Therapy can be a transformative experience for children, offering them the tools and support they need to navigate their emotions and behaviours more effectively. As a parent or caregiver, understanding the impact of therapy on your child’s behaviour and knowing when to expect positive changes can help you support them through the process.

The impact of therapy on my child’s behaviour

Therapy can significantly impact a child’s behaviour by addressing underlying emotional and psychological concerns. Through various therapeutic techniques, children learn to express their emotions, develop coping strategies, and improve their social skills. This can lead to a reduction in problematic behaviours such as aggression, anxiety, and defiance, and an increase in positive behaviours like cooperation, empathy, and self-regulation.

The average amount of therapy sessions needed

The number of therapy sessions required for noticeable changes can vary depending on the child’s specific needs. On average, children may need between 12 to 20 sessions to see significant improvements. We do however take a parent’s budget and limited time into concertation, hence please communicate this with your therapist. However, some children may require more sessions, especially if they have complex trauma or persistent inappropriate behaviour.

The Gestalt Play Therapy Process

Gestalt play therapy, developed by Violet Oaklander and further expanded by Rinda Blom, is a holistic and experiential approach that integrates Gestalt therapy principles with play-based techniques. This approach is particularly effective for children as it allows them to express themselves in a developmentally appropriate and engaging way, as an imaginative world is where they feel safe and in control.

The Gestalt play therapy process involves several key steps:

  1. Building a Therapeutic Relationship: Establishing a trusting relationship between the therapist and the child is crucial. This relationship forms the foundation for all therapeutic work and helps the child feel safe and supported.
  2. Sensory and Bodily Awareness: Children are encouraged to focus on their bodily sensations and become aware of their physical reactions to emotions. This helps them stay grounded in the present moment and understand their feelings better.
  3. Enhancing the Sense of Self: Therapy aims to strengthen the child’s sense of self by helping them recognize and value their unique qualities. This step is essential for building self-esteem and confidence.
  4. Emotional Expression: Children learn to identify and express their emotions in healthy ways. This can involve various play-based activities such as drawing, role-playing, and storytelling.
  5. Self-Nurturing: The therapist helps the child develop self-compassion and learn to care for themselves emotionally. This step is vital for long-term emotional well-being.
  6. Addressing Persistent Behaviours: Some behaviours may persist even after significant progress. The therapist and child work together to address these behaviours through targeted play techniques.
  7. Involving Parents/Caregivers: Parents and caregivers are involved in the therapy process to ensure that the child’s progress is supported at home. This can include parent skills training and regular feedback sessions.
  8. Ending Therapy: Therapy concludes when the child has met the set goals and is able to maintain positive changes independently. The therapist ensures a smooth transition by gradually reducing the frequency of sessions.

When to Expect Noticeable Positive Changes

Parents and caregivers can expect to see noticeable positive changes in their child’s behaviour after several weeks to a few months of consistent therapy. The exact timeline can vary, but many children begin to show improvements within the first 12 to 20 sessions. It is important to remember that progress may be gradual and incremental, with each session building on the previous one. Just as each child is unique so is the therapeutic process.

Therapy can have a profound impact on a child’s behaviour by addressing emotional problems, teaching coping strategies, and improving social skills. The Gestalt play therapy process, with its holistic and experiential approach, is particularly effective for children. By understanding the therapy process and being actively involved, parents and caregivers can support their child’s journey towards positive change.

The Author: Racheal Johnston (Social Worker specialising in Play Therapy)

More about Racheal Johnston: https://www.vitanova.co.za/meet-the-team/racheal-johnston/

To schedule a session with the author or any of our counsellors at Vita Nova, please contact us on 0712979992, or go to www.vitanova.co.za. We offer a range of counselling services and have interns that can provide you with assistance for free if you are not in a position to afford therapy.

For 24 hr assistance on mental health matters contact SADAG on 0800 567 567

Help is always available.

References:

Coaching Online. (2025). Average number of therapy sessions. Retrieved from https://www.coaching-online.org/average-number-of-therapy-sessions/

Katie Lear. (2020). How often should a child see a therapist?. Retrieved from https://www.katielear.com/child-therapy-blog/2020/11/10/how-often-should-a-child-see-a-therapist

Oaklander, V. (2025). Length of treatment for PTSD. Retrieved from https://iahip.org/page-1076113

Supportive Care ABA. (n.d.). The impact of ABA therapy on long-term outcomes for children with autism. Retrieved from https://www.supportivecareaba.com/statistics/the-impact-of-aba-therapy-on-long-term-outcomes-for-children-with-autism

Vita Nova Counselling Centre. (2019). The gestalt play therapy process. Retrieved from https://www.vitanova.co.za/the-gestalt-play-therapy-process/