Stages of Play Therapy

Every child is unique and their play therapy journey will vary, but this model can be a helpful guide to understanding the play therapy process. 12 sessions are recommended as a minimum, but the whole process often takes between 20 and 30 sessions.

 

Initiation/exploratory stage

The first phase of play therapy is commonly referred to as the initiation phase or exploratory stage.  This lays the foundation for therapeutic work to occur. The sessions are important in building a trusting relationship and fostering an environment of safety so that the child feels able to express themselves. Children learn what to expect in the sessions, learn the boundaries, develop a bond with their therapist and become familiar with the space, techniques and tools available to them. The therapist will empower the child to initiate and lead play, and create an experience of permissiveness in the playroom, where limits are set only when necessary to avoid injury to themselves, the therapist, damage to property or to prevent overwhelm.

Some children instantly feel comfortable from the start, others will take more time to adjust to their surroundings and build trust. Patience and respecting the child’s pace is important. Parent’s maybe invited to join for some of the initial sessions to support the child to feel more secure.

Once your child feels comfortable expressing themselves, understands their role in the process, and has developed the security required for further therapeutic work, they move into the next stage of play therapy.

 

Resistance Stage
The next stage is referred to as the resistance phase, aggressive stage, or negative reaction stage. These names represent the shift from the comfortable to the uncomfortable. The underlying issues that are causing the behavioural  difficulties become more present. Children are confronted with the recognition of their difficulties, and they decide to confront this challenge or to keep fighting against it because it’s scary and unfamiliar.   This is where you might experience some resistance to therapy, the child may exhibit more emotional outbursts at home and/or in the playroom, desire more control, and regress in their behaviour. When the child recognises their capacity to process and experience their difficulty they move onto the next stage.

 

Growth Stage

This stage is where the child is fully invested in the process and working hard to address the struggles and difficulties in the playroom. They are stepping out their comfort zone and making changes. The child is healing and growing and making progress in areas of concern, and developing skills in self-regulation, resilience and coping skills. The occasional step back may occur, new behavioural patterns and neural pathways are developing, there may be times when old patterns temporarily creep back in.

Termination Stage

This is the final stage of therapy centred around the ending of therapy. The child is consistently demonstrating their new skills, and is settled in various environments. This is a necessary stage so that the child feels equipped and prepared to continue without therapy and the therapeutic relationship. It is also an important opportunity to experience a positive and healthy ending, particularly when they have negative associations with goodbyes. The child and therapist reflect on the progress made and experiences shared together, and the final session will be marked with a celebration in a form comfortable to the child. Although a positive time, it is important to be mindful that this can also be experienced as difficult time for the child.