Top 10 Myths about Play Therapy in Houston

So--your child has been referred to play therapy and you’ve heard some “facts” (myths?) about child counseling and are wondering how to proceed, especially in a city the size of Houston. You really want the best for your child and are not convinced play therapy is the way to go. We understand! 

Here Are Some Myths About Play Therapy:

Myth 1:

My kid should talk if they’re in therapy. They play at home all the time, they don’t need to go to therapy for that!

Fact: Play therapy is based on the fact that kids are less likely to be able to verbalize what’s going on with them (like adults do in therapy). Play is the child’s language, and play therapists provide the space and support to help kids work through trauma, emotional difficulties, and other struggles.

Myth 2: The play therapist should tell my child what to do to solve the problem/behave the way they should.

Fact: Most children really do know what’s expected of them or how they need things to be, they just can’t get there by themselves. That’s where child counseling comes in. We give children what they need to find the solution that’s right for them.

Myth 3: My child is saying they do not want to go therapy, so it’s wrong for me to say they need it.

Fact: Sometimes children don’t know how to express exactly what they need, and don’t want it even if they do know (think: medicine when they’re sick). This is when your knowledge of your child comes in--you know them better than anyone else ever will and likely have a strong feeling that play therapy would help them. The right play therapist will help them, and you, feel comfortable with the process.

Myth 4: My child is too young to understand about the divorce/loss/upheaval, so they don’t really need play therapy.

Fact: Children, especially really young ones, may not completely understand what’s happening, but they DEFINITELY know something is wrong. Often, they try to make sense of what’s going on and can feel very frightened about events. Play therapy can give them a safe space to make sense of what’s happening and find some resolution. Bonus: your play therapist or parent coach can help you know what to say to your little one about what’s going on.

Myth 5: If negative feelings or bad things are discussed with my child, it will make things worse.

Fact: Usually the opposite is true. Just like in adult therapy, giving voice to the hard things can make them more understandable and give them less power. Kids do the same thing in play therapy, on their own terms and in ways they understand.

Myth 6: If my child is in play therapy, it means I’m failing as their parent.

Fact: If you know your child needs help and you persevere to get them to the right play therapist, you are an amazing parent. We can’t be everything our children need! Kids sometimes need support, for all kinds of reasons. It doesn’t mean they have bad parents, it just means they need support.

Myth 7: I’m taking my child to play therapy, so that’s all we need to do to fix the problem.

Fact:  Children don’t exist outside of their relationship with the adults in their lives. Following recommendations from your play therapist for how to make things better outside of play therapy sessions will give your child the best possible chance for getting better, and more quickly. With your consent, your child’s counselor also can coordinate with teachers, caregivers, or other important people to help everyone be on the same page with how to help your child.

Myth 8: Kids who struggle/have behavior problems really need to see a doctor for a diagnosis and/or medication.

Fact: Maybe, maybe not. Sometimes what’s most important is letting a child know how to express themselves more appropriately or help them understand something in their lives. Play therapy sessions can give them that chance and things can get better without further intervention. Most child counselors will let parents know if they believe additional professional advice would be helpful, including further testing or evaluations for medication or  occupational, physical, or speech therapy. They’ll probably even have trusted professionals to refer you to if they think that’s a good idea.

Myth 9: If my child’s in therapy when they’re this young, it will start a lifetime of needing mental health intervention!

Fact: Typically, the opposite is true. Early intervention usually can help give kids a different path to follow--one that will positively affect their self-esteem and give them a firmer foundation for their future development.

Myth 10: My child needs to learn how to follow rules. Play therapy won’t help them with that! (alternative version: my child will for sure not “misbehave” in play therapy sessions so the therapist will never get a chance to teach them the right way to act)

Fact: Play therapists are trained to help children develop their own self-regulation and control, and usually follow principles that help kids do just that. Research shows that children who have been in play therapy show increased compliance at home and at school.

Still wondering if a Houston play therapist is the right professional to help your child?

Feel free to call us at 713-936-0633. We can answer your questions in a free 15-minute phone consultation and help get you to the right therapist in Houston.