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How Can Parents Support their Child’s Play Therapy Journey?

By Antoinette Peterson

As we shared in our previous blog post, studies show that play therapy is more effective with parents’ intervention and cooperation. Family support throughout Child- Centered Play Therapy intervention is critical–as it empowers families to more fully understand their child’s needs and behaviors. Armed with this knowledge, they can continue to create a home environment that best supports their child and improves overall family dynamics. In this blog post, we will discuss how parents can implement CCPT techniques at home, as well as the role parental involvement plays in the therapeutic process. 

Can a Parent Use Child-Centered Play Therapy at Home?

Depending on a family’s needs and a child’s progress, a play therapist may offer guidance toward how a parent can implement certain CCPT strategies at home. Seeing that a child’s reason for attending therapy may be –but not always– tied to dynamics within the family, parental involvement in the healing process can make Child-Centered Play Therapy even more effective. A few broadly applicable strategies for supporting your child’s play therapy journey at home include:

  • Trusting the process. While many want to see quick results, it typically takes around twenty play therapy sessions for kids to begin making improvements. Additionally, progress is not always linear, and some children’s behavior may worsen as they begin to learn what processing their emotions is like. Trust that your child’s therapist and the fact that, as long as they regularly attend their CCPT sessions, they will begin to see improvements in whatever challenges they are facing.
  • Encourage your child to have autonomy. One of the goals of play therapy is for a child to better understand their emotions and develop resilience. Therefore, it can be beneficial for parents to allow children to make various, simple decisions in their everyday life. This can instill a sense of empowerment in the child, while also giving them some sense of control.
  • Have technology-free time. Set aside time for a least 30 minutes away from technology per week and allow your child to simply play. Let them take the lead and choose their favorite games and toys. As we have stated, a child’s primary form of communication is play, and in observing their time playing, you may be able to gather insight around their feelings. 
  • Acknowledge your child’s emotions. Because children often express emotions in less regulated ways than adults, it can be easy to get frustrated and discount their feelings. This can be harmful as it teaches them to suppress their emotions, something they are actively trying to unlearn in their CCPT sessions. By acknowledging your child’s emotions, 

Why is the Parent Relationship Critical in Child-Centered Play Therapy?

Not only is the relationship between parent and child critical during the CCPT process, so too is the relationship between parent and therapist. While the parent will not regularly consult with the therapist, the initial meeting between the two provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about the child, build trust, establish goals, and develop an understanding regarding how those goals can be achieved in the playroom. Therapists will help families develop a plan that is culturally sensitive and reflective of their values– a collaborative process that will ultimately help shape the child’s experience in Child-Centered Play Therapy. Additionally, as the therapeutic process progresses, parents may periodically check in with the therapist to ensure goals are being met and adapt to any needs they feel are going unmet. 

How New Perspective Counseling Can Help

At New Perspective, our therapist Dana Malmquist specializes in Child-Centered Play Therapy and is available to answer any questions you may have. Before meeting your child, Dana schedules a meeting with the parent(s) so she can get a better understanding of your concerns and goals.

Dana Malmquist, MSW, LLMSW is a Licensed Clinical Therapist Specializing in Child-Centered Play Therapy and Counseling for Children, Teens, and Young Adults In Highland, Michigan/ Dana holds a Master’s in Social Work from Western Michigan University and is certified in school social work. Her background as an elementary school social worker gave her firsthand experience supporting children with IEPs, collaborating with educators, and advocating for students in both academic and emotional settings. 

If you’re a parent in the Highland, Michigan area and your child is struggling with anxiety, behavior issues, or emotional regulation, CCPT can help them express their feelings, build self-confidence, and strengthen family relationships. Contact us to make your first appointment.