Some of the best therapy tools are the ones that do not look like therapy tools at all.

Wax craft sticks are exactly that. The moment a child spots them on the table, they reach for them. There is no hesitation, no wariness, no "what are we doing today." They just start making things.

Here are five ways I use them in session, and the clinical reasoning behind each one.

There is a particular kind of moment that happens in session when a child picks up a puppet, slips their hand inside, and suddenly starts saying things they could not say five minutes ago.

The puppet is talking now. Not them. That distance is exactly what makes them one of the most clinically rich tools we can keep in the therapy room.

This post breaks down why puppets work, what to look for when building your collection, and specific recommendations for puppets worth having on your shelf.

If you’re a school-based play therapist, in-home clinician, or anyone who’s ever worked out of a shared office, you know the struggle: limited space, constant transitions, and super quick turnaround time between sessions.

Luckily, you don’t need a full playroom to do meaningful, creative work. Over time, I’ve found items that are quick and easy to clean-up, easy to transport, and make a big difference in fostering the healing work that our kiddos do through play.

Here are five of my go-to favorites for a portable or limited space play kit that actually works in the real world.

Need a portable play therapy kit or mobile sand tray setup? Get this free Google Sheet with curated, clickable supply lists for therapists on the go. Perfect for school-based or traveling clinicians who need kid-ready kits fast. Includes a built-in budget and purchase tracker!