4 Reasons to Start Play Therapy This Summer

When parents think about the start of their children's summer vacation, play therapy may not be the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, many families might think it makes more sense to put off therapy until the next school year begins and routines are re-established. However, summer can be one of the best times to start the play therapy process. Read on for a child therapist's perspective on why summer might be just the right time to commit to therapy.

1. More Consistency=Faster Progress

   As a parent, you don't need me to tell you how busy your family's schedule gets during the school year. With long work and school days, homework, and sometimes multiple extracurricular activities, it can be difficult to squeeze one more appointment into an already packed week.

   The slower pace of summer often means more time and energy to show up for therapy consistently. Children who are able to attend regular therapy appointments tend to make progress more quickly, and finish therapy sooner, than kids who engage more sporadically.

2. Get a Head Start on Coping with Back-to-School Season

   Many children experience the start of a new school year as a significant stressor, and may start displaying anxiety, aggression, or other signs of dysregulation shortly before or after they return to school. Rather than waiting to see how your child copes with going back to school (and bracing for it to be a struggle), therapy over the summer offers a space to proactively work with predictable stressors. Starting therapy before the school year begins gives your child the opportunity to strengthen the skills and qualities needed to thrive in a school environment, including emotional regulation, frustration tolerance, self-awareness, self-confidence, impulse control, resilience, and more.

   

3. More Appointment Availability

   Summer tends to be a slower time for child therapists, as many families are traveling or temporarily pause services. This translates to less likelihood of being placed on a waitlist when you're ready to get started, and better odds of securing an appointment time that fits conveniently into your family's schedule.

4. Increased Structure and Intention During Summer Months

   Summer tends to go by quickly, and parents may enter the new school year wishing they had devoted more time to their child's emotional wellbeing or goals for their family when schedules were lighter. Therapy can provide a sense of structure, accountability, and intentionality over the summer months, while still leaving plenty of time for adventure, fun, and relaxation.

If you're in the south Denver metro area and are considering play therapy for your child, summer may be the perfect time to get started. Please reach out to me to see if I might be the right fit for your child and family during this season.