Play Therapy FAQs

What happens in a play therapy session?

 Play therapy sessions are child-led and structured to meet the child where they are emotionally. Using toys, art, sand, and storytelling, children express themselves in a way that feels natural, while the therapist observes and gently guides emotional processing, problem-solving, and skill-building. Each item in the playroom is intentionally chosen to support symbolic expression and emotional safety. Over time, play becomes a powerful tool for healing and growth.

How do I know if play therapy is right for my child? 

Play therapy is especially helpful for children experiencing big emotions, changes in behavior, difficulty in relationships, anxiety, trauma, grief, or family transitions like divorce or adoption. If your child is acting out, withdrawing, or seems overwhelmed by everyday challenges, play therapy offers a developmentally appropriate way to help them express feelings and build coping skills.

Research supports the effectiveness of play therapy across a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns. The Association for Play Therapy (APT) cites evidence that child-centered play therapy, in particular, leads to statistically significant improvements in children’s emotional functioning and behavior. A trained play therapist can help determine if this approach is a good fit for your child during an initial consultation.

Will I be part of the therapy process? 

Yes. Caregiver involvement is essential. While the playroom is the child’s space to work through emotions, ongoing communication with parents or guardians helps reinforce progress at home and school. Parents are often supported through feedback sessions, coaching strategies, or family sessions depending on the child’s needs and treatment goals.

Teen Therapy FAQs

What can therapy help my teen with?

Therapy can support teens dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, identity concerns, self-esteem, peer issues, family conflict, school pressure, and life transitions. Adolescence is a critical time of emotional development, and therapy offers a nonjudgmental space to explore feelings, clarify values, and strengthen coping skills. Building a trusting therapeutic relationship can also help teens feel less isolated and more empowered.

Will I know what my teen talks about in therapy?

Teens are offered a level of privacy to build trust and openness, which is essential for effective therapy at this stage of development. General themes and progress may be shared with caregivers, but specific content is kept confidential unless there are safety concerns (such as self-harm, harm to others, or abuse). When it’s helpful to involve parents in the conversation, information is shared with the teen’s permission and participation, allowing them to feel respected and in control of their own healing process. The goal is to support your teen while also fostering healthy communication within the family.

Parent Coaching FAQs

What is parent coaching, and how is it different from therapy?

Parent coaching focuses on practical tools and strategies to support parenting goals, improve communication, and navigate challenging behaviors. It’s typically present- and future-focused, and can be done on its own or alongside your child’s therapy. Unlike therapy, coaching is not diagnostic, but instead supports your role as a parent with personalized guidance tailored to your family’s unique needs.

Who benefits from parent coaching?

Parent coaching is helpful for any caregiver looking to build confidence, reduce power struggles, respond more effectively to emotional or behavioral challenges, and foster a stronger parent-child connection. It’s especially valuable for parents of children with ADHD, anxiety, trauma histories, or sensory sensitivities. Whether you're feeling stuck or simply want more tools, coaching can provide the clarity and support you're looking for.