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Parent & Caregiver Guide
to Play Therapy at
Children's Trauma Healing Center
OUR APPROACH TO PLAY THERAPY
Play therapy can and will look different depending on the therapist, setting, and approach.
Our approach to play therapy is:
Grounded in Neurobiology
The brain develops and heals in a predictable sequence. Our work supports regulation, connection, and thinking in a way that aligns with how the brain responds best to experiences, helping children build skills from the bottom up. Therapy is paced and structured to meet each child where they, not where they are “expected” to be.
Integrative and Intentional
We draw from a wide range of therapeutic tools and modalities rather than relying on a single method. Play therapy, expressive activities, relational work, sensory-based strategies, and cognitive supports are thoughtfully woven together based on each child’s unique needs—guided by the therapeutic relationship and careful consideration of when and how each tool is used.
Centered in relationship
We prioritize creating an attuned and supportive therapeutic relationship where children, their families, and the systems that serve them, feel seen, understood, and accepted. Our focus on relationship does not end in the playroom. We prioritize cultivating a network of positive relational support for the child and their caregiving system.
Trauma Responsive
We actively apply an understanding of how trauma and stress impact the brain, body, and behavior. Our approach prioritizes physical and emotional safety, builds trust through collaboration, and responds to behaviors as communication.
Neurodiversity Affirming
We honor each child’s strengths, voice, and unique way of experiencing the world. Differences are valued, not corrected, and we adapt our approach to fit each child’s needs.
Strengths-based
We focus on each child’s and family’s individual strengths, capacities, and existing skills rather than viewing challenges through a deficit-based lens. Therapy builds on what is already working to support confidence, resilience, and meaningful growth for the whole family.
PLAY THERAPY overview
Play therapy is an experiential form of therapy that uses the therapeutic powers of play to support children and families in understanding and addressing behavioral, emotional, and relational challenges. Through play, children can safely express experiences and emotions, build regulation and coping skills, and strengthen relationships in ways that feel natural and developmentally appropriate. This process supports positive growth, healing, and healthy development.
Play therapy takes place in a therapeutic playroom that is intentionally designed and thoughtfully cultivated to support therapeutic play. The design of the playroom invites children to explore, communicate, and engage at their own pace, allowing the therapist to support healing, regulation, and growth through the natural language of play and the therapeutic relationship.
how play therapy works
play is a child's language
Toys, movement, art, and imagination allow children to express thoughts, emotions, and experiences in ways that feel natural and accessible to them.
Experiential Learning Through Play
Children learn and heal by doing. Through repeated play experiences, children practice regulation, communication, problem-solving, and emotional expression in real time.
Observation and Understanding
Play therapists carefully observe patterns in play and interaction to understand a child’s underlying needs, strengths, and stress responses. This allows therapy to be tailored to what the child truly needs, not just what behaviors look like on the surface.
Grounded in Neurobiology
Healing and development are rooted in science. Different parts of the brain support different functions, and effective therapy considers how to meet the specific needs of each system to support growth and healing. Play therapy is uniquely suited for this work because it can be used to engage and support all parts of the brain, allowing therapists to respond thoughtfully to a child’s developmental, emotional, and relational needs while supporting the whole family.
the therapeutic relationship
Healing happens within a safe, consistent, and attuned relationship. A trained play therapist creates an environment where children feel seen, understood, and accepted just as they are. Through this trusting relationship, children can explore experiences, express themselves in developmentally natural ways, practice new skills, and engage in the therapeutic process in ways that support positive developmental growth. Over time, these relational experiences help strengthen regulation, confidence, connection, and a deeper sense of felt safety, both within themselves and in their relationships with others.
preparing for play therapy
parents as partners
Parents and caregivers are an essential part of the team, and your child’s therapist will work closely with you throughout treatment. Ongoing collaboration helps ensure your child’s needs are supported across home, school, and relationships, and that you receive the guidance and support you deserve as well.
Brief Escalation in intensity
It is common for behaviors or challenges to temporarily increase in intensity before they begin to improve. As children start to feel safer and express more, their needs may show up more clearly. This is often part of the therapeutic process.
providing consistency
Consistent scheduling is an important part of therapy. Attending sessions at a predictable day and time helps children feel safer and supports the repetition needed for meaningful, lasting change.
Talking to your child about therapy
Providing a simple explanation before therapy begins can be very helpful. You might let your child know that therapy is a place they will go to play and meet a helper called a therapist. The therapist helps children and families learn new ways to manage big feelings, handle hard things, and build skills and routines that support everyone. When talking with your child, keep the language clear and reassuring. Focus on what therapy will be like rather than what your child is expected to do. It can be helpful to let them know that they can play, talk, or share in whatever way feels right, and that you will be nearby while they are there. It may help increase their comfort to show them pictures of our office ahead of time.
protecting the therapeutic space
being Accessible
Caregivers are asked to remain on-site—either in the waiting room or parking lot—during their child’s session so they can be available if needed. We encourage you to use this time to make a warm drink, have a snack, or take a quiet moment while staying nearby and accessible.
updates and concerns
To protect your child’s therapeutic space, concerns, challenges, or progress should not be discussed in front of your child. Updates can be shared during scheduled parent sessions or by email if something is time-sensitive.
Language matters
It’s completely natural to feel unsure about what to say before or after sessions. The words you use can support your child’s sense of safety and trust in the process.
Below are some helpful examples
Try Saying
“I’ll be here when you're done.“
Instead of
“Have fun“
Try Saying
“See you in 45 minutes”
Instead of
“Be good today!"
Try Saying
"I'm so glad to see you."
Instead of
“Were you behaved?"
Try Saying
"I'm here if you need anything."
Instead of
“Did you have fun?"
Try Saying
"What do you want to listen to in the car?"
Instead of
“What did you talk about today?"
Confidentiality in therapy
Confidentiality is an important part of creating safety and trust in therapy. Information shared in sessions is kept private, with appropriate communication occurring through parent sessions as needed. There are limits to confidentiality related to safety and legal requirements, which will be reviewed with caregivers. These boundaries are in place to support your child’s well-being and the integrity of the therapeutic process.
frequently asked questions
how long will this take?
The duration of play therapy varies widely depending on your child's individual needs. The therapist will regularly assess your child's progress and collaborate with you to determine the most appropriate course of action.
Do you just play?
Play therapy does involve play, but it’s much more than playtime. It’s a structured, evidence-based approach that uses play as a child’s natural language to help them
express emotions, experiences, and challenges in ways that feel safe and developmentally appropriate. The therapist is intentionally observing and engaging in the play to support specific therapeutic goals—and if you ever wonder what your child’s therapist is doing or why, please ask. We want you to feel informed and comfortable throughout the process.
My child likes to talk and share, so do they need play therapy?
Play therapy isn't just for children who have difficulty verbally expressing themselves. While some children are comfortable talking about their feelings, others may find it challenging. Play therapy uses various therapeutic tools, including play, to help children communicate and understand their emotions on a deeper level. It can benefit children of all communication styles and preferences.
Isn't my child too old for play therapy?
Play therapy is not limited to young children. It can be adapted for older children, adolescents, and even adults. Depending on the child's age and developmental level, the therapist may incorporate different techniques, such as art, talk therapy, or other creative methods, to address their specific needs effectively.
resource guide
talking to children about therapy
when a donut goes to therapy
By: Erin Winters
Read Aloud Video Link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrqagP_v8Cw
You are also welcome to borrow this from our personal office library. Just ask your therapist to coordinate a date and time for pick up.
miss piper's playroom
By: Lynn Louise Wonders
Read Aloud Video Link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pnM8mNaBQE
You are also welcome to borrow this from our personal office library. Just ask your therapist to coordinate a date and time for pick up.
meet sofia, sesame street’s “feelings helper”
Sesame Street
Video Link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWFoXkK6vCg
learn more about play therapy
Association for play therapy: parents corner
Association for Play Therapy
The power of play to heal and connect
Amy Work
Website Link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J-cihpkSoo
Overview of play therapy
Dr. Nick Cornett
Website Link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zox3syT2qhk
play therapy Research
Association for Play Therapy
Website Link
https://www.a4pt.org/page/ResearchReferences
The NEurosequential Model of Therapeutics
This model, developed by Dr. Bruce Perry, is not a modality of therapy but a lens and tool that helps to organize and understand a person’s contextual experiences, impact of those experiences, current strengths and challenges, needs, and how to best approach therapeutic support in ways that align with and respect the way their brain is currently wired. This model is at the foundation of all that we do at CTHC and what helps us to excel in working with the most complex of needs.
What is nmt?
Arizona's Children
Video Link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waXWkLbOlg0
Stress, Trauma, and the Brain: Insights for Educators - The Neurosequential Model
ThinkTVPBS
Video Link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3is_3XHKKs
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