Play Therapy for Children in Richmond Hill
Children do not always have the words to explain what they are feeling. Worries, frustration, sadness, behavioural challenges, family changes, or difficult experiences are often expressed through play long before they can be described in conversation.
Play therapy provides a safe and developmentally appropriate way for children to communicate, process emotions, and build healthy coping skills.
Child Therapist & Counselling Services
Every child experiences challenges differently. Our child therapy and counselling services are tailored to each child’s unique emotional, behavioural, and developmental needs. Using evidence-based approaches, including play therapy, parent coaching, cognitive behavioural strategies, and trauma-informed care, we help children build confidence, improve emotional regulation, strengthen relationships, and develop the skills they need to thrive at home, at school, and in everyday life.
WHY US
Why Families Choose Alpha Child Therapy
Choosing the right therapist for your child is an important decision. Families choose our practice because we provide compassionate, child-centred support in a safe and welcoming environment where children can feel understood, supported, and empowered to grow.
Led by Child and Youth Therapist Shiva Movafaghian, Alpha Child Therapy brings more than 20 years of experience helping children and families navigate challenges such as anxiety, ADHD, autism, trauma, grief, emotional regulation difficulties, and major life transitions.
What Sets Us Apart
- Child and Youth Therapist with over 20 years of experience
- Specialized training in Play Therapy and child mental health
- Child-centred and family-focused approach
- Support for anxiety, ADHD, autism, trauma, grief, and behavioural challenges
- Parent coaching and practical guidance for families
- In-person therapy in Richmond Hill and virtual sessions across Ontario
- Evidence-based and trauma-informed therapeutic approaches
- Insurance-friendly services for eligible plans
youth mental health
About
About Shiva Movafaghian
Shiva Movafaghian is a Child and Youth Therapist, certified play therapist, certified life coach, ABA Trainer, and family counsellor with over 20 years of experience in child and youth mental health. As the founder of Alpha Child Therapy Centre in Ontario, Shiva specializes in helping children and families navigate challenges such as anxiety, ADHD, autism, and complex family dynamics.
- Child and Youth Therapist
- Certified Play Therapist
- Certified Life Coach
- ABA Trainer
- Family Counsellor
OUR SERVICES
Our specializations
At Alpha Child Therapy Centre, we are dedicated to supporting children and families through a wide range of challenges. Our expert-led services specialize in addressing anxiety, phobias, sleep disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum, trauma, and more. By offering compassionate care tailored to each child’s needs, we empower them to overcome obstacles, build resilience, and thrive in every aspect of life. Explore our areas of expertise to learn how we can help your family navigate these important journeys.
ADHD
Does your child struggle with focus and impulsivity? Discover tools to help them thrive.
Read more about ADHD
Learning Disorders
Every child can learn and grow. Discover how we can support your child’s journey.
Read more about Learning Disorders
Anger Management
Is your child’s anger becoming hard to manage? Learn how to guide them toward calmness.
Read more about Anger Management
Autism Spectrum
Your child’s uniqueness is their strength. Let’s unlock their full potential.
Read more about Autism Spectrum
Self-Confidence
Helping your child believe in themselves can change everything. Ready to start?
Read more about Self-Confidence
Fear and Phobia
Are fears holding your child back? Let’s help them feel brave and confident.
Read more about Fear and Phobia
Sleep Disorders
Is bedtime a constant struggle? Learn how to help your child sleep peacefully.
Read more about Sleep Disorders
Anxiety
When worries overwhelm your child, support makes all the difference. Let us help.
Read more about Anxiety
Separation Anxiety
Saying goodbye shouldn’t be so difficult or overwhelming. Discover ways to ease your child’s anxiety.
Read more about Separation Anxiety
Divorce
Big changes like divorce can be tough on kids. Let’s help them adjust and heal.
Read more about Divorce
Trauma
Does your child carry the weight of a painful past? Let’s work toward healing together.
Read more about Trauma
Death and Loss
Helping kids process grief can feel overwhelming. Let us guide you and your child.
Read more about Death and Loss
OCD
Is your child stuck in repetitive behaviors or thoughts? Let’s help them break free and find calm.
Read more about OCD
Technological Assessment
Mental health & cognitive rehabilitation services for different age groups.
Read more about Technological AssessmentOnline Courses & Tools
Solutions for Sleeping Disorders
FreeSOS Help for Emotions: Managing Anxiety
FreeChildren's Anxiety
$149.99
Register for our events
Healthy Kitchen, Healthy Child – Parent & Child Workshop
$180.00Celebrate Yalda Kids
$75.00Cooking Class for Kids
$150.00
Visit our new office. We're looking forward to seeing you!
147 Oxford Street, Richmond Hill ON, L4C 4L6
Book an appointmentFamilies we’ve helped
Testimonials
Play therapy improved my daughter’s self-confidence. She is now much happier and has more friends. It was Shiva’s experience and skills that helped her to speak up, define her anxieties and stand up for herself.
ARMAN
Working with Shiva helped my son and our family to cope and get passed through a big loss and the shock. I had no hope for our family to find happiness again. Seeing my child’s sadness was really painful for me and my husband. We are so thankful.
Tara, Mother of 4 year old son
The change in my son is extraordinary. He is no longer shouting and yelling. He can manage his feelings for the most part and has learned how to express them in a positive way. Shiva has taught him how to use Mindfulness.
Ali, father of 6 year old boy
Our daughter had nightmares and would wake up several times at night. I saw how play therapy techniques by Shiva created for her worked like a miracle. She sleeps like an angle all through the night now.
Vida, Mother of 7 year old girl
Unfortunately, we didn’t know how to get our son to go and sleep in his own room for almost 5 years! But parent coaching and developing a better relationship with our son, made a big change in our life in a really short time. Now we are all in our own rooms and enjoy privacy.
Matin, father of 5 year old boy
They say as your children grow up so do their problems. But Shiva showed us how resolving small problems gradually can help our child to grow healthy emotionally. Thank you Shiva for bringing back happiness instead of helplessness to my child and my family.
Getting started
Getting Started in 2 Steps
Reaching out for help should feel simple. Here is how families begin working with Alpha Child Therapy.
Parent intake session (online)
Your first session is an online meeting with parents only. We gather information about your child and create a therapy plan together.
Your child’s sessions
Book your child’s sessions online or in person at our Richmond Hill office.
Prefer to talk by phone? Call (647) 677-8790
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Child & Teen Therapy
What ages do you work with?
We work with toddlers and children aged 4 to 15.
What happens in the first session?
The first session is an online intake session with parents only. We gather information and create a treatment plan. After that, your child’s sessions can be booked online or in person.
How important is parent involvement in child therapy?
Parent involvement is often a key part of effective child therapy. Through parent coaching, psychoeducation, and practical strategies, parents learn how to respond to their child’s emotions, manage challenging behaviours, and strengthen communication. The level of involvement is tailored to the child’s age, needs, and therapeutic goals.
Do you offer online therapy?
Yes. Online sessions are available in Ontario, British Columbia and other provinces. For other locations, please contact Shiva.
How much does a session cost?
Sessions are 50 minutes. The fee is $180 per session if you need an insurance receipt, or $165 per session without insurance. The fees are the same for online and in-person sessions.
Do you bill insurance directly?
No. We don’t offer direct billing. You pay for the session and receive a receipt, which is accepted by any insurance plan that includes psychotherapy coverage.
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Book your free 15-minute consultation
Prefer to talk by phone? Call (647) 677-8790