Conclusion Structuring and approaching parent consultations in this fashion enables and equips play therapists to align play therapy intervention with the belief and value of supporting the entire family system. Parent consultation work may feel both taxing and incredibly informative, as it frequently illuminates for the therapist either function or dysfunction within the family. A parent may share an insight about their child that was previously unrealized by the play therapist. Often a consultation provides an opportunity to help parents become more effective. Parent consultation work is a critical part of play therapy with a child. Overall, a thoughtful approach to partnering with parents allows play therapists to experience parent consultations as a productive part of the play therapy process.


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ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Heather Colby, LCSW, RPT-S is currently a school social worker in Fairfax, Virginia. She has worked as a therapist, play therapist, clinical supervisor, and university instructor. She has been fortunate to practice with and learn from other skilled play therapists in both Northern Virginia and North Texas. hcolby@fcps.edu


28 | PLAYTHERAPY December 2023 | www.a4pt.org


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