How to Engage Reluctant Parents in Play Therapy

Have you ever found yourself chasing after parents, trying to convince them to schedule an appointment, only to be left feeling frustrated when they don't follow through? Or perhaps you're overwhelmed by crisis calls between sessions, unsure of how to effectively engage parents in the therapeutic process? If so, this blog post is for you. Drawing from over 30 years of experience in the mental health field, I'll share four essential tips to help you engage parents more effectively and create a more productive therapeutic environment for your child clients.

1. Identify Your Expectations

One of the most common frustrations for play therapists is feeling like parents aren't as engaged as they should be. But have you ever stopped to consider what your expectations are? It's crucial to clearly define what you expect from parents right from the start. Whether it's regular attendance at sessions, communication about their child's progress, or following through on strategies discussed in therapy, knowing your expectations will help you communicate them more effectively.

For example, I once worked with a single mother who was difficult to engage in her child's therapy process. After several missed appointments, I realized that I hadn't clearly communicated my expectations from the beginning. Once I did, the mother became more involved, and the therapeutic process became much smoother.

2. Communicate Expectations Early and Clearly

Once you've identified your expectations, the next step is to communicate them clearly to parents from the very first interaction. Explain how play therapy works, why parental involvement is crucial, and what you need from them to ensure the best outcomes for their child.

For instance, you might say, "In order to get the best results for your child, it's important that we meet regularly. These sessions will allow us to discuss your child's progress, address any concerns, and work together on strategies to support their development." By setting these expectations early, you reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings and set the stage for a successful therapeutic relationship.

3. Recognize and Address Your Imposter Syndrome

Feeling anxious or overwhelmed when working with parents? You're not alone. Many play therapists experience imposter syndrome, especially when they feel uncertain about their ability to engage parents effectively. It's important to recognize when this is happening and address it head-on.

If you find yourself second-guessing your abilities or avoiding difficult conversations with parents, take a step back and remind yourself of your training and expertise. Seek support from colleagues or supervisors if needed. Remember, parents view you as the expert, and they are looking to you for guidance.

4. Structure Parent Sessions for Success

Finally, it's essential to have a clear structure for parent sessions. Determine how often you'll meet, what you'll discuss, and how you'll involve parents in the therapeutic process. This structure will vary depending on your theoretical model, whether it's child-centered play therapy, Adlerian play therapy, or another approach.

For example, in attachment-focused family play therapy, I view parents as active participants in the change process. I meet with them regularly to discuss their role in their child's therapy, provide support, and work on strategies to strengthen their relationship with their child. By having a clear structure in place, you create a consistent framework that supports both the child and the parents throughout the therapeutic journey.

Conclusion

Engaging parents in the play therapy process can be challenging, but with clear expectations, effective communication, and a structured approach, you can create a more productive therapeutic environment for your child clients. Remember, parents are the therapeutic agents of change, and by partnering with them, you can help their children heal and thrive. If you're interested in learning more about how to engage parents effectively, check out my Play Therapy Academy program, where we dive deeper into these topics and more.

Categories: : Play Therapy, Podcast