How to Engage Challenging Parents in Play Therapy

Working with children and adolescents in play therapy often includes navigating relationships with parents or caregivers. While children may quickly engage in therapeutic play, gaining the trust and cooperation of parents, especially those who may be challenging to work with, requires intentional strategies. This blog explores actionable tips to enhance your ability to build rapport with parents and engage them in the play therapy process, ultimately benefiting the entire family system.

The Importance of Engaging Parents

Parents play a crucial role in the therapeutic process. Neuroscience and attachment research demonstrate the significant influence of parent-child relationships on emotion regulation, identity, and self-concept. Supporting parents not only helps children heal but also strengthens the family system, creating a resilient environment for the child.

Challenges with Parent Engagement

Many therapists report difficulties in engaging parents, often due to:

Parents’ feelings of failure or judgment.
Misinformation from social media or external pressures.
A lack of clarity on their role in the therapeutic process.

Without a clear plan and framework, therapists may feel uncertain, leading to imposter syndrome. Parents, in turn, may feel confused or disengaged.

Strategies for Engaging Parents in Play Therapy

Adopt a Theoretical Lens
Use a clear theoretical model, such as neuroscience and attachment theory, to conceptualize parent and child behaviors. This helps guide the therapeutic process and clarify the parents’ role.
Build Trust Through Therapeutic Use of Self
Establish trust by demonstrating empathy and unconditional positive regard. Parents need to experience you as a non-judgmental ally in supporting their child’s healing.
Communicate Expectations Clearly
Clearly outline the parents’ role in the process from the beginning. For example, explain how they will participate in sessions and the importance of their involvement.
Assess Parenting Strengths and Needs
Invite parents into sessions with their child to observe real-time interactions. This helps identify their strengths and areas where they may need support.
Utilize a Family Play Therapy Framework
Implement a structured framework, like the Attachment-Focused Family Play Therapy model. This provides a roadmap for sessions, helps parents practice attachment-based parenting skills, and fosters collaboration between therapist and family.

The Role of a Family Systems Approach

Incorporating parents and, when possible, siblings into the play therapy process can create lasting change by strengthening the family system. This approach promotes healing and builds a robust support network for the child.

Final Thoughts

Engaging challenging parents in play therapy requires clear communication, trust-building, and a structured theoretical framework. By integrating parents into the process and leveraging their strengths, therapists can create transformative experiences that benefit the child and their entire family system.

Categories: : Play Therapy, Podcast, Therapeutic Rapport