Feeling Explorers
Using Art & Play to build Emotional 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.
What parents often hope for is not a "perfectly behaved" child...
It’s a child who:
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can communicate instead of exploding
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can identify what they’re feeling
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feels more confident socially
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has healthier ways to cope with frustration and anxiety
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feels understood
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develops stronger emotional resilience
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feels safer expressing themselves authentically
Emotional skills developed in childhood impact:
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can communicate instead of exploding
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can identify what they’re feeling
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feels more confident socially
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has healthier ways to cope with frustration and anxiety
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feels understood
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develops stronger emotional resilience
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feels safer expressing themselves authentically
This work is not only about helping children now.
It’s about giving them tools that support them for years to come.
INSIDE THE PROGRAM
Children will participate in:
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guided play activities
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art-based emotional expression
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storytelling and imaginative play
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movement and sensory activities
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group interaction and social skill-building
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emotional learning exercises designed for young
children
Each session is intentionally designed to feel engaging, safe,
playful, and developmentally appropriate while supporting
emotional growth and connection.
There is something powerful about children realizing they are not alone
In a group setting, children have opportunities to:
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practice social interaction
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build confidence with peers
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develop empathy
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strengthen communication skills
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learn emotional regulation through real-time interaction
Children often grow not only from the activities themselves, but from the experience of feeling accepted, understood, and connected with others.
FACILITATOR
Led by a Registered Social Worker with a Creative, Child-Centered Approach
Ashley Ho is a Registered Social Worker and psychotherapist with a background in therapy with children.
Her approach combines evidence-based emotional support with creative expression to help children feel safe, engaged, and supported throughout the therapeutic process.
By integrating play, creativity, emotional learning, and relationship-building, she creates an environment where children can explore emotions naturally in ways that feel accessible and age-appropriate.
COMMON QUESTIONS
What if my child is shy or hesitant?
That’s completely okay. Children engage at different paces, and there is no pressure to share before they feel ready. The group is designed to create emotional safety and gentle participation.
Does my child need to have “serious” emotional challenges to benefit?
Not at all. Many parents join because they want to proactively support their child’s emotional development, confidence, communication, or social skills before struggles become bigger patterns.
Will parents receive updates or information?
The parents will receive an email about the topics discussed in session as well as suggestions for home.
What age group is this designed for?
This group is designed for children aged 4 to 8 years old.
Is prior therapy experience required?
No. This group is designed to feel approachable, engaging, and supportive for children whether or not they’ve participated in therapy before
Helping children build emotional confidence early can change the way they navigate the world later
When children feel safer understanding and expressing their emotions, everything from relationships to confidence to communication can begin to shift.
If you’re looking for a supportive, creative, and emotionally grounded space for your child to grow, we would love to welcome you.