What Does Progress in Play Therapy Actually Look Like?
When you first start the play therapy process, it can feel hard to imagine what the end might look like. Many parents ask: “How do I know if play therapy is working?”
Healing and growth are absolutely possible—and they often unfold in clear, visible stages. In Synergetic Play Therapy, we follow a natural, brain- and body-based process. Below, you’ll find an outline of each phase, how to recognize progress, and common phrases I hear from caregivers as their children begin to heal and thrive.
🧩 1. The Exploration Phase: “Now we finally understand what’s going on.”
This is the foundation-building phase. In the early stages of play therapy, children begin using play and the therapeutic relationship to express and explore their inner world. At the same time, caregivers are learning more about the underlying causes of their child’s challenges—whether those are rooted in anxiety, depression, trauma, or stress.
This phase is rich with “aha” moments as we begin putting the puzzle pieces together.
What progress looks and sounds like:
“We finally understand what’s behind their meltdowns.”
“I didn’t realize how much my child’s body cues were connected to their emotions.”
“Now I know what’s triggering this behavior and how to respond.”
During this phase, you might notice:
Greater understanding of your child’s nervous system and brain development
Increased mind-body connection and emotional vocabulary in your child
Improved caregiver insight into unmet needs and behavioral patterns
🌱 2. The Choice Phase: “They’re trying new things!”
Once we’ve gained insight, we move into experiential learning—this is the heart of therapy. Through modeled play, metaphor, and relational connection, kids begin practicing new choices for handling big feelings and hard moments.
This is where we help grow the child’s window of tolerance—their capacity to feel, express, and regulate emotions without becoming overwhelmed.
What progress looks and sounds like:
“The meltdowns are fewer and less intense.”
“They’re using their words instead of hitting or shutting down.”
“I handled that differently, and they responded so much better!”
In this phase, we often see:
Decrease in anxiety, meltdowns, or trauma-triggered behaviors
Caregivers feeling more regulated and confident in how they respond
Children starting to choose healthier ways of managing emotions
Note: This is often the longest phase of therapy, and where the bulk of transformation occurs.
💪 3. The Empowerment Phase: “This feels like the child we always knew was in there.”
In this final stage, children have internalized new skills, and they’re choosing new patterns because they’ve learned—through repeated experience—that those choices work.
At this point, many children reach their original therapy goals and start operating from a place of resilience and self-awareness.
What progress looks and sounds like:
“They actually told me they needed help instead of yelling.”
“They’re communicating their feelings and solving problems.”
“They’re thriving at school and at home.”
In this phase, you may notice:
Fewer mental health symptoms (anxiety, depression, trauma-related)
Improved co-regulation and independent regulation
Stronger self-esteem, more emotional range, and better relationships
Children are now free to focus on their strengths, relationships, and passions, rather than feeling constantly hijacked by their emotional world.
✨ Curious if Play Therapy is the Right Fit?
If you're wanting to get to the root of your child’s big feelings and behaviors—and to feel more confident in supporting them—I’d love to connect with you. Let’s work toward long-lasting change together.
📞 Click the button below to schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation. I’m so excited to learn about your child and explore how play therapy could help your family thrive!