5 Reasons Parents Hesitate About Play Therapy (And Why the New Year Can Be a Meaningful Time to Reconsider)

The start of a new year is often a time for reflection for many of us: what went well in the past year, what was difficult, and our hopes for how things may evolve in the year ahead. For parents, this reflection may include wondering whether play therapy could be helpful for their child, even if there’s hesitation about taking the first step.

If you’ve found yourself on the fence about play therapy, you’re not alone. Below are five common reasons parents hesitate, along with new perspectives that may make play therapy feel less like another task on your "to-do" list, and more like a support that can help your family achieve your goals in the coming year.

1. “Our family is already too busy.”

Between school, work, extracurriculars, and daily life, adding another ongoing commitment can feel overwhelming. Play therapy is designed to support emotional regulation and resilience, which often leads to fewer meltdowns, smoother transitions, and less emotional stress at home. Over time, many families find that therapy actually reduces overall strain rather than adding to it.

2.“Play therapy is too expensive.”

Cost is one of the most common barriers parents face when considering therapy.

Play therapy is often a preventative investment. Addressing emotional or behavioral challenges early can reduce the need for more intensive, time-consuming, and costly support down the road. Additionally, I offer several resources to make therapy more accessible (see my FAQ page for more info.)

3. “Things aren’t that bad.”

When children are functioning in many areas, therapy may not feel like an urgent need.

Play therapy isn’t only for children in crisis. It’s a supportive space for kids to process emotions, build coping skills, and make sense of experiences they may not yet have words for. Furthermore, while some childhood issues may resolve on their own, others will become more challenging over time without the proper support.

4. “My child won’t open up to a therapist.”

Parents often worry therapy won’t work if their child is quiet or guarded.

The beauty of play therapy is that it is not reliant on spoken language, therefore, even kids who have difficulty "opening up" are able to benefit from therapeutic play with an experienced therapist.

5. “I should be able to handle this as a parent.”

Parents need a support system, too!

Play therapy doesn’t replace parenting; it supports it. Play therapists help parents better understand their child’s emotional world and strengthen the parent-child relationship.

The new year doesn’t require big resolutions or dramatic changes. Sometimes a new beginning simply means offering your child a little more targeted support, and seeing what unfolds from there. When you're ready, please contact me for a free consultation to hear how I can help your child and family find more ease, connection, and joy in 2026.