Do’s & Don’ts To Keep In Mind Between Sessions

It normally takes a few sessions for a child or teenager to warm up to their counsellor/ therapist. Encouraging your child/teen to attend at least three times before allowing them to quit is prudent. Always respect your child’s decision. It may be that the counsellor you have chosen is just not the right fit.

Here are some helpful do’s and don’ts:

DO NOT force your child to come to play sessions. If there is a problem bringing your child to sessions, please call or email your therapist to consult.

DO NOT give consequences or any punishments if your child refuses to come to his or her play sessions.

DO NOT bribe your child to go to play sessions. i.e. if you go to see this person, I will take you to MacDonald’s afterwards.

If your child shows you a painting or their sand play after the session, DO NOT praise them or say anything along the lines of “It’s a beautiful picture”, “Wow…you did good.” DO thank them for showing you their creation or DO say something neutral, “I see that there are a lot of things you put in there, I see different colours etc.”

If your child shows you their sand play in the sandbox:

o    DO NOT touch any objects in the box

o    DO NOT make guesses or interpretations about what they put in the box

o    DO tell them you are curious and ask them if they would like to tell you a little bit about it

After the session, DO NOT ask your child “Did you behave?” “Did you listen to ____?” “Did you help clean up?” “Did you do what he / she asked you to?” or “How do you like it?” Sometimes it is hard for children to articulate their experience in play therapy. A child may be afraid to upset parents. It is better to talk to your therapist about your child’s progress.

DO feel confident that you have chosen play therapy as a developmentally appropriate  treatment that will support your child’s wellbeing.