Parent Partners in the Play Therapy Room

Welcome to Willow Creek Counseling! We understand the play therapy process can feel confusing at first and understanding your role during the session can even feel overwhelming at times. During sessions, your presence can be valuable, and we have some guidelines to ensure the therapy space remains a safe and supportive environment for your child’s self-expression. Depending on the reasons for seeking counseling, you may be in sessions for the first few sessions or for the entire time your child is in therapy. Your therapist will work with you to help guide that process.   

1. Respect the Therapy Space

Play Therapy is designed to empower your child to express themselves freely.

These guidelines will help support your child’s independence and therapeutic 

experience without interference.

2. Observe, Don’t Direct

Your role is to be present and supportive without directing your child’s play, asking questions, or interpreting their actions. The therapist is here to 

understand your child’s play and provide a supportive environment.  

3. Be Present, But Stay Emotionally Neutral

Please try to maintain a calm, non-reactive demeanor. If your child invites you into play, follow their lead without judgment, praise, or evaluation. This 

neutrality helps your child feel unconditionally accepted. Please refrain from using your phone or doing other activities when in the play therapy spaces 

with your child.

4. Minimize Verbal Interaction

To let your child’s natural expressions unfold, refrain from unnecessary talking, 

including giving directions or asking questions. Silence and patience allow 

your child the space to lead. Follow the therapist’s lead on the type of feedback 

to provide to the child; this will be highlighting the feeling or non-verbal 

behavior of the child’s play.   

5. Avoid Physical Interference

Please don’t move toys, adjust activities, or physically interact with your child’s 

play unless directed by the child. Small gestures can influence their 

self-expression.

6. Respect Boundaries

Allow your child to set boundaries in play. If they don’t want you involved in 

certain activities, please respect that boundary without taking it personally.  

Allow the therapist to set the boundaries for the space and session. If a limit needs to be set, your therapist will set those boundaries with the child in a therapeutic manner.  

7. Play can be Messy, Loud, or even Aggressive

Children’s play can sometimes be loud, messy, or involve aggressive themes. 

These behaviors are normal and help children process emotions. The therapist 

is attuned to the child to ensure safety while supporting their exploration. It's 

normal for parents to feel uncomfortable or uneasy witnessing this kind of play, 

so practicing self-calming strategies can help you. 

8. Save Questions for After the Play Therapy Session

I’m available to discuss questions, concerns, or observations after the session. 

This ensures the therapy time remains focused on your child.  We will 

hold parent sessions every 4-8 sessions at a minimum.  I’m happy to meet with 

you more frequently if needed.