How to Increase Play Therapy Impact & Reduce Burnout

You know how it feels when you're on the road, you know your destination, but the map keeps glitching and you're not sure which turn to take next?

That’s what play therapy can feel like—especially when you're trying to apply what you’ve learned in trainings while managing real-life clients, complex cases, and all the emotional weight that comes with this work. Consultation is like your GPS recalculating the route—it helps you get where you're going without feeling lost, overwhelmed, or burned out.

I Used to Second-Guess Everything

When I first started in play therapy, I was doing my best with the tools I had—but I didn't have a community or mentor who really understood play therapy. Supervisors meant well, but they often had no idea what was happening in the playroom. I’d hear things like, “Oh, they’re playing. That’s good!” or “Just use a worksheet.” (Side note: I hate worksheets.)

That left me scrambling for activities, hoping one of them would “stick.” I was basically using the spaghetti-on-the-wall method. The problem is, that doesn’t lead to intentional work—and it certainly doesn’t build your confidence.

What Consultation Really Does

When you're stuck, consultation helps you pause, reflect, and ask the right questions:

What stage of play therapy are we in?
What does my model say to do at this point?
Am I co-regulating effectively?
What’s the deeper need behind the behavior I’m seeing?

Consultation supports you in applying your play therapy model with intention and helps you get back to the core of your clinical decision-making—without chasing symptoms or hopping from one trendy activity to another.

And let’s be honest—this work is emotionally intense. Having a consultation group gives you a space to stay grounded, get support, and remember you’re not alone. It keeps the imposter syndrome in check, helps you access your creativity again, and reminds you that you are a capable, skilled play therapist.

What Makes an Effective Consultation Community

It’s not just about clinical feedback. It’s about feeling seen, heard, and supported by people who speak your language. The best consultation spaces are:

Safe: No judgment, only encouragement.
Supportive: Especially when you’re burned out or overwhelmed.
Practical: Ideas turn into real strategies you can use.
Respectful: Space for differing clinical opinions and models.
Balanced: Honoring fidelity to your model and flexibility in how you apply it.

This is what I’ve created inside Play Therapy Elevation Circle. We don’t just talk shop—we roll up our sleeves and do the work.

What We Do in Play Therapy Elevation CIRCLE

Inside the Circle, we meet once a month for Mastermind-style consultation calls, where we combine case presentations, clinical brainstorming, and model-based feedback. Whether you’re brand new to play therapy or have years of experience, you’ll leave feeling clearer, more focused, and supported.

We also have a monthly book club where we actually apply what we read. Right now, we’re reading Being a Brain-Wise Therapist by Bonnie Badenoch, and we’re looking at how to use interpersonal neurobiology with children, teens, families, and yes—even in sand tray and art.

Add in our private group chat, access to curated resources, and a library of guides, and you’ve got a place where you can grow, reconnect, and lead with confidence.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Maybe you’ve already taken the trainings. Maybe you have shelves of books and stacks of notes. But you’re still wondering, “How do I bring it all together?”

That’s what consultation can do. It’s not about adding more to your plate. It’s about helping you integrate what you know so you can stop second-guessing and start practicing with intention.

If you’re ready for a space where you can be real, get support, and move the needle on your clinical impact, then Elevation Circle is for you.

So What Now?

🔹 If you're ready to stop second-guessing yourself and start applying your skills with confidence, join me in Play Therapy Elevation Circle. Enrollment is now open.

🔹 Want deeper case conceptualization skills? Check out my course: Getting Grounded in Case Conceptualization.

🔹 Curious if Play Therapy Academy is right for you? I have openings for those pursuing their RPT credential. Schedule a 30-minute video call and let’s find out if it’s a good fit.

Categories: : Community, Play Therapy, Play Therapy Academy, Play Therapy Elevation Circle, Podcast, Self care, Supervision