What to Expect When Your Child Begins Play Therapy

Second in our series about what to expect when starting therapy, is our post on children starting play therapy. Starting play therapy can feel like a big step for both parents and children. If you are considering this approach in Lee's Summit, understanding what happens during child therapy can ease your concerns and help you support your child through the process. Play therapy offers a unique way for children to express feelings and work through challenges in a safe, supportive environment.

A welcoming play therapy room designed for children

What Is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a form of child therapy that uses play to help children communicate their emotions and experiences. Since children often find it hard to express complex feelings with words, play becomes their language. Therapists observe and interact with children through games, art, and storytelling to understand their inner world.

This approach is especially helpful for children dealing with anxiety, trauma, behavioral issues, or family changes like divorce or relocation. In Lee's Summit, many therapists specialize in play therapy to support children’s mental health in a way that feels natural and engaging for them.

One of our favorite videos from The Association for Play Therapy about why kids respond well to play therapy:

How Does a Play Therapy Session Look?

When your child begins play therapy, the first few sessions focus on building trust. The therapist creates a warm, non-judgmental space filled with toys, art supplies, and other materials. Your child will be encouraged to choose activities that interest them.

Sessions usually last 30 to 50 minutes, depending on the child’s age and needs. The therapist might:

• Observe how your child plays and interacts with toys

• Join in play to gently guide expression

• Use storytelling or drawing to explore feelings

• Introduce games that help children practice coping skills

  
  

Parents are often invited to share insights about their child’s behavior and emotional state. Some therapists also include parent sessions to discuss progress and strategies to support the child at home.

What Parents Should Know Before Starting

Understanding your role can make the therapy more effective. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Be patient: Progress in play therapy can be gradual. Children may not open up immediately, but small changes in behavior or mood are signs of growth.

• Avoid pressuring your child: Let your child lead the play. The therapist will guide the process, so it’s important not to push your child to talk or perform.

• Stay involved: Attend parent meetings and communicate openly with the therapist. Your support reinforces what your child learns in therapy.

• Maintain consistency: Regular sessions help build a routine and deepen trust between your child and therapist.

• Anxiety can be normal: It can be normal for parents or children to be a little nervous to start play therapy! We do not require parents to leave the play room, and especially in the beginning, some kids prefer for parents to stay in the room until they get to know us better.

If you ask your child what they did in session, a common akswer would be "I just played!" This is true. Our trained play therapists are experts at weaving therapeutic interventions throughout a play therapy session in ways that allow your child appropriate levels of autonomy, expression, and growth while your child still has a ton of fun.

Common Questions About Play Therapy

Many parents in the Kansas City metro area ask similar questions when their child starts play therapy. Here are answers to some of the most frequent concerns:

Will my child have to talk about their problems?

Not necessarily. Play therapy allows children to express themselves without direct conversation. The therapist interprets play behaviors to understand emotions. We are happy to answer questions for parents about this before starting, or throughout therapy, even giving some examples of how we are working toward your child's goals through play.

How long will therapy last?

The length varies based on your child’s needs. Some children benefit from a few months, while others may need longer support. We are happy to discuss this further with you in a consultation or parent session.

Can play therapy help with specific issues like ADHD or grief?

Yes. Play therapy adapts to many challenges, including self esteem, loss, trauma, and communication skills.

Is play therapy only for young children?

While it’s most common for younger children, older kids and even teens can benefit from play-based approaches tailored to their age.

Child drawing with crayons in a play therapy session

How to Support Your Child During Play Therapy

Your involvement outside the therapy room can make a big difference. Here are practical ways to support your child:

• Create a predictable home environment: Reduce stressors when possible and provide a regular routine.

• Encourage open communication: Let your child know it’s okay to share feelings when they’re ready. Be ready to validate the feelings without immediately jumping to fix the problem.

• Allow them their therapeutic space: Some level of confidentiality in counseling can be helpful for all ages. Rest assured, your child's play therapist will always let you know if there are safety concerns.

• Take part in parenting sessions when needed: Your child's play therapist may occasionally ask to meet with you outside of your child's sessions. Parenting sessions can be used for updates, to further clarify information that helps your child reach their goals, and to be able to support you in your parenting journey.

• Practice skills learned in therapy: If the therapist suggests coping techniques, help your child practice them at home.

  
  

Finding the Right Play Therapist in Lee's Summit

Choosing a qualified therapist is crucial. Look for professionals who:

• Are licensed and trained in play therapy techniques

• Have experience working with children facing similar challenges

• Offer a welcoming and child-friendly space

• Communicate clearly with parents and involve them in the process

  
  

You can ask for recommendations from your pediatrician, school counselor, or local parenting groups in Lee's Summit.

Final Thoughts on Starting Play Therapy

Play therapy offers a gentle, effective way for children to process emotions and develop healthy coping skills. When your child begins this journey, expect a focus on play, patience, and partnership between you and the therapist. With time, your child can gain confidence and emotional strength through this supportive form of child therapy.

We would love to talk with you about play therapy services at Seeds of Change Counseling & Consulting. Contact us with any questions at 816-508-5934 or cara@seedsofchangecc.com