‍Does back-to-school season feel like a whirlwind for your clients? Is it a very active topic during your therapy sessions with kids? Between new routines, academic pressures, and social adjustments, this time of year can bring a mix of excitement and stress for children and teens. As therapists, we have a unique opportunity to help them navigate these transitions with creativity and connection.

Why Play Matters

 The back-to-school season is more than just a schedule shift, it’s a time of emotional growth. For many clients, it can bring up feelings of uncertainty, overwhelm, or even fear. By incorporating play into therapy sessions, we can help clients process these emotions, build resilience, and develop skills to thrive in their new environments.
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2025 Focus: Connection and Resilience

This year, the focus on connection is more important than ever. With ongoing conversations about mental health in schools and communities, therapists are uniquely positioned to support clients in building strong emotional foundations. Play offers a safe, engaging way to build these skills, that clients find fun!
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Practical Applications for Therapists

1. Use Play to Explore School-Related Themes

• Create scenarios that mirror school experiences, like making friends, conflict with peers, or managing homework stress.
• Tools like PlaySpace’s Storybook Builder can help clients narrate these scenarios in a way that feels safe and empowering.
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2. Incorporate Movement and Creativity

• Creative activities such as drawing, role-playing, or interactive games provide clients with alternative ways to express emotions beyond words.
• Try using PlaySpace’s Whiteboard to encourage creative expression tied to their school experiences.

3. Build Coping Skills Through Play and Creative Expression

• Set the tone for your session based on your client's therapeutic goals with the Playroom Editor feature. Help your clients remember to breathe by creating a playroom for emotional regulation called “The Reset Room” where clients can practice relaxation strategies. See example below:

This back-to-school season, let’s embrace the chance to help our clients connect, express, and build resilience in ways that feel natural and engaging. Take a moment to reflect on how you can bring more creativity into your sessions, and remember, you’re not alone. Together, we’re creating a brighter, more connected future for the next generation.

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