As a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor who has worked with children and families for over two decades, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful play therapy can be in helping children express themselves, heal, and build resilience. Since 2020, our practice has also provided virtual play therapy, and what we’ve learned is that children are just as capable of forming strong therapeutic relationships online as they are in a traditional playroom particularly when they are developmentally ready.
At Amy Brown Counseling, we offer online play therapy to children ages 7 and up. While virtual sessions can occasionally be helpful for children under 7, we have found that many younger children have trouble staying engaged on camera and often benefit more from in-person, office-based sessions. Our experience has shown that age 7 tends to be a developmental sweet spot where virtual therapy becomes both feasible and effective for most children.
Still, it’s natural for parents to have questions. In fact, some parents are hesitant to begin virtual play therapy because they’ve heard things that simply aren’t true. So in this post, I want to clear up some of the most common misconceptions about virtual play therapy and help parents understand how effective, engaging, and meaningful it can be for children 7 and older.
Misconception #1: Play therapy can’t be done virtually.
One of the most common myths is that play therapy “requires a playroom.” Parents sometimes imagine that unless their child is physically in a room filled with toys, games, and sand trays, it just won’t work. While it’s true that in-person sessions offer those tools, virtual play therapy draws on a different but equally powerful kind of flexibility and creativity.
Children are naturally imaginative and adaptable. In virtual sessions, we work with children using materials they already have at home paper, crayons, blocks, dolls, fidget toys, or even items from around the house that they enjoy playing with. The goal is not to have the exact same toys, but to create emotional safety, offer choices, and follow the child’s lead.
In our practice, we also use secure, interactive online platforms that allow for activities like drawing, collaborative games, and storytelling. Virtual play therapy isn’t about recreating the physical playroom it’s about preserving the essence of child-centered, therapeutic play in a new format.
Misconception #2: Kids won’t pay attention or stay engaged online.
Parents often worry that their child won’t sit still or focus during a virtual session, especially if they’ve seen how easily their child becomes distracted with screens at home. And while that’s a valid concern, therapists who are trained in virtual play therapy know how to work with a child’s natural energy and attention span.
Rather than expecting a child to sit still and “talk,” sessions are designed around movement, choices, creativity, and pacing that matches each child’s needs. Sometimes that means drawing while talking, other times it means switching between activities to keep things fresh and engaging. Sessions might also include guided games, sensory play, or movement-based activities that help regulate and focus the child’s energy.
What we often find is that children 7 and older are more comfortable in their home environments, and because they’re in familiar surroundings, they often open up more quickly and remain more engaged than we’d expect.
Misconception #3: Virtual play therapy is only useful for older kids who can talk easily.
Another common misconception is that virtual therapy only works for teens or more verbal children. But children ages 7 and up are developmentally capable of engaging meaningfully through a screen especially when therapy is designed with creativity and movement in mind.
Even children who are shy, anxious, or slow to warm up can still build strong connections in virtual therapy. Through drawing, pretend play, role-playing, and other expressive tools, kids can show what they’re feeling and thinking without needing to find all the right words.
Children under age 7 may have more difficulty remaining on camera, following a therapist’s cues remotely, or staying engaged for a full session. That’s why at Amy Brown Counseling, we focus our virtual play therapy services on ages 7 and up, where success is more likely and frustration is reduced for both the child and the parent.
Misconception #4: Virtual therapy isn’t as effective as in-person therapy.
Many parents still feel unsure about whether virtual sessions can really be just as helpful as in-person sessions. This is understandable before 2020, many therapists also assumed in-person therapy was superior. But over the past few years, a growing body of research and clinical experience has shown otherwise.
According to the Association for Play Therapy (a4pt.org) and other professional organizations, virtual play therapy when provided by trained and experienced clinicians can be just as effective as in-person sessions. In fact, some studies have shown that children engage more openly in virtual therapy because they are in their own space, feel more comfortable, and don’t have to navigate the unfamiliar setting of an office.
As clinicians, we continue to grow our skills in adapting evidence-based interventions to the virtual setting. The safety, connection, and emotional attunement that create healing in therapy are all possible whether online or in-person.
Misconception #5: It’s just screen time.
With all the concerns about screen time these days, some parents are hesitant to add another screen-based activity to their child’s week. But it’s important to distinguish between passive screen time—like watching YouTube or playing video games and interactive therapeutic engagement, which is very different.
Virtual play therapy is not a passive activity. It’s a relational, structured, and purposeful interaction that supports emotional development, problem-solving, coping skills, and healing. The therapist isn’t a background presence; we are actively engaged with the child, observing their cues, validating their experiences, and helping them make meaning of what they’re expressing through play.
In fact, many parents are surprised to see that their child looks forward to sessions and begins to incorporate ideas or coping tools from therapy into daily life.
Misconception #6: The parent isn’t involved.
Some families assume that because sessions are online, the therapist and child are meeting alone and that parents won’t be part of the process. At our practice, parent involvement is a key component of the therapeutic process especially for children.
We begin with a parent intake session to understand the family background, current concerns, and goals. Throughout the therapy process, we check in with parents regularly to provide updates, suggestions for supporting the child at home, and opportunities to process how the child is doing.
In some cases, we also invite parents to participate in brief parts of the child’s session, depending on the goals and the child’s age. This collaborative approach strengthens the work we do with the child and ensures we are supporting the whole family system.
Misconception #7: It’s just a temporary substitute for “real” therapy.
When virtual therapy began to expand rapidly in 2020, many people viewed it as a short-term replacement. But over time, it’s become clear that virtual play therapy is not a lesser substitute, it’s a valid and lasting method of providing quality mental health care.
There are many families who would not be able to access therapy at all without virtual services. Busy schedules, lack of transportation, health concerns, or living in rural areas all make it hard to attend in-person sessions. Virtual play therapy breaks down those barriers and allows children to receive the care they need without delay.
Even for families who live in larger cities, the convenience and flexibility of virtual therapy can make a world of difference. Being able to log in from home, especially when a child isn’t feeling well or has had a tough day, ensures that therapy remains consistent.
Supporting Children Ages 7+ Through Virtual Play Therapy
At Amy Brown Counseling, we offer virtual play therapy for children ages 7 and up. We understand how sensitive, thoughtful, and individualized this work needs to be, and we tailor each session to meet the unique needs of the child and their family.
Our licensed therapists are trained in both traditional and virtual play therapy approaches, and we’re committed to helping families feel confident in the process. Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, trauma, grief, school-related stress, divorce, or emotional regulation, we’re here to help.
If you’ve been curious about starting therapy for your child but felt unsure about doing it online, we invite you to reach out. You might be surprised by how natural, connected, and effective virtual sessions can be—for both you and your child.
Fill out the new client inquiry form to get started with one of our therapists today. We currently serve families located in Missouri would be happy to support your child’s growth, healing, and emotional well-being from the comfort of your home.
