Of course you want to reconnect with your child after they’ve been behind a closed door for the last 45+ minutes, but most children won’t want to open up immediately after therapy sessions. They’re probably still reflecting on their experience. Let your child decide when and what they want to tell you about their sessions. The therapist will share anything that arises in session relating to safety or anything urgently important.

Allowing your child to keep their sessions private will help them benefit from the therapeutic process.

Here are a few Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind as your kiddos come out of their session:

Do’s

Share your own experience… “Hi, I’m so happy to see you!”
Validate that play can be hard work… “I bet you’re tired. You’ve been working hard.”
Just give a hug
Offer space for child to share… “Hey sweetie, how are you feeling?”
They may or may not choose to.
Let them know you’re there for them… “If there’s anything you want me to know about your session, I’m here to listen whenever you’re ready.”
Offer options of how they can say goodbye to their therapist… “Do you want to give a wave, a hug, or a fist bump?”
Model the behavior you hope for them to learn… “Bye, thank you!”

Don’ts

Immediately ask the child to evaluate the session…
- “Did you like it?”
- “How was it?”
- “Did you have fun?”
Immediately ask the therapist questions about what happened...
- “How’d s/he do?”
- “How’d it go?”
Prompt a “thank you” from the child.
Kids thank their therapists in many different ways!

Remember, giving your child the space to process their therapy session in their own time is crucial for their growth. By respecting their privacy and offering gentle support, you’re helping them make the most of their therapeutic journey. If you have any concerns or need guidance on how to navigate this process, I’m here to help. Let’s work together to support your child’s emotional well-being.

Betina Myers

Author, Pediatric Psychotherapist

My name is Betina, and I’m a play therapist licensed in MD & DC who has seen incredible growth and regulation skills develop through play. I began my journey by learning Child-Centered Play Therapy in 2015, and have continued learning modalities to integrate into child-centered play since then. Play is a way to engage kids on their level and make exploring feelings fun and accessible. Engaging through play can help bring unconscious feelings and beliefs to the surface so they can be co-regulated, better understood, and managed.

Learn More About Betina