Helping Parents Understand Play Therapy

when virtual sessions include play based approaches, parents will sometimes question why a therapist is "just playing" with their child instead of talking about issues the resources in this section help provide support for how to address those concerns and questions oftentimes, therapists will discuss their reasoning for play based approaches in their 15 minute free consultation or at the initial intake meeting so that this is openly addressed spending time on this issue at the beginning of the relationship can help support retention parents who have understanding and "buy in" of therapeutic approaches are more likely to continue to support ongoing sessions keep in mind, not every parent will feel comfortable initiating a discussion of their their concerns or questions, and may just stop making appointments when they have reservations, so proactively speaking about common questions parents have can help parents feel supported and send the message that you value their feedback note the resources included in this section are meant to support the work you do in session use of the techniques in these resources does not constitute training or certification in any therapeutic modality it is important to remember that as you consider integrating them into your sessions, they may bring about unintended emotional and behavioral responses for children as a licensed clinician, you have an ethical responsibility to stay within your “scope of practice” as you provide therapy services https //www verywellmind com/what is scope of practice for therapists 5323826 introducing andrew (video) developed by the association for play therapy, https //www youtube com/watch?v=rejpo gaopm , is an entertaining educational tool designed to help parents understand why play is essential in working with children overview of play therapy why? who? does it work? answers to common questions by nick cornett, ph d , lpc, lmft, registered play therapist (john brown university) therapeutic powers of play (download) this download from the association for play therapy is a great https //cdn ymaws com/www a4pt org/resource/resmgr/magazine articles/2019 20/therapeutic powers of play w\ pdf in helping parents and other professionals understand the importance of play therapy here is the https //cdn ymaws com/www a4pt org/resource/resmgr/magazine articles/2019 20/peabody & schaefer pdf from mary anne peabody, edd, lcsw, rpt and dr charles e schaefer, phd, rpt s, apt co founder about the therapeutic powers of play as featured in the apt magazine