Step 1: Find a Quiet and Private Space
Your space doesn’t need to be fancy, but it should be quiet and private. A home office, a corner of a room with a divider, or even a well-organized nook can work. The goal is to create a setting where kids feel safe to open up, just like they would in an in-person play therapy session.
Quick Tips:
- Choose a space with minimal background noise.
- Use a door sign to let others know you’re in session.
- Add soft lighting to make the space feel warm and welcoming.
Step 2: Make Your Background Inviting
Your background sets the tone for your sessions. Keep it simple but inviting.
- Use soft, calming colors.
- Add a few stuffed animals or therapeutic books in view.
- Consider a virtual background if you don’t have a dedicated space.
Avoid cluttered or overly busy backgrounds, as they can be distracting for kids.
Step 3: Set Up Your Tech
Good technology makes virtual play therapy smoother and more engaging. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A reliable computer or tablet with a good camera and microphone.
- A strong internet connection, close to the router for the strongest signal.
- A secure telehealth platform that meets privacy standards like HIPAA or PIPEDA.
💡 Pro tip: Test your setup before sessions to make sure everything is working properly. A quick tech check can save you and your client frustration.
Step 4: Prepare for Tech Hiccups
Even with the best setup, technology isn’t always reliable. Having a backup plan will help you stay prepared.
- If the video starts glitching, PlaySpace now offers Seamless Video Switch, which lets you switch to an alternate video provider within the platform without restarting the session.
- If audio cuts out, try using the chat function to stay connected.
- If the video call drops completely, have a backup contact method like email or phone ready to reconnect quickly.
With features like Seamless Video Switch, virtual play therapy sessions can continue smoothly, keeping the focus on your clients instead of tech issues.
Step 5: Choose Engaging Virtual Play Therapy Tools
Keeping clients engaged in online therapy can be challenging, but with the right tools make a big difference.
Digital Therapy Tools to Consider:
- Digital Whiteboard for psychoeducation, drawing, or expressing emotions.
- 3D Dollhouse to help role play scenarios and explore feelings.
- Sand Tray for creating stories and processing emotions.
- Solo or Multiplayer Games that encourage communication, problem-solving and distress tolerance.
Many therapists use platforms like PlaySpace, which offers a suite of digital play therapy tools to make online sessions more interactive.
Step 6: Help Parents and Caregivers Get Ready
Parents and caregivers play a big role in making virtual play therapy successful. Before the first session, share a simple checklist to help them prepare:
- Find a quiet space for the session.
- Test the device and internet connection.
- Have a few familiar toys or fidgets nearby if needed.
- Let the child know what to expect.
These small steps set the stage for a smoother and more effective therapy session.
Final Thoughts
Creating a virtual play therapy office doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with the basics: a quiet space, the right tech, engaging digital tools, and a welcoming background. As you get comfortable, you can adjust and improve your setup to fit your unique style.
