Preparing for Therapy:
What is play therapy?
Play therapy is to children what counseling is to adults. In the playroom, toys are used like words and play is the child’s language. Children are able to communicate and play out how they feel with a trained play therapist, allowing them to resolve negative feelings and promote healthier behaviors. I also use art and play as a way to engage with the child. I use games as an instrument to teach needed skills
What to tell your child about therapy…
I suggest that you tell your child that they will be meeting Jennifer and that I will be their “helper person.” Explain to your child that Jennifer has a special office with lots of toys. If your child wants to know why they are going to counseling, you might say something like, “when things are hard for you at home (or at school), sometimes it helps to have a special place to talk and play” or you can be more specific, “ I know this change (divorce/move/loss) has been difficult for everyone and I want you to have a special person who will help you.”
What to do for each session…
Well meaning parents often feel that they need to remind their child about what to bring up with the therapist. Please refrain from coaching your child. Know that the issues that your child is here to work on will come out in their play. If you would like me to know about something that has happened, please call or email me before the session so that we are not taking appointment time to handle this where little ears may be listening.
Please know that, especially with younger children, therapy may sound like play time. While we may be using some of the same toys children ordinarily play with (puppets, toy cars, costumes, board games, etc.), please know that these activities have therapeutic purposes and that what may appear to simply be having fun time to the child is actually therapy work.
After each session…
Refrain from asking questions about what your child did, what happened, or if therapy was fun. Just say, “Hi. We can go home now.” If you are curious about what happened in a session, please ask me directly. Your child may share about their session. Listen carefully and allow your child to lead the conversation. Sometimes your child may take home a drawing or an art piece. Instead of praising the item, simply ask them if they would like to tell you about it.
What is play therapy?
Play therapy is to children what counseling is to adults. In the playroom, toys are used like words and play is the child’s language. Children are able to communicate and play out how they feel with a trained play therapist, allowing them to resolve negative feelings and promote healthier behaviors. I also use art and play as a way to engage with the child. I use games as an instrument to teach needed skills
What to tell your child about therapy…
I suggest that you tell your child that they will be meeting Jennifer and that I will be their “helper person.” Explain to your child that Jennifer has a special office with lots of toys. If your child wants to know why they are going to counseling, you might say something like, “when things are hard for you at home (or at school), sometimes it helps to have a special place to talk and play” or you can be more specific, “ I know this change (divorce/move/loss) has been difficult for everyone and I want you to have a special person who will help you.”
What to do for each session…
Well meaning parents often feel that they need to remind their child about what to bring up with the therapist. Please refrain from coaching your child. Know that the issues that your child is here to work on will come out in their play. If you would like me to know about something that has happened, please call or email me before the session so that we are not taking appointment time to handle this where little ears may be listening.
Please know that, especially with younger children, therapy may sound like play time. While we may be using some of the same toys children ordinarily play with (puppets, toy cars, costumes, board games, etc.), please know that these activities have therapeutic purposes and that what may appear to simply be having fun time to the child is actually therapy work.
After each session…
Refrain from asking questions about what your child did, what happened, or if therapy was fun. Just say, “Hi. We can go home now.” If you are curious about what happened in a session, please ask me directly. Your child may share about their session. Listen carefully and allow your child to lead the conversation. Sometimes your child may take home a drawing or an art piece. Instead of praising the item, simply ask them if they would like to tell you about it.