Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Is this even working?” You leave the playroom, sit in your car, and replay the session over and over, trying to find signs of progress—but instead you just feel stuck. You’ve searched Google, combed through Pinterest, even scrolled Etsy hoping to find something, anything, to give your sessions a spark. Maybe you’ve even talked to your supervisor, only to realize they don’t use play therapy and can’t really help. If this sounds familiar, today’s episode is for you.
Here’s what we’re diving into: four steps to help you figure out if your play therapy sessions are actually working—and how to get unstuck when they’re not.
First, go back to the basics. Your case conceptualization is your North Star—it’s your working hypothesis based on all the information you gathered during your intake and assessment. This is where you piece together the “why” behind your client’s behaviors and symptoms.
Ask yourself:
What does my play therapy model say is happening here?
What stage of play therapy is this client in?
Are there changes from the beginning until now?
Use your theoretical lens (attachment, neuroscience, Adlerian, child-centered, etc.) to reorient yourself and ground your next steps. It’s easy to lose sight of the big picture when we’re caught up in session-to-session moments.
Yep, check yourself first. Ask:
What are my expectations for this child?
Am I hoping for change faster than what’s realistic?
Have I created safety and trust in the room?
Sometimes our own internal pressure—especially when parents are anxious for results—can push us to expect too much, too soon. Or maybe you’re holding yourself to impossible standards because you’re worried you’ll “mess up.” Take a breath. Realign. Play therapy is a process, not a performance.
And let’s not forget parents. They’re overwhelmed, too. Social media, parenting books, TikTok “experts”… the noise is real. Instead of assuming they should know what to do, check in. Are you helping them feel supported in this process—or accidentally expecting too much?
Feeling stuck? Ask your people. That means:
Parents: Schedule regular check-ins (ideally monthly and without the child present) to ask what they’re noticing at home. Are meltdowns shorter? Are they sleeping better? Clinginess reduced? Remember: frequency, intensity, duration.
Clients: If you’re using a directive or integrative model, check in with the child or teen directly. “How are things going?” “What’s felt different lately?” Sometimes what we think is stuck is actually safety and comfort.
Child-Centered? You can still track and reflect what you’re seeing. You don’t need to label it—you just need to stay curious, stay grounded, and stay connected.
Don’t be afraid to ask. Sometimes clients (and their families) are progressing in ways we can’t yet see.
When all else fails—or even before then—get help. Not just moral support. Real, clinical, play therapy-specific feedback from people who know what it’s like to sit in the sand tray trenches. Because let’s be honest, searching Etsy for inspiration is fun, but it won’t replace theory-driven support and consultation.
This is exactly why I created Play Therapy Academy—because I kept meeting therapists who were doing amazing work, but second-guessing themselves constantly. Feeling isolated. Wanting feedback but having no one to ask.
In Play Therapy Academy, we meet twice a month for deep-dive consultations, we watch session clips (with consent), we discuss themes, theory, case conceptualization, and how to make meaningful progress. We have a group chat for in-between support and a full library of on-demand training.
If you're tired of feeling like you're making it up as you go—and you’re ready for more confidence, clarity, and connection—Play Therapy Academy might be the next step.
Here’s what to do when you’re stuck:
Revisit your case conceptualization and theory model.
Check in with yourself—expectations, pacing, and internal pressure.
Ask for feedback from clients and caregivers.
Get support from a trusted play therapy community.
You don’t have to do this alone. You’re not failing. You’re just growing—and growth often starts in the messy middle.
If you’d like to explore whether Play Therapy Academy is a good fit, schedule a free 30-minute video call with me. No pressure, just support.
Categories: : Case Conceptualization, Play Therapy, Play Therapy Academy, Play Therapy Elevation Circle, Podcast