Considering Play Therapy for Your Child? Common Questions Parents Ask

If you're considering therapy for your child, you may be wondering whether play therapy is the right fit, what happens during sessions, and how you can best support your child through the process.

As a play therapist, I often hear many of the same questions from parents. Below are answers to some of the most common concerns families have when beginning the therapy journey.

What Are the Benefits of Play Therapy?

Play therapy helps children express emotions, build coping skills, improve emotional regulation, increase confidence, strengthen problem-solving abilities, and develop healthier relationships with others.

Because children often communicate through play rather than words, play therapy provides a developmentally appropriate way for them to work through challenges and learn new skills. It can be particularly helpful for children experiencing anxiety, ADHD-related challenges, behavioral concerns, friendship difficulties, life transitions, grief, low self-esteem, and other emotional or developmental challenges.

How Does Play Therapy Work?

Children often communicate through play more naturally than through conversation. During play therapy sessions, children use toys, games, art, imaginative play, and other therapeutic activities to express emotions, process experiences, and practice new skills.

Rather than simply talking about feelings, children are able to work through them in ways that feel natural and engaging. Through the therapeutic relationship and carefully selected interventions, children develop greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, confidence, and resilience.

How Do I Know If My Child Could Benefit From Play Therapy?

Many parents seek therapy when their child is struggling with anxiety, emotional outbursts, difficulty managing big feelings, ADHD-related challenges, friendship difficulties, low self-esteem, school stress, family transitions, grief, or significant life changes.

Sometimes parents notice that their child seems overwhelmed, withdrawn, frustrated, or is having difficulty coping with daily challenges. Therapy can provide support before concerns become more significant and can help children develop healthy coping skills early.

Is Play Therapy Effective for Anxiety?

Yes. Play therapy can be highly effective for children experiencing anxiety.

Children often have difficulty explaining worries and fears with words alone. Through play, they can safely express emotions, process experiences, build coping skills, and develop confidence in navigating situations that previously felt overwhelming.

Is Play Therapy Effective for ADHD?

Play therapy can support children with ADHD by helping them improve emotional regulation, frustration tolerance, flexibility, self-awareness, confidence, and problem-solving skills.

While play therapy does not "cure" ADHD, it can help children develop important emotional and social skills while supporting the challenges that often accompany ADHD, such as low self-esteem, emotional overwhelm, and difficulty managing frustration.

Is Play Therapy the Same as Behavioral Therapy?

Not exactly.

Many parents begin searching for "behavioral therapy" or “CBT for kids” when they are concerned about tantrums, emotional outbursts, defiance, or challenges at home and school.

While behavioral approaches often focus on changing specific behaviors, play therapy focuses on understanding and addressing the emotions, experiences, and needs beneath those behaviors. As children develop emotional awareness, coping skills, and healthier ways of expressing themselves, improvements in behavior often follow naturally.

Will I Be Involved in My Child's Treatment?

Yes! Parent involvement is often an important part of the therapeutic process.

Children do not exist in isolation, and meaningful change often happens when parents feel supported, too. Depending on your child's age, needs, and treatment goals, parent sessions may be incorporated throughout treatment to discuss progress, better understand your child's experiences, and develop strategies to support them at home.

I'm Feeling Unsure How to Help My Child. Can You Help Support Me, Too?

Absolutely.

Many parents come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or unsure how to best support their child. Parent sessions provide a space to discuss your child's needs, better understand their behaviors and emotions, learn practical strategies, and feel more confident in your parenting.

You do not have to figure everything out on your own.

How Often Will My Child Attend Therapy?

Most children begin with weekly sessions. Consistent sessions help build a strong therapeutic relationship and allow children to make meaningful progress toward their goals.

Recommendations may change over time depending on your child's needs, progress, and treatment goals.

How Long Does Play Therapy Take?

Every child is different.

The length of treatment depends on your child's goals, presenting concerns, developmental needs, family involvement, and the complexity of the challenges being addressed. During treatment, progress and recommendations are reviewed regularly.

What Happens During the First Session?

The first session focuses on getting to know your child, understanding your concerns, gathering relevant background information, and beginning to establish a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship.

Every child is unique, so the structure of the first few sessions may vary based on their age, personality, and needs.

Do You Offer Virtual Sessions?

Play therapy is primarily offered in person, as children often benefit from engaging directly with the therapeutic environment, toys, games, and materials available during sessions.

In some situations, established clients may be able to temporarily switch to virtual sessions for illness, travel, transportation challenges, or other occasional needs. Virtual sessions are determined on a case-by-case basis and must be discussed with your clinician. Children must be physically located in Maryland at the time of any virtual session.

Taking the First Step

If you're wondering whether play therapy might help your child, you're not alone. Many parents reach out because they notice their child struggling and want support in understanding what is going on beneath the surface.

Play therapy can help children build confidence, develop emotional regulation skills, strengthen coping abilities, and navigate life's challenges in a safe and supportive environment.

If you'd like to learn more, schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and determine whether play therapy may be a good fit for your child and family.

Weinman Wellness Center provides in-person play therapy for children in Timonium, Maryland, serving families throughout the greater Baltimore area.