Hiring a play therapist or any therapist for your child requires some homework. It can feel a bit overwhelming and sometimes a bit stigmatizing. We don’t normally want people to know our child is not doing well. Parenting is tough, and we are all critical of how well we are parenting our children. The good news is you are here and learning how to help your child. I applaud your strength! Here is a list of questions that may be helpful when you are seeking a children’s therapist.

1. What is your experience and training in play therapy?

In the United States, there are several different mental health licenses that therapists, counselors, and other mental health professionals may hold. Each credential requires a master’s level education and the required number of supervised clinical hours (generally 3000 hours of service). The practitioner must also pass a licensing exam and participate in continuing education every year. Some of the most common mental health licenses for children’s therapy include: (Specific to the State of Texas)

1. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) – A mental health professional who provides individual and family therapy, assessments, and diagnoses of mental health conditions. LCSWs help clients to identify and work through psychological, emotional, and social challenges and to develop healthy coping skills and relationships. They may also support and guide clients navigating difficult life transitions or dealing with grief, trauma, abuse, or addiction.
2. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) -A mental health professional who provides individual and group therapy to clients with various emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues. LPCs help clients identify and work through personal challenges, develop healthy coping skills, and improve their well-being
3. Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) – A mental health professional who specializes in providing therapy to couples, families, and individuals. MFTs help clients improve their relationships, resolve conflicts, and work through various emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues.
4. Psychologist (PsyD or PhD) – A doctoral mental health professional who provides a wide range of mental health services, including individual and group therapy, psychological assessments, and treatments for mental health conditions.

Additionally, some mental health professionals may hold multiple licenses or certifications. when working with children. These are not required by the State of Texas but signify additional training and supervision specifically for using play therapy.

1. Registered Play Therapist (RPT): The Association for Play Therapy (APT), a professional organization for play therapists, offers this certification.
2. Certified Play Therapist (CPT): This certification is offered by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), a professional organization for early childhood educators.

Whatever credentials a mental health provider holds, they should always be forthcoming about their training area or where they are obtaining credentials.

2. Can you describe your approach to play therapy and how it benefits children?

Being a therapist and playing with a child in therapy is not the same as a clinical approach to play therapy. Each type of therapy has its unique approach and techniques, and the type of therapy used will depend on the specific needs and goals of the child and their family. Here is a list of some play therapy approaches used today.

1. Child-Centered Play Therapy: This is a non-directive approach in which the therapist provides a safe and supportive environment for the child to explore and express their thoughts and feelings through play.
2. Cognitive-Behavioral Play Therapy: This approach combines traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy with play therapy techniques to help children identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors.
3. Adlerian Play Therapy: This type of play therapy is based on the ideas and theories of Alfred Adler, who believed that individuals are motivated by a desire to feel a sense of belonging and significance. Adlerian play therapy focuses on helping children understand and improve their relationships with others.
4. Psychodynamic Play Therapy: This type of play therapy is based on the theories of Sigmund Freud and focuses on helping children understand and process unconscious thoughts and feelings through play.
5. Gestalt Play Therapy: This type of play therapy is based on the principles of Gestalt psychology and focuses on helping children understand and process their experiences in the present moment through play.
6. Jungian Play Therapy: This type of play therapy is based on the ideas of Carl Jung and focuses on helping children understand and process their unconscious thoughts and feelings through play and symbolism.
7. Filial Play Therapy: This type of play therapy involves training parents or caregivers to provide play therapy to their children in their own homes.
8. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy: This type of play therapy involves working with parents and children to improve the quality of their interactions and relationships.

3. How do you measure the effectiveness of play therapy for your clients?

The measure of effective treatment is a joint effort between the child, the therapist, and the family. The therapist will use their clinical judgment and standardized assessments to monitor progress. The results of these standardized assessments are discussed with parents as the process unfolds. The other key indicator of effectiveness can be seen at home or in school. Lastly, the child is the client and has a say in their therapy progress. Lastly, if their progress isn’t happening, it may be time to seek out another therapist or a referral to a specialist.

4. Can you provide examples of the issues you have successfully treated with play therapy?

We call this a therapy “niche” or specialization. For example, I primarily work with children experiencing grief, anxiety, depression, neurodiversity issues (dyslexia, ADHD, Autism), and suicidal ideation. It’s important to know what the therapist specializes in and whether they have experience working with that population. It would be unethical for a therapist to see a child for an issue they may not be skilled in treating. For example, I do not work with children that have obsessive-compulsive disorders. This requires a level of training and a theoretical approach I do not have. Sometimes something shows up during treatment. Your therapist should collaborate with you to find a specialist for further assessment.

5. Do you have references I can contact?

The therapist should have professional references for you to contact. These are generally colleagues or supervisors they have worked with in other settings. What a therapist cannot do is provide any information or referral of a past client. This is due to HIPPA regulations and client confidentiality.

6. How do you work with parents or guardians to ensure they are involved in the therapy process?

Communicating and involving parents/guardians in therapy is essential to a child’s well-being. At the minimum, you should meet with your child’s therapist every 4th to 6th session to assess progress and ask questions. The therapist is not a replacement to support but a facilitator towards the entire family being supportive. Sometimes this requires the parents/guardians to attend a session with their child. It is also important to share strategies and skills the child is learning so that progress occurs between sessions too.

7. What is the process of starting therapy?

While every therapist starts with a client differently, the next steps are how I handle the process. I will start with a brief phone consultation to determine what is bringing your child to therapy, their schedule, and if I can provide therapy for their needs. If am a good fit for you, I will send you a set of agreements through a confidential portal. Next, we will schedule an initial meeting to learn more about your child and their environment. After this meeting, we determine again if I am the right fit and proceed to your child’s first session. My website has a more detailed explanation of how play therapy works and the process to begin.

8. How do you ensure confidentiality and privacy for your clients and their families?

Your child’s confidentiality is legally required throughout the therapeutic process. When working with children, a therapist must ensure that what is discussed between the child and the therapist remains confidential. The only reason confidentiality would be broken is if the child was being harmed, planned on harming someone else, or reported suicidal thoughts. In addition, your confidentiality is just as important. All efforts are made to ensure that records and communications are done in a confidential and protected manner.

9. What if I want to know what you discuss in therapy?

This is a great question for your child! While I am limited with what I can discuss with parents and guardians, you are not limited in asking your child. It is up to them to share their experience. However, I want you to be an integral part of the therapeutic process. This means we will periodically meet to discuss progress based on treatment goals and ways to incorporate skills at home. It will not include specific therapy details unless the child has asked me to share them.

10. How do you work with children of divorced parents?

Children of divorced parents have a unique situation where they may live in two separate households. When everyone works together, navigating therapy is easier on the child. How a therapist approaches communication with divorced parents should be clear at the beginning of therapy. Your therapist should ask for a copy of your divorce decree that outlines who has mental health service authority for the child. All therapy communication is provided to bother parents if both parents are listed as mental health decision makers. If only one parent is responsible, then they are the only person able to give content for treatment. However, I encourage both parents to be involved in therapy unless there is a reason not to.

By asking these questions, you can better understand the play therapist’s qualifications, approach, and track record and make an informed decision about whether they are the right fit for your needs. And if you still have questions, please give me a call or send an email to schedule a consultation.

Play Therapy for Children