What Play Therapy Looks Like in Session - A Parent's Guide
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Parents often ask, "What actually happens during play therapy?" And it's a great question - especially because play therapy can look very different from traditional talk therapy.
At The Counseling Collective, we want to parents to feel informed, included, and confident about their child's care. This guide explains what you can expect, why play works, and how you can support your child's healing journey.
Why Play?
Play is the language of children.
Children don't yet have the brain development to fully express:
- fear
- confusion
- trauma
- grief
- frustration
But they can express those same emotions through:
- pretend play
- drawing
- movement
- storytelling
- toys
Jesus frequently taught using parables and stories because He understood the power of symbolic communication. Children heal through symbol, story, imagination, and movement - the way God designed their growing minds.
What Play Therapy Sessions Usually Include
1. A Safe, Predictable Environment
Playrooms are thoughtfully arranged to help children feel safe and in control. This might include:
- figurines and dolls
- sand trays
- art supplies
- building materials
- puppets
- sensory tools
Children choose activities based on what their bodies and emotions need that day.
2. Therapist-Guided Play
Depending on the child's needs, play therapy can be:
- Child-led (nondirective): the child explores freely, and the therapist reflects themes and emotions.
- Therapist-led (directive): the therapist introduces activities designed to help with specific issues such as anxiety, trauma, or emotional regulation.
Both forms are evidence-based and extremely effective.
3. Emotional Expression Through Symbolic Play
Children will often:
- "battle" fears using superhero toys
- "fix" broken things
- hide and seek (testing safety)
- repeat stressful situations using dolls
- draw or build scenes from memories
This is their nervous system working through overwhelming experiences.
4. Relationship Building
The therapeutic relationship helps children:
- practice trust
- learn boundaries
- feel safe being themselves
Attachment is strengthened through consistent care.
5. Parent Involvement
While sessions are often child-only, we regularly include parents in:
- check-ins
- education
- practical strategies
- emotional coaching techniques
We want healing to extend beyond the therapy room into your home.
What Play Therapy Helps With
Play therapy is effective for:
- anxiety
- trauma
- grief
- behavioral issues
- emotional regulation
- sensory overwhelm
- social struggles
- family transitions
Faith Integration in Play
When appropriate and desired by parents, we gently integrate faith through:
- conversations about God's love
- themes of safety and protection
- prayers of comfort
- scripture-based storytelling
"Let the little children come to me..." - Matthew 19:14
Children's emotional worlds matter deeply to God.
Closing Thoughts
Play therapy is a safe and sacred space where children heal in the way they were designed to - through imagination, creativity, and relationship.
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