Frequently asked questions

What are the ages of children you work with?

I work with children aged 4 to 13 years of age.  I use a child centered approach which is non-directive based on the belief of a child’s capacity and resiliency. This facilitates a child to self direct and grow in self responsibility. I complement this approach weaving in a directive approach when I assess the child needs this.

How many sessions will my child need?

I offer an introductory half-hour free phone consultation to discuss if Play Therapy is the right option for your child.

I offer a minimum of 12 sessions for Play Therapy.  For children who have experienced trauma they may need a minimum of 18 to 24 sessions for there to be enough time for change.  Each session lasts 40 minutes and would be scheduled at the same time and place each week. Progress is reviewed during week 8 with parents, teachers and children and when Play Therapy ends. It is important for there to be a planned ending for the child so they have a sense of control over the process.

For private sessions I would meet with the parent and child before we begin sessions as part of my assessment. We would plan together what therapeutic goals you would like for your child.  I would recommend the number of sessions your child may need.

I will write an end report which highlights the main themes and recommendations.  Sessions are reviewed during week 8, I share information about emerging patterns.  I will meet with you at the end of Play Therapy to share progress.

Behaviour can get worse before it gets better.  I can support you to respond through open communication.  Our focus is to support your child we can also discuss whether further psychological support should be pursued.

How much is it and where, when?

I receive referrals from schools and parents.

One day at school is £180.00 for 4-5 children.  Half day for £100.00 for 2-3 children.

As I need to hire a room out to offset the cost of renting the space, a private session is £60.00 per session. However if a school agrees to Play Therapy the cost would be cheaper.

Sessions should be at the same time each week to create consistency.

There is a cancellation or missed appointment fee. Please try to give 24 hours notice as cancellations within 24 hours or missed sessions may be charged unless it is an emergency.

Is Play Therapy confidential?

I will not be saying exactly what a child does in the session as it is confidential.  I will talk to your child to explain what is confidentiality so they feel trust in the therapeutic relationship.  The main patterns and themes will be highlighted with you as a parent.  Your child can choose what they share with you however it is important they do not feel pressurised to share as it is their space to be themselves.

If there are safeguarding concerns where your child shares information about their risk of harm or harm to someone else, I have a duty of care to share this information with the local authority safeguarding team and confidentiality would no longer apply.  Your child would be informed what they say is important and would be shared.   I would share concerns wherever possible with parents first.

How would I explain Play Therapy to a child?

I would explain Play Therapy saying through play you present how you feel, as it is hard to explain feelings using words.  It is a space to play, where you feel a sense of power to choose what you do.  

A child builds a trusting relationship with their Play Therapist.  They feel safe to explore their emotions and what is happening for them with a Play Therapist supporting alongside to make sense and reflect their feelings.

I would like Play Therapy for my school?

I am happy to introduce myself to your school and could make a presentation about Play Therapy.  

I work with up to 4-5 children each day.  Referrals would need written consent from both parent(s) or carer(s).  I would meet with the teacher, parent and child before sessions begin, during the review and at the last session, as part of my holistic assessment.  I use Strengths and Difficulties questionnaire (SDQs) before and after sessions to assess change.  

I review sessions during week 8 with a minimum of 12 sessions.  Some children will need more sessions depending on their presenting needs.  Referrals indicate the therapeutic goals for each child.

I would need a consistent space to work each week to find out your safeguarding policies.  I would create a risk assessment for the room.  I will share my DBS, ICO and insurance details with schools.

I have my own resources, a toy toolkit which I bring with me each week.  I have referral paperwork and a contract to outline how I work.

I would like Play Therapy for my child?

Contact me and let me know what you are looking for.  I am happy to chat with you to discuss the process and how Play Therapy works. I offer an introductory half-hour free phone consultation.

What is Group Play Therapy?

Groups are based on themes such as low self-esteem, friendship difficulties, transition, bullying, separation and grief.  Activities are carefully created focusing on how each child can support one another through peer support to overcome their difficulties with the Play Therapist guiding the process.

Group Therapy is for 3-4 children from the same school year (either 2 girls and 2 boys or all one gender).  Each child would require a Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) completed before and after sessions and must be within the range of 11-16.  Parents and teachers share information and SDQs.  I offer 6 group sessions focusing on a particular theme.