Play Therapy: A Guide for Parents

As a parent, you play a vital role in every phase of your child’s play therapy journey. Understanding the phases of play therapy can help you feel more confident and engaged in your child’s treatment process. Here is an outline of each step of the process and what you can expect along the way.  Please know that the 4 phases outlined below don’t always happen in a neat, predictable order. Every child’s path through therapy is unique and may look different. It can take anywhere between 6  months to 2 years to work through all the phases. Your clinician can help guide you through where your child is in their own process.  

Step 1 - Intake Interview and Assessment

• Parent Interview: Your child’s play therapist will begin by conducting an intake interview with you. During this meeting, the therapist will ask about your child’s early development, current functioning, and presenting concerns. It’s essential to be open and honest, as this will help the therapist create a comprehensive treatment plan. This interview is completed without the child present.

• Child Assessment: The therapist may also meet separately with your child to better understand their perspective on the issues at hand. This may involve play-based assessments, drawings, or questionnaires.

• Additional Pre-Treatment Assessments: In some cases, further assessments might be done, such as observing your child’s play behaviors. These assessments give the therapist additional insights into your child’s difficulties and strengths and provide a baseline to track progress over time.

Step 2 - Introduction Phase

• Getting Comfortable: The first few sessions focus on helping your child become comfortable with the therapist, the playroom, and the process itself. This is often referred to as the "Introduction" phase.

• Parental Support: If your child is shy or anxious, they may need extra encouragement from you to attend sessions and engage in the process.

Step 3 - Tentative Acceptance Phase

• Building Trust and Engagement: Once your child begins feeling at ease with the therapist, they’ll likely look forward to sessions and actively engage in play therapy. 

• Positive Feelings: This phase is usually encouraging for both the child and parents, as you begin to see your child interacting more freely in the therapeutic setting.

Step 4 -  Negative Reaction Phase

• Adjusting to Change: As your child begins to address deeper emotions, they may experience discomfort or resistance. This is often called the "Negative Reaction" phase.

• Supporting Your Child: You may notice old behaviors re-emerging or new resistance to attending sessions. Encouraging your child and expressing confidence in the process can help them push through this challenging phase.

Step 5 - Growing Phase

• Making Progress: This is typically the longest and most transformative phase of therapy. During the "Growing" phase, your child will explore ways to manage and resolve their difficulties. This phase often includes periods of advancement and some temporary regressions, which are normal.

• Celebrating Gains: Support and patience are crucial. Encouraging your child and celebrating each step forward helps them integrate and maintain progress.

Step 6 - Termination Phase

• Preparing for the End: The final phase, "Termination," begins when you, your child, and the therapist agree that therapy goals have been met. This can be an emotional time, as your child may feel attached to the therapist and the play therapy process.

• Reinforcing Stability: Although some children may experience a brief return of old symptoms, reassure your child that they have the skills to maintain their progress. The end of therapy can be a celebration of your child’s growth.

Your Role as a Parent Throughout the Play Therapy Process

• Ongoing Feedback

The therapist will rely on you to share any behavioral or emotional changes you 

observe, both positive and challenging.

• Direct Participation

Depending on your child’s needs, you may be invited to participate in sessions to

support family dynamics and model healthy communication.

• Between-Session Support

The therapist will work with you to provide guidance on how to reinforce your

child’s progress at home. You play a crucial role in supporting your child’s 

healing journey.  Parenting sessions will be scheduled every 4-8 sessions to ensure that you are working in partnership with your child’s therapist.

Why Progress Isn’t Always Linear

• Every Child’s Experience is Unique! Children may spend more time in certain stages than others, or they may move between stages based on their needs. This flexibility allows therapy to adapt to your child’s individual personality and experiences.

• Sometimes, Children Cycle Back to Earlier Stages. It’s common for children to revisit earlier stages as they process new emotions or events. For example, a child who is “working through” challenges might later explore other emotions or revisit certain themes. This isn’t a setback; it’s part of the therapy’s depth and effectiveness.

• Regression and Repetition are Normal.

  If it seems like your child is “going backwards” or repeating play themes, this is actually a natural part of growth. Revisiting themes often means the child is gaining new insights or practicing new coping skills.