Play therapy is a professional therapeutic approach, not simply giving a child a particular toy or interpreting a drawing. A caregiver can help by describing everyday concerns and asking how the therapist will work with the child and family.
How to use this page
Write observable examples without identifying a cause. Prepare questions for a qualified child clinician and include the child's preferences when developmentally appropriate.
Bring ordinary observations
Describe changes at home, school, or with peers, including strengths and situations where the child is comfortable. Avoid treating themes in play as proof of an event or diagnosis.
Clarify the process
Ask about the clinician's training, caregiver involvement, privacy limits, safeguarding duties, and how the child's assent and distress are handled. Clarify how progress and concerns will be discussed.
Reflection prompts
Use these questions in conversation, on paper, or in the downloaded PDF. You may adapt or skip a prompt.
What everyday change or concern do I want the clinician to understand?
What strengths, interests, or comfort needs should be included?
What questions do I have about training, privacy, and caregiver involvement?
How will the child's preferences, distress, or wish to pause be respected?
Facilitator notes and adaptation
Do not interpret play or drawings as diagnostic or forensic evidence. Obtain age- and setting-appropriate consent and assent and explain confidentiality limits. Specialized play therapy requires competence; avoid trauma reenactment or investigative questioning by caregivers.
Sources behind the concepts
These sources inform the concepts in this original resource. They do not validate or endorse this specific page.