Supporting Your Child’s Play Therapy Journey

Starting play therapy is a big step for both you and your child. As a parent, it’s natural to want to do everything possible to help them get the most out of the process. Often, it’s the small and steady ways you show up that make the biggest difference in helping your child feel safe, supported, and receptive to the healing process.

Keep Questions Light After Sessions

It’s tempting to ask your child what happened in therapy, especially when you want them to "make the most" out of their therapy time. Questions like, “What did you talk about today?” or “Did you play with the dollhouse?” come from a place of care, but they can feel overwhelming for a child who may not have the words to explain, or may wish to keep their session private. Therapy is their space, and much of the work happens in ways that aren’t easy to describe. A simple, “I’m glad you went today” is often all that’s needed. Your child will share when and if they’re ready.

Skip the “Have Fun!”

Many parents give a cheerful, “Have fun!” as their child heads into a session. While well-meaning, it can send the message that therapy should always feel light or entertaining. The reality is that sometimes therapy brings up big feelings, and that’s part of the healing process. Instead, try something like, “I’ll see you when you’re done!" A gentle phrase such as this reassures your child without adding pressure or expectations.

Speak Positively About Therapy

It’s not unusual for children to resist going to therapy at times. You may feel frustrated or worried if this happens, but how you frame therapy makes a difference. Speaking about therapy as a positive and supportive space helps set the tone. Simple statements like, “Therapy helps you feel your best” or “This is special time just for you” go a long way in shaping how your child sees the experience.

Create a Ritual Around Therapy

Rituals help make therapy feel predictable and safe. Maybe you always play the same song on the drive over, stop for a bite to eat afterward, or simply share a few minutes of 1:1 time before and after the session. These small traditions can become meaningful anchors, reminding your child that they are cared for and that this is a special part of their week.

Trust the Process

Progress in therapy does not always look obvious or happen immediately. Sometimes the changes are subtle at first, or they may not match what you imagined. Trusting the process and your child’s pace is one of the greatest gifts you can offer. Healing takes time, and your steady presence is the foundation that allows it to happen.

Partner With the Therapist

Your role in your child’s healing is vital. Stay open in your communication with your child's therapist, ask questions when something feels unclear, and share what you notice at home. When you view therapy as a partnership between you, your child, and the therapist, you create a strong team working towards your therapeutic goals.

Supporting your child’s play therapy journey is about showing up with patience, trust, and love. By speaking positively, keeping things low-pressure, and building small rituals around therapy, you help create the safety your child needs to do their most important work: healing through play.

Parent Takeaways

• Keep questions to a minimum after therapy and let your child share in their own time.

• Replace “Have fun” with gentle reassurance like “I'll be waiting here when you're done.”

• Speak positively about therapy, even if your child resists.

• Create small rituals around therapy to add predictability and comfort.

• Trust the process; healing takes time.

• Partner with your child’s therapist for best therapeutic results.