When parents bring their child to counselling, one of the most common questions I hear is, "What can we expect and what therapy for a child is like?" So I want to walk you through it from my seat on the floor, across the table, or beside your child.
Welcome to the Playroom
When your child walks into the playroom, they'll see toys, games, art supplies, figurines, sensory items, and sometimes a bit of mess. This isn't accidental. In here, play is the language we use.
Children don't usually come in ready to talk about their worries, fears, or big feelings and I don't expect them to. Instead, they show me what's going on through how they play, what stories they create, what they avoid, and what they repeat. My role is to meet them there.
In the early sessions, it's very common for children to focus on fun, test boundaries, or simply get comfortable in the space. That's not a lack of progress, it's the beginning of safety.
Why I Use Play
I work from a Synergetic Play Therapy lens, which means I'm paying close attention not just to what your child is doing, but to what their body and nervous system are telling me. Children process emotions through their body long before they can explain them with words.
So when your child knocks down towers, stages battles, lines things up, or creates stories, I'm noticing patterns of regulation, stress, and emotional expression. Play gives us a safe and developmentally appropriate way to explore all of this.
Naming Feelings as They Happen
As we play, I gently name what I notice without pushing or interrogating.
You might hear me say:
- "That character looks really overwhelmed."
- "I notice your body got tight right there."
- "Something about that felt frustrating."
This process, called emotional naming, helps children connect sensations in their body with emotions and words. Over time, this builds emotional awareness and a stronger emotional vocabulary, skills that extend well beyond the playroom.
Staying With Big Feelings
Big emotions often show up during play, and that's expected. When they do, I don't rush to fix or distract. Instead, I stay regulated and present, and I help your child notice what's happening in their body.
Together, we practice moving from dysregulation back to calm. This is emotional processing, and it happens through experience and modeling. Children learn that feelings are safe, that they're not alone with them, and that their body can settle again.
What About Teen Clients?
With teens, the "play" often looks different, but the goal is the same.
Instead of toys on the floor, sessions might involve games, art, humour, or simply sitting side-by-side while talking. Many teens engage through shared activities or conversation that feels less intense than face-to-face emotional questioning.
From a Synergetic Play Therapy perspective, I am still paying close attention to regulation, nervous system responses, and emotional processing in the moment. Teens benefit just as much from having emotions named, staying supported through big feelings, and learning how their body moves back toward calm.
Whether it looks like a board game, sketching, or conversation, the work is still about safety, connection, and emotional growth.
What Parents Often Notice Over Time
Progress looks different for every child and teen, but parents often begin to notice:
- More emotional language
- Less intense or shorter emotional storms
- Greater flexibility and resilience
- Improved recovery after hard moments
These changes tend to build gradually as safety and regulation grow.
A Note for Parents
While most of the work happens in the playroom with your child or teen, parents are an important part of the process. I may share themes I'm noticing, offer guidance, or help you understand what your child is working through but always in a way that supports their sense of safety and trust.
Your child doesn't need to fully understand therapy for it to be effective. They just need a space where they feel safe, seen, and supported. Through play, connection, and co-regulation, children and teens build skills that support them far beyond the playroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does counselling usually last?
Every child and teen is different. Some benefit from short-term support, while others do better with longer-term work. Therapy moves at your child's pace, and we'll check in along the way to make sure it continues to feel supportive and purposeful.
Will my child talk about what happens in sessions?
Some children and teens share a lot; others very little. Both are okay. Therapy works even when kids don't talk about it at home. I'll share general themes and guidance with parents while protecting your child's sense of safety and trust.
What if my child doesn't want to come to counselling?
This is very common, especially at first or when big emotions are activated. Resistance often softens as safety and connection build. I don't force participation; instead, I work to create a space where your child feels comfortable enough to engage in their own way.
Do parents attend sessions?
Sessions are typically just with your child or teen, but parent involvement is still important. This may include parent check-ins, guidance, or collaborative conversations, depending on your child's needs.
How will I know if therapy is helping?
Progress often shows up outside the playroom first—shorter emotional storms, improved recovery after hard moments, more emotional language, or increased flexibility. Change is usually gradual, but meaningful.
Olena Guseva
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