What Really Happens in a Play Therapy Session

Understanding the nature of play therapy can be incredibly empowering for parents considering it for their child. If you're wondering exactly what a session involves and whether it might be a good fit for your child, you’re not alone! Let's take a closer look at the process, purpose, and promise of play therapy, highlighting every key aspect that makes it an effective and enriching experience.

What Is Play Therapy 

Simply put, play therapy is so much more than just “play.” It’s a therapeutic approach that leverages a child’s natural language of play to help them express their emotions, process experiences, and develop critical skills like problem-solving, emotional regulation, and coping strategies. While adults often communicate through words, children express themselves through their actions, imaginations, and interactive play.

This evidence-based therapy is especially useful for children experiencing behavioral challenges, mental health concerns, or life transitions. From the use of pretend play to therapeutic tools like art materials or board games, the goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where children can freely express themselves, explore emotions, and work through challenges.

Breaking Down a Play Therapy Session 

Each play therapy session is thoughtfully structured to ensure the child feels safe, supported, and able to explore and express themselves in their own way. Because of this, no two play therapy sessions are alike! 

Initial Assessment 

The process begins with a collaborative discussion between the play therapist and the parents or caregivers. This is where the therapist gathers information about the child’s background, current challenges, and goals for the therapy. It’s also an opportunity for parents to share their concerns and hopes for the therapy outcomes. This is an incredibly important first step for successful therapy as it’s a time that everyone gets on the same page. 

Creating a Comforting Space 

One of the foundational elements of play therapy is the therapist’s ability to provide a safe and supportive space. This space is intentionally designed to encourage children to feel comfortable and secure. The room is filled with carefully chosen items like stuffed animals, art materials, toys, or even a sand tray to spark creativity and facilitate emotional expression.

Unstructured or Non-Directive Play 

Children are initially encouraged to engage in unstructured or non-directive play, where they can choose how they interact with the toys and resources available. This allows them to communicate their thoughts and emotions in a way that feels natural to them, without pressure or formal expectations. 

For instance, imagine a child drawing pictures of their home or engaging in role-playing games with dolls. These activities can offer the therapist a wealth of information about the child’s inner world.

Therapist Observation and Interaction 

While the child plays, the therapist closely observes their behaviors, interactions, and emotional states. These observations help the play therapist identify patterns that may shed light on the child’s thoughts or challenges. At times, the therapist may gently join the play, offering guidance or encouragement when needed.

For example, a registered play therapist might use a talking puppet during pretend play to help a child understand, process, and express feelings about a recent even that might involve fear or frustration. This interaction helps the child overcome trauma while learning new ways to express and cope with their big feelings.

Processing and Reflection 

One of the most impactful aspects of play therapy is when the therapist helps the child process their experiences. This may involve gently guiding them through role-playing or helping them recognize the emotions they’ve expressed during the session. Through this process, children gradually develop problem-solving skills, stronger emotional regulation, and a clearer understanding of their feelings.

Something unique to CTC LA is drama therapy! Our therapists bring an exciting new therapy called drama therapy to sessions helping kids and teens build inner resilience, have fun, and learn to embody the best versions of themselves.

Parent or Caregiver Involvement 

A critical component of successful play therapy is the involvement of parents or caregivers. Regular communication between the therapist and the family ensures that everyone remains aligned on the child’s progress and treatment plan. Parent-child sessions may also be introduced to strengthen the bond between them and practice new coping strategies at home.

Ongoing Progress Evaluation 

Play therapy sessions are dynamic and adaptive. The therapist continually evaluates the child’s progress and adjusts the treatment plan as necessary. The goal is always to meet the child where they are and help them achieve their therapy objectives. Our team uses a unique approach called DIR Floortime Play Therapy that supports the assessment, treatment, and progress of all kids who walk through our doors. Curious to learn more? Book a Thriving-Child Strategy Call here. 

Why Play Therapy Works 

There’s a growing body of evidence to support the effectiveness of play therapy. Research from the Association of Play Therapy shows that it creates notable improvements in children’s nervous system state, behavioral patterns, emotional states, and overall mental health.

Here’s why play therapy gets such powerful results:

• Natural & Creative Expression: Play therapy opens the door to the imagination. This is where the best learning takes place! It allows children to express emotions in a way that feels intuitive and safe.

• Boosts Emotional Intelligence: By engaging different areas of the brain through activities like pretend play or art, children learn to work with, not against, their emotions. 

• Develops Coping and Social Skills: Play therapy activities teach children valuable problem-solving and communication skills that they can use in everyday situations. Play therapy is oftentimes a more compassionate approach than simply using skills training alone. 

• Reduces Anxiety and Stress: A safe, supportive space helps to lower a child’s stress levels, enabling emotional regulation and personal growth.

  
  

Play therapy is particularly beneficial for school-age children going through transitions like parental divorce, trauma, or difficulty with social interactions. Studies have also shown positive changes in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and even childhood abuse through therapeutic play. 

Common Play Therapy Techniques and Tools 

Play therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Techniques are tailored to match a child’s unique needs, age group, and goals. Here are some widely used methods:

• Non-Directive Play Therapy: The child leads the session, choosing activities and guiding the flow of interaction while the therapist observes and supports.

• Directive Play Therapy: The therapist actively engages with the child, using specific therapy techniques like storytelling, guided imagery, or role-playing.

• Art-Based Methods: Creative outlets like drawing, painting, or working with clay help children express feelings they may not be able to verbalize.

• Board Games and Strategy Play: Games can be used to build social skills, patience, and problem-solving capabilities.

• Sand Tray Play: Children use small figurines and a sandbox to create worlds that reflect their experiences and emotions.

  
  

How Play Therapy Benefits Young Minds 

The results of play therapy speak for themselves. Here are some of the incredible outcomes for children who engage in this therapeutic process:

• Improved Communication Skills: Children learn to express emotions more effectively, even if verbal communication is challenging.

• Enhanced Self-Esteem: Through guided role-playing and positive reinforcement, children build confidence and a stronger sense of self-worth.

• Better Emotional Regulation: By exploring their emotions in a supportive space, children can better understand and control their reactions.

• Stronger Parent-Child Relationships: Parent-child sessions encourage mutual understanding and deeper emotional bonds.

• Social Growth: Children develop essential social interactions, learning to collaborate and connect with others.

  
  

Your Role as a Parent in the Play Therapy Journey 

Parents and caregivers play a significant role in their child’s play therapy experience. By staying actively involved and practicing play therapy principles at home, you create consistency and amplify your child’s progress.

For example, playing board games together or engaging in pretend play can reinforce their learnings from therapy. Regular communication with the therapist will also help bridge the gap between the therapy room and home life. Remember, it’s all about returning to joy! 

Where to Begin 

If you're considering play therapy for your child, know that it offers much more than just “playtime.” It’s a proven, effective therapeutic approach that nurtures emotional well-being, social skills, and self-expression in a way that feels natural to children.

At the heart of it all, a registered play therapist provides a safe space where young people can work through challenges and build the skills they’ll need to thrive. If you’d like to explore how play therapy could support your child’s unique needs, don’t hesitate to reach out.  

Play is more than just fun. It’s the starting point for healing, growth, and transformation. 

Discover how CTC can help unlock your child’s potential through play therapy. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a Thriving Child Therapy Call. Together, we can support your child’s journey toward healing and growth.