support child wellbeing by encouraging expression, imagination, and emotional learning. These play therapy‑group sessions link with children's psychotherapy pathways, children assessments strategies, and adult psychotherapy insights to promote emotional resilience.
Are there skill enhancement sessions in Ontario that improve children’s emotional regulation?
Yes, CNEW offers skill enhancement sessions in Ontario that help children improve emotional regulation and self-awareness. These play therapy-group sessions link with children's assessments, guidance, children's psychotherapy support, and tools for balanced development.
Are there emotional growth workshops in Ontario for children’s confidence building?
Yes, CNEW offers emotional growth workshops in Ontario that support children’s confidence and emotional expression. These workshops integrate play therapy‑group techniques, children's assessment guidance, children psychotherapy support, and best circleofsecurity insights to foster secure and resilient development.
Interested in learning more about the program? Sign me up!
