If you’ve ever asked your child what’s wrong and been met with a shrug, silence, or a frustrated “I don’t know,” you’re not alone.

There is a different kind of quiet that exists in a play therapy waiting room. It’s often filled with a mix of emotions: a little bit of hope, a dash of exhaustion, and, if we’re being honest, a heavy dose of "parent guilt." You might be sitting there scrolling through your phone, wondering, “How did we get here?” or “Is she really getting anything out of just playing with blocks?”

Parents of emotionally intense kids often feel exhausted, confused, and alone, especially when small triggers lead to huge meltdowns or shutdowns. With the right tools—and support when needed—families can move from constant crisis mode toward calmer, more connected relationships.​

One of the very first questions parents ask when considering therapy for their child is also one of the hardest to answer clearly: “How long will this take?”

Most parents don’t wake up one morning thinking, “I should put my child in therapy.”
More often, the thought creeps in quietly. If you’ve found yourself asking whether therapy might help your child, you’re not alone. Many parents wrestle with this question, unsure of where the line falls between typical development and a signal that extra support could be beneficial.