By Rylee Wisniewski · Inner Bloom Counseling
“How would my child do therapy through a screen?”
It is a reasonable question.
You may picture your child sitting in front of a laptop while an adult asks, “How does that make you feel?”
Perhaps you already know how that conversation might go:
“I don’t know.”
“Fine.”
“Can I go now?”
Virtual play-based counseling does not have to rely on a child sitting still and explaining everything through conversation.
At Inner Bloom Counseling, Rylee offers creative, play-based online counseling for children ages eight and older in Colorado. The goal is to find developmentally appropriate ways to connect, communicate, and work toward your child’s treatment goals.
What does “play-based” mean?
Play therapy uses a therapeutic relationship and purposeful clinical approaches involving play—not simply entertainment or a collection of games.
The child’s development, needs, family context, and treatment goals matter. Technology should support those goals rather than become the reason for choosing an activity. A4PT
For Rylee’s virtual work, that can mean creating opportunities for expression through drawing, storytelling, digital play, and conversation.
Your child does not have to communicate in exactly the same way an adult would.
What might the virtual playroom include?
Depending on the session and your child’s needs, Rylee may use shared drawing or whiteboard activities, digital sandtray or dollhouse tools, stories, games, and other interactive materials.
A child might create a scene instead of immediately describing a difficult experience. Another might draw while talking. A game might create an opportunity to notice frustration, practice communicating, or build connection.
These are examples, not a required menu.
The important question is not, “Did we use something fun?”
It is, “How does this activity connect to the child’s needs and the work we are doing?”
What could a session look like?
A session may begin with a check-in and time to reconnect.
From there, Rylee and your child might move into a creative activity, interactive play, or conversation. The balance can change as they get to know one another and identify what supports engagement.
Toward the end, there may be a transition activity, a brief reflection, or an appropriate caregiver check-in.
There is no requirement that your child create something beautiful, explain every choice, or share everything immediately.
Where do caregivers fit?
Caregiver involvement is part of planning treatment—not something left until a problem arises.
You can discuss what you are seeing at home, what your child finds difficult, and what you hope will change. Rylee can explain when your participation is helpful and when your child needs individual space.
Children’s mental health treatment often includes caregiver participation, skills to practice between appointments, and a way to review progress. National Institute of Mental Health
The goal is collaboration without making your child feel that every moment of therapy is being watched or evaluated.
What do we need at home?
Ask about the recommended device, browser, and connection before the first session. Interactive activities may work differently on a small phone than on a larger screen.
Plan for a private, safe space and an agreed way to reach a caregiver. Materials can be discussed in advance; there is no need to buy a full playroom.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends preparing the technology and environment beforehand and discussing when children or adolescents need private time with their provider. HealthyChildren.org
Is virtual play therapy right for every child?
No.
Age eight is the starting age for Rylee’s offering, not a guarantee of fit. Your child’s engagement, communication, support needs, safety, and home environment also matter.
A consultation helps determine whether online counseling is appropriate or whether an in-person option would better meet your child’s needs.
Explore virtual counseling with Rylee
Start with a consultation about your child. After reviewing fit, completing paperwork, and clarifying insurance or payment arrangements, we can discuss scheduling.
Your child does not need all the words before beginning the conversation.
Schedule a Consultation With Rylee
Continue reading: Is Online Counseling a Good Fit for My Child? Questions to Ask Before Starting
Inner Bloom Counseling is Rylee Wisniewski’s independently operated counseling business and is separate from Illuminate Play Therapy & Counseling. Illuminate contracts with Inner Bloom Counseling for Rylee’s clinical services. The applicable scheduling, consent, clinical-record, privacy, and billing arrangements are explained before treatment begins.
These articles provide general education and are not a diagnosis or individualized treatment advice.
Inner Bloom Counseling — Helping you bloom with grace.