Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can Make a Referral?
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Parents
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Carers
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Organisations
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Social Services
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Schools
Why Would a Child/Young Person Be Referred?
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Trauma
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Abuse (physical/ sexual/ emotional)
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Domestic violence
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Bereavement
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Loss
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Separation/ Divorce
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Family dysfunction
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Depression
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Neglect
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Difficulty with peers/ bullying
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Anxiety
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Challenging behaviour
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Special Developmental Needs
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Low self-esteem / Lacking in confidence
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ADHD
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ASD
Where Will The Play Therapy Take Place?
In a specially designated room that can guarantee confidentiality.
This can be in the child’s school, a organisation that they attend and are familiar with, or a space found and organised by the Play Therapist.
Tele-Play Therapy (Therapy online) is also available in special circumstances.
What is the Parent/Carers Role in the Play Therapy Process?
Parents/carers are a key part of the Play Therapy process because therapy does not take place in isolation.
An initial assessment meeting between parents/carers and the therapist is the initial stage of the process. Here parents/carers can share their concerns and insight into the child’s difficulties and presenting needs and share background information with the Play Therapist. Then the therapist will meet the child and parent together. Sometimes it can be helpful for the Play Therapist to speak with teachers or other significant people in the child’s life to gain a deeper understanding of the child’s needs.
If Play Therapy is deemed appropriate for the family, informed consent is obtained and Play Therapy can begin.
Confidentiality is key in therapy, both for the children and significant others, and this is outlined to all involved.
Throughout the process the therapist will work closely with parents/carers and others, holding regular review meetings (every six to eight weeks). The parents/carers can use these meetings to share concerns and updates and the therapist can share insight and offer support and advice that is specific to the child’s needs. Review meetings also provide the opportunity to discuss themes within sessions, progress, challenges, and to give feedback.
How many sessions will my child have?
This will vary depending on the child's circumstances and reason for referral.
The minimum number of sessions offered is 12, however, for those children whose cases are more complex (e.g. trauma, bereavement, neglect) a longer intervention may be required.
The number of sessions required will be discussed with the parent/carer at the start of the intervention and reviewed every 6-8 weeks.