FAQs
Why is what you are offering right for my child?
Play therapy can be a less intimidating way for a child to explore their feelings. The toolkit offers a wide range of play and creative activities for your child to find the most comfortable way for them to express themselves. Often play-based therapy can work indirectly through stories and metaphors. There is also scope for your child to engage in dialogue and use talk as the medium to express themselves and these open conversations can also be enhanced and the dialogue deepened through the use of creative mediums.
Where do the sessions take place?
It is best if the sessions take place in a neutral location rather than in the home. It can often be arranged for me to see your child in their school or they can come for sessions in my purpose built private therapy space.
A secure, private space that will not be interrupted helps the child feel safe enough to express themselves.
Will you tell me what happens in the sessions?
The therapy sessions are confidential and so I will not be able to discuss the content. Confidentiality is vital for the child to feel they can trust the therapist and trust is key for a successful outcome. I will however be able to use these to inform the advice and strategies I can offer.
I have a duty of care to share any information with the relevant authorities, where I feel that your child or someone they know is at risk of harm. I will tell the child that this will happen and wherever possible I will discuss my concerns with the parents first.
How many sessions will my child need?
The number of sessions can depend on the type of difficulties your child is experiencing. I recommend a minimum of 12 - 15 sessions to ensure enough time to bring about change. Some children will need more sessions. We (parent, child and therapist) review progress at 4- 6 week intervals. It is important that when the decision to end sessions is made there are at least 4 further weeks of sessions to allow the child to have a satisfactory and contained ending to their therapy.
How much do sessions cost?
I offer an introductory half-hour phone consultation to discuss if therapy is the right option for your child which is free.
I charge £50 - £65 per play therapy session.
There is a cancellation/ missed appointment fee. Please try to give 24 hours notice where possible. Cancellations within 24 hours or missed sessions may be charged for.
There will need to be an initial assessment and consultation meeting which costs £85 and will include a discussion around the suggested number of play therapy sessions your child may require.
I like to work closely with parents and offer support as part of the package. Although I cannot share any details of the sessions I can report on progress and recommend meeting at the first review and at the end of the therapy. Parents are able to contact me with concerns or questions between sessions.
Any further meetings required or written reports are charged at £30 per half hour.
There is a range of pricing options available for schools depending on the type of service required. Please contact me for further details.
How can I be assured of the standards and quality of play therapy?
PTUK works hard to ensure the therapists on their register follow the procedures that enable them to be registered with the Professional Standards Authority. You can find out more on the links below.
Register of Play and Creative Arts Therapists
How do I make a referral for play therapy?
I take referrals from parents, carers, schools, GPs, clinical psychologists and other related agencies. Please contact me for a free half hour consultation and further information about my services.
Following the consultation if you would like to go ahead with play therapy we would book in the initial assessment and information gathering meeting.
For play therapy to take place I would need the consent of the parents/legal guardians of the child and the child themselves.
What can I do to support my child attending Sessions?
Regular weekly sessions are important so you can encourage your child and ensure they come each week.
Try not to ask your child too much about the sessions, they will tell you about them if they want to. An open ended question such as, “How was it?” shows interest without putting any pressure on them. For example “Did you have a good time?” Implies therapy should be fun where as sometimes it can bring up very difficult feelings, even if it is through playing.
Please refrain from asking your child to be good when you drop them off for a session, as this could hinder your child from expressing themselves freely for fear of getting into trouble.
Sometimes behaviour can get worse before it gets better. This can be worrying for you as a parent so please discuss this with me as I can help support you in how to respond and also open communication helps keep a focus on the impact of the therapy and whether further psychological/psychiatric support should be sought.
If you have any concerns please contact me rather than encouraging your child to tell me. The child needs to be free to express themselves at their own pace and in their own way.
