Getting Ready For Play Therapy: Editable Templates For All Ages and Stages

Entering the playroom can be an exciting and sometimes nerve-wracking experience. To help ease this transition, I have created a series of editable templates that function as social stories to prepare children for the therapeutic space. These can be fully personalised with images of yourself, the child, and specific features of your playroom.

This resource acts as a foundation from which you can build, and adapt your own story about being in the playroom, feel free to remove sections or adjust personalisation as needed. These resources are tailored to three key developmental stages:

Ages 2–5: Focuses on play, safety, and preparation. It is structured to help younger children understand the physical space and what to expect during their visit.

Ages 6–9: Recognising that children in this age group have very variable presentations, this section includes two distinct designs to suit both younger and more mature temperaments.

Ages 10–12: The tone shifts toward a “playspace” rather than a playroom. There is a strong focus on identifying why children come to therapy, the importance of confidentiality, and the role of the therapist in supporting not changing the child.

These resources are designed to help you streamline your private practice and provide a professional, thoughtful introduction to every session.