What to Expect During a Play Therapy Session

Feb 11

2 min read

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Ever wondered what actually goes down in a play therapy session? Spoiler: it’s not your usual “sit and chat” kind of deal. Instead, it’s more like stepping into a mini adventure, where the therapy room turns into a playground for emotions. Sounds fun, right? Let’s take a quick tour of what to expect!

A Room Full of Fun (and Surprises!)

Imagine walking into a room filled with toys, costumes, puppets, art supplies, and maybe even a sandbox. It’s pretty much a dream come true for kids (and let’s be honest, some of us adults too).

But here’s the cool part, every single thing in that room has a purpose. It’s like a secret code for feelings! Whether it’s painting, building with blocks, or acting out stories with dolls, each activity is a way for kids to express how they’re feeling.

"It’s not just random playtime. Even in the first session, when the therapist is getting to know the child, there’s a mission behind the fun. The child leads the way and might not even realize they’re working through something important while playing.” – Musqan Butt

The Therapist: A Friendly Guide (Not a Playmate)

So, what’s the therapist doing while the kid is deep in play?

They’re not there to join in like a buddy, but more like a guide who’s closely observing what’s happening. The therapist might say something like, “It looks like your superhero is feeling frustrated. What’s going on with them?” Just like that, the child begins connecting what their superhero is feeling to their own emotions. Meanwhile, the therapist is piecing together important clues from the play.

“It’s all about making the child feel in control and safe enough to open up, without them even realizing they’re doing it.” – Musqan Butt

How Long Does It Take?

Here’s the thing:

“Play therapy isn’t a magic fix where everything’s better after one session. It’s more like planting a seed and watching it grow over time.” – Musqan Butt

Sessions usually happen once a week, and it can take weeks or even months to see significant progress. But little by little, kids start to understand their emotions and challenges in a way that lasts. The more they play, the more they heal, it’s a gradual process!

In a Nutshell: Playtime with a Purpose

At the end of the day, play therapy is like sneaking veggies into a delicious meal—kids (and sometimes adults) work through big emotions without even realizing it. Whether it’s by playing with toys, acting out scenes, or creating art, the magic happens when emotions come out naturally and safely.

Remember, it’s not a quick fix, but more of a journey. Each play therapy session brings the child one step closer to emotional growth, and when the breakthroughs happen, they’re truly amazing.