Freqeuntly Asked Questions for children
Children are naturally curious about starting Play Therapy. What will they do? Are there any rules? What is the therapist like? Below are some of the more common questions and answers that chidlren have about Play Therapy. Talking about these and looking at pictures of the play room and therapist can often help ease anxiety about starting something new.
​What's Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a special, safe place where children can explore their feelings while they play. Just like doctors help with bodies, play therapy helps with feelings. In the playroom you’ll meet the therapist – she’s a person that can help us understand feelings. When you go to Play Therapy you can play the way you choose.
Why do I have to go?
Everyone sometimes needs a safe place to share big feelings or things that feel tricky at school or home. At Play Therapy you get to be in charge, choosing what you’d like to play with and how you want to show your feelings. It’s a place made just for you, where you can play, create, and explore, and where a kind helper will be there to support you. When things feel hard — at home, in our family, at school, with friends, or when changes happen — having a special playroom can make it easier.
What will I do there?
You can choose to say and do almost anything that you want to do, and play with anything that you choose. The therapist is there to help you figure things out, kind of like being a detective for your feelings. It may take a few visits to feel comfortable, and that’s completely normal, because this space is made to be safe, supportive, and just for you.
Will there be other kids?
When you go to Play therapy, it will just be you and the Therapist in the playroom. The playroom is a special space where only one child comes in at a time, so you don’t have to share the toys or the therapist’s attention. It’s your own safe place to play, explore, and show your feelings, with a kind grown‑up there to help you.
Will anyone play with me?
You can choose if you would like the therapist to join in your play if you’d like. Sometimes you might play on your own, and sometimes the therapist might play alongside you, but it’s always your choice. The therapist is there to help with feelings and make sure you feel safe, so you’ll never be alone — you’ll always have a kind grown‑up nearby while you play.
Do I have to do things I don’t like?
No, you don’t have to do things you don’t like in play therapy. The playroom is your special space, and you get to choose what feels right for you. If something doesn’t feel good or fun, you can say so, and the therapist will listen and help you find something else. Play therapy is all about helping you feel safe, comfortable, and free to be yourself.
Will it be fun?
Yes, play therapy will feel fun because you get to spend time in a special playroom with toys, art, and sand where you choose what to do. You can play, create, and explore in your own way. Sometimes it feels like just playing, but it’s also helping with your feelings — so it’s both fun and helpful at the same time.
What is the therapist like?
The therapist’s name is Fiona. She’s a kind grown‑up who helps with feelings, and she’s excited to get to know you. In your first visit, they’ll talk with you a little bit and show you some toys or activities, and you can choose how you want to play — there’s no wrong way to do it. If you’re not sure what to do, the therapist will help you find something that feels right.
Do I have to talk about things?
You can talk if you want to, but you don’t have to — sometimes playing shows your feelings even better than words. In the playroom, you can use toys, art, or sand to share what’s going on inside you, and the therapist will understand you however you choose to show your feelings. It’s a safe space where you get to decide how to express yourself.
Are there any rules at Play Therapy?
Yes, there are a few simple rules in play therapy, and they’re all about keeping you safe and comfortable. The playroom is your special space, so you can choose what you want to do, but the rules are things like being gentle with the toys, keeping yourself safe, and remembering that the therapist is there to help you. Apart from that, there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to play — it’s really about you having a safe place to explore and share your feelings.
Do I have to pack away the toys?
No! You never have to pack away the toys when you finish your time at Play Therapy. It's the Play Therapist's job to pack away the toys, and she will do that after you finish playing and leave the play room.
Here are some pictures of the Play Room
