Frequently asked questions

Many child therapists say they practice "play therapy," but a Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT) has the official credentials to back it up. To earn this specialized certification, a therapist must complete:

• 2 Years of Advanced Training: Focused entirely on play therapy coursework and clinical techniques.

• Supervised Practice: Hands-on experience guided by seasoned play therapy experts.

• Continuous Education: Regular, ongoing training to maintain their certification and stay up-to-date on the best care practices.

The Bottom Line: When interviewing potential therapists for your child, ask if they hold the RPT credential. It’s your guarantee that they have the specialized skills to help your child heal and grow.

As pioneering play therapist Garry Landreth beautifully put it:

"Play is the language of children and toys are their words."

In everyday life, free play is how children naturally explore, learn, and have fun. But in child-centered play therapy, play becomes something much deeper.

Joined by a specialized mental health professional, your child uses this natural language to process complex thoughts and feelings. While play therapy can certainly be enjoyable, it is often hard work. Just like talk therapy provides a safe space for adults to untangle difficult emotions, play therapy is where children do the heavy lifting to resolve social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. It is serious, transformative work—disguised as play.

Once your child feels safe and builds a trusting bond with their play therapist, you will begin to see shifts—but healing isn't always a straight line.

• The "behavior bump": It is completely normal (and very common!) for problem behaviors to temporarily increase at first. As children feel safe enough to unpack deep, heavy emotions, those feelings often spill over at home. If you notice a temporary spike in defiance or meltdowns, take a deep breath—it actually means the therapy is working.

• Turning the corner: Usually within a month or two, this intensity begins to settle. You will start to notice less intense emotional reactions and the gradual emergence of positive behaviors—like your child putting their feelings into words or showing a healthier sense of independence.

True behavior change takes time. By committing to regular weekly sessions and trusting your child’s natural pace, you give them the consistent space they need to truly heal and grow.

How we talk to our kids about their therapy sessions matters. To help protect the therapeutic space, here is a quick guide on how to talk to your child:

• Try to avoid asking: "Did you have fun?" or "What did you do?"
  Why?  Children often work through tough feelings in the playroom. Asking if it was "fun" can make them feel like they failed if the session was emotionally difficult, or pressure them to perform.

• Instead, try saying: "This is your time, and you can play however you need to."
  Why?  This takes the pressure off. It lets your child know that the playroom is a safe, judgment-free zone where all emotions are welcome.

Generally, yes.  Balancing school and therapy can feel tricky, but prioritizing your child's mental health is always the right move. Here is how to think about school-day appointments:

• It is a medical appointment: Therapy treats a diagnosable health condition.  Just like a physical check-up, it is a valid, excused medical absence.

• Availability is limited: Because specialized child therapists have high-demand schedules, daytime appointments are often the fastest way to get your child the consistent care they need.

• Mental health supports learning: A child who is emotionally overwhelmed cannot focus on academics.  Addressing the root emotional or behavioral struggles first is what actually unlocks their ability to learn.

• The long-term payoff: After a period of consistent treatment, children typically return to the classroom with better focus, stronger social skills, and a more positive attitude toward school.