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Childrens Therapy in Howick, KZN Midlands

Welcome to Happy Hearts – Child Therapy in Howick
At Happy Hearts, we specialise in Child Therapy in Howick, offering a safe, nurturing space where children can grow, heal, and thrive. Our services include Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Psychotherapy, and Child Counselling, all designed to support the emotional and mental well-being of your child.

We also offer Animal-Assisted Therapy, a powerful and gentle approach that helps children build trust, regulate emotions, and improve communication through positive interactions with animals.
Rooted in love, compassion, and understanding, Happy Hearts is a place where every child is celebrated for their uniqueness. Whether your child needs support through difficult emotions or simply a space to express themselves, we’re here to walk the journey with you — with care, warmth, and professional guidance.

OUR STORY

Happy Hearts was founded by Kate Stucke in 2024. Kate has a background in Psychology with specialized training in Cognitive Neuropsychology, Child Developmental Psychology, Child counselling and Play Therapy. Kate is dedicated to guiding children through their unique life stories. Drawing from her extensive experiences, including volunteer work at children's adoption homes, teaching English in Costa Rica, facilitating Art Therapy at an underprivileged school in the Dargle Valley, and facilitating ball skills and movement to the Dargle children, Kate is passionate about working with children.  Happy Hearts provides a nurturing environment for emotional expression and healing through play and art. Join us in creating a supportive space where children's voices are heard and celebrated.
"Kate Stucke (BA Hons in Psychology, Udemy play and art certification, IAOTH for life coaching and counselling)"
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OUR SERVICES

Happy Hearts specialises in life coaching and counselling for all children. Our unique approach includes Play Therapy, which harnesses the natural inclination of children to play, helping them process emotions and develop essential social skills. We also offer Art Expressive Therapy, utilizing the creative process of art-making to explore feelings and foster emotional growth. Let us support your journey towards healing and self-discovery.

Play Therapy

Unlock the power of play, where creativity and imagination flourish! This unique approach fosters emotional healing and personal growth for children of all ages. Through play, kids can express themselves freely, explore their feelings, and build resilience. Parents seeking to nurture their child’s emotional well-being will find play therapy a vital tool in supporting their journey toward healing and self-discovery.

Art Expressive Therapy

Art expressive therapy offers a unique opportunity for children to express themselves creatively while exploring their emotions. By engaging in this form of therapy, children can develop better communication skills, build self-esteem, and discover healthy ways to overcome challenges. This type of therapy helps foster emotional well-being, could enhance problem-solving abilities, and creates a safe space for self-discovery. It empowers children to connect with their feelings and express themselves in a supportive environment.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can be a valuable resource for older children as they navigate the complexities of growing up. By providing a safe space to express their thoughts and feelings, this therapy can help them develop essential communication skills and emotional awareness. Engaging in open discussions with the therapist allows kids to build confidence, understand their emotions better, and learn effective coping strategies. .

​Animal-Assisted Therapy
with Obie

Animal-assisted therapy is a therapeutic approach that incorporates animals into the treatment process to enhance emotional and psychological well-being. Therapeutic companions, like Obie, play a vital role in this process. Obie, who sustained a traumatic brain injury as a young puppy, brings a unique understanding of pain and suffering which allows him to connect with children on a deeper level. His compassionate nature and ability to bring light to every interaction makes him an invaluable presence in therapy sessions, helping children navigate their challenges with greater ease and comfort.

FEATURED IN MIDLANDS MAGAZINE

Kate Stucke (BA Hons in Psychology, Udemy play and art certification, IAOTH for life coaching and counselling)

Kate Stucke is a qualified Play and Art Therapist and Life Coach. She holds a BA in Psychology with honours in Cognitive Neuropsychology. She is the founder of Happy Hearts in Howick, a space dedicated to guiding children in expressing themselves through therapeutic outlets. With a passion for holistic well-being, Kate aims to empower young minds to grow and thrive.
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  • “A great kids therapist is a rare find. Kate offered exceptional support for both our son and daughter. She is incredibly compassionate and creative, she made therapy sessions fun and engaging, and she communicated with us thoughtfully and thoroughly. Our kids love her dog Obie to bits”

    - Shane
  • "I had the privilege of working along side Kate at a language immersion school in Costa Rica. Kate is an extremely empathetic individual with a unique ability to connect with all kinds of people, especially young children. I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact Kate has on children."

    - Danielle

  • "My kids love Kate, they have been so happy and comfortable with her from the first. She has a built in sense of how to work with kids. I highly recommend her"

    - Jen
  • "I am writing to provide a heartfelt reference for Happy Hearts (Kate Stucke). Kate came into our lives a few years ago when we first moved from Canada. My older child was diagnosed with Autism. (ADHD, low muscle mass, struggles paying attention and can easily go into sensory overload). She was such a great resource and overall human who became his friend and now “Aunty Katie”. Kate has been a nurturing and supportive presence in our lives, and I am deeply grateful for her dedication and care."
    - Sandy
  • "I had the privilege of working along side Kate at a language immersion school in Costa Rica. Kate is an extremely empathetic individual with a unique ability to connect with all kinds of people, especially young children. I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact Kate has on children. She creates a safe and nurturing space where children feel comfortable exploring their feelings and overcoming challenges."
    - Kyra
  • "We’re so grateful for the care and support our 3-year-old son received from Kate. She was understanding, firm when needed, and gave us clear, practical guidance to use at home. Her approach made a real difference in helping our son feel safe and supported. Obie, her gentle and loving dog, was a special addition—helping ease first-session nerves and bringing warmth to every visit. We truly appreciate the positive impact Kate’s had on our family"
    - Claire
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