How Play Therapists Can Avoid Burnout

As play therapists, we dedicate ourselves to guiding children and families through their healing journeys. However, this passion and commitment can often lead to burnout if we don't set realistic expectations for ourselves. In this post, we'll explore three key strategies to help avoid burnout: letting go of perfectionism, understanding who owns the problem, and taking time away to recharge.

Letting Go of Perfectionism

Perfectionism is a trap that many therapists, especially play therapists, fall into. We want to help, to do everything right, and to make a meaningful difference. But the reality is that perfection is impossible—and chasing it will only leave us exhausted.

One of the most valuable lessons we can learn is to embrace being good enough. This doesn't mean we stop striving to be skilled and competent, but rather, we let go of the unrealistic expectation that we must have all the answers, all the time.

Our clients don’t need perfection. What they need is authenticity—a therapist who is present, engaged, and genuinely cares. When we allow ourselves to be real, to make mistakes, and to learn from them, we model resilience and self-acceptance for our clients.

Who Owns the Problem?

One of the most freeing realizations as a therapist is understanding that we do not own our clients’ problems.

We are guides on their journey, but we cannot walk the path for them. The responsibility for change lies with the client (or their parents), not with us. Our role is to provide insight, support, and guidance, but we cannot fix things for them.

This applies to both children in the play therapy process and parents in family sessions. Sometimes, parents may not be ready to implement changes, or a child may take longer to process their emotions than we’d like. That’s okay. Progress is not always linear, and real change comes when the client is ready.

When we take on more responsibility than is ours, we not only set ourselves up for burnout but also rob our clients of the opportunity to grow. Boundaries are essential—not just for self-care, but for effective therapy.

Taking Time Away to Recharge

Therapists are natural caregivers, but we cannot pour from an empty cup. Taking time to step away, reconnect with ourselves, and nurture our personal relationships is crucial.

Self-care looks different for everyone. It might be:

Going for a walk in nature
Practicing mindful breathing between sessions
Dancing around the kitchen
Journaling or reading
Spending quality time with friends and family
Scheduling downtime in your calendar (and sticking to it!)

Just as we encourage our clients to engage in activities that bring them joy and balance, we must do the same for ourselves. Rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Need More Support? Join Play Therapy Academy

If you’re looking for a community of play therapists who understand the challenges and joys of this work, Play Therapy Academy might be the perfect fit for you!

Play Therapy Academy is an online consultation and training program designed to help play therapists develop confidence, hone their skills, and get support from like-minded professionals. Inside, you’ll find:

Twice-monthly group consultation calls
Case presentation and feedback
A private group chat for ongoing support
Play therapy courses to deepen y our knowledge

If you’re ready to grow as a play therapist while getting the support you need, visit Play Therapy Academy to learn more and schedule a free 30-minute video call to see if it’s a good fit for you!

Final Thoughts

Avoiding burnout as a play therapist requires intentionality. By letting go of perfectionism, setting clear boundaries around who owns the problem, and taking time away to recharge, we can continue doing the work we love while maintaining our own well-being.

Categories: : Burnout, Community, Imposter Syndrome, Play Therapy Academy, Podcast, Self care