Are there any risks or side effects of play therapy?

Play therapy is one of the gentlest, safest ways to support a worried child — but it's natural to want to know what to expect.

In short

Play therapy is widely regarded as a low-risk, gentle approach for children — there are no medicines, no invasive procedures, and the child leads the play at their own pace. The most common thing parents notice is a short, temporary wobble: a child may seem a little more emotional or unsettled at home after sessions that touch on big feelings — usually a sign the therapy is working, not a side effect to fear. With a qualified therapist who matches the pace to your child, play therapy is overwhelmingly safe and reassuring.

What parents may notice

• Temporary emotional stirring — as a child begins to express feelings they've held in, you might see more tears, clinginess or big emotions for a short while at home. This is normal processing and usually settles as the child works things through.
• A little tiredness after sessions — engaging deeply in play can be emotionally tiring, much like a busy day at school.
• Slow, not instant, change — play therapy unfolds gradually; expecting overnight results can feel discouraging, so the team will set gentle, realistic expectations with you.

How real risks are kept low

• A qualified, trained therapist follows the child's lead and never pushes a child into distress.
• Sessions happen in a safe, child-friendly space with materials checked for safety.
• The therapist works alongside you, explaining what to expect and supporting any short-term ups and downs at home.

When to mention something

Tell your therapist if your child seems persistently more distressed, withdrawn or unsettled beyond the first few sessions, or if anything at home worries you. A good therapist welcomes this and adjusts the pace. If your child has a known medical condition, share it so the plan fits them fully.

The Pinnacle way

AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional — never from an app or online form. Our therapists tailor play-based and behavioural therapy to your child's pace, beginning with a clear developmental profile. Explore how we support families across 70+ centres and 700+ therapists.

Trusted sources

American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) on the developmental value of play; CDC guidance on supporting children's social-emotional development; WHO nurturing-care framework on play and early development.

Next step — Want to know if play therapy suits your child? Book a developmental assessment with a Pinnacle clinician.

This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.