Explaining Counselling and Play Therapy to Your Child: A Guide for Parents
Starting therapy can be a big step for a child—and for you as a parent. Understanding how to talk about counselling and play therapy in a child-friendly way can ease anxiety, build trust, and help your child feel safe and supported.
What Is Counselling and Play Therapy for Children?
Counselling for children provides a safe, supportive space where kids can express their feelings, work through challenges, and build healthy coping skills. For younger children, this often takes the form of play therapy—a therapeutic approach that uses toys, games, art techniques, storytelling, structured and unstructured play and creative activities to help children communicate.
In play therapy, a therapist observes, reflects, explores and guides your child’s play to better understand their emotions and experiences. Play serves as a child’s language.
How to Explain Counselling to Your Child
When talking to your child about starting therapy, keep your explanation simple, positive, and age-appropriate:
“You’ll be going to see someone whose job is to help kids feel better when they’re having a tough time.”
“In therapy, you can talk, draw, or play games to help figure things out.”
“It’s a special place where you can say anything you feel—there are no wrong answers.”
Avoid language that makes it sound like something is “wrong” with your child or they are going to see counselling “because of” their behaivour. Instead, focus on support, understanding, and growth.
How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Session
Stay calm and encouraging: Children often take cues from your tone and attitude. If you're relaxed, they will be too.
Explain what to expect: Let them know they might play, draw, or talk during the session—whatever feels comfortable.
Normalize the experience: You can say, “Lots of kids see a counsellor. It's like having a feelings helper.”
Give them space afterward: Some kids may want to talk about their session, while others need time to process. Either is okay.
Final Tip for Parents
Your involvement matters. Be open to working alongside the therapist for recommended parent check-ins or home strategies. The more supported your child feels—both in and out of sessions—the more effective therapy will be.