Question 1

Can I come into session with my child?

Accepted Answer

Sessions with your child are just for them. I ask that you wait out side during the session so that your child knows you are there for them when the session ends.

Question 2

What actually happens in a Play therapy session?

Accepted Answer

Because Play therapy is predominantly child-led, the content of the session will usually be up to the client. They are offered a range of tools and activities, and is my job to support these choices; facilitating a safe and therapeutic space to process their experiences, challenges and difficulties using these items.
The tools offered are: 
Sandplay/ Sandstory® Therapy
Art and crafts
Music
Dance and Movement
Therapeutic stories and storytelling
Creative visualisations
Puppets
Games
Role play
Talking
On some occasions, I may suggest an item or activity to use, if I feel it would have a significant impact on the client's process. It will however, still be the clients choice to engage with it.

Question 3

Can I ask my child about what they do in session?

Accepted Answer

Therapy sessions for children are no different than for adults, all sessions are confidential. If you want your child to know that you care about their process without disturbing their privacy, when they return to you after a session, instead of asking them how they are or how the session was, you could just let them know that you were thinking about them while they were away.

Question 4

Does my child have to attend a set number of sessions?

Accepted Answer

To start the work, I offer sessions in blocks of 12, this is to ensure that there are enough sessions for a "beginning", "middle" and "end" to the work. If more sessions are required, extension blocks are offered 6 at a time for the same reason.

Question 5

If the sessions are confidential, how do I know what's going on?

Accepted Answer

Although the sessions are confidential, so I cant talk to you about your child's process (what they did specifically in each session.), I can talk to you about their progress. We will also have regular meetings to check in and assess the progress of the work at around every 6 weeks.

Question 6

Does my child need to bring anything to sessions?

Accepted Answer

I provide all the materials we need during sessions but I always suggest that each client brings their own bottle of water, in case they get thirsty during our session.

Question 7

Can my child bring a friend to session?

Accepted Answer

Because the sessions are specifically a confidential space for your child, I am not able to allow guests to come with.

Question 8

Do you offer sessions in school holidays?

Accepted Answer

My work is flexible and in some cases I may offer sessions during school holidays if it is necessary but ordinarily, I would advocate for holidays being just that, with no school or therapeutic interventions. These breaks are just as important as the therapy itself, as it gives time for the work we have been doing to germinate and be tested out.

Question 9

Is there ever a time you will break confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

The only times I would ever break confidentiality is a) at the request of my client. (The client may request that I speak on their behalf or relay a message.) Or b), if a Safeguarding issue becomes apparent.

My first duty is to keep my client safe. If I believe my client is at risk, or someone they know is at risk, I have a duty of care to report my concerns to an appropriate person or body. Depending on the situation, this could be feeding back to a parent, carer or the relevant Safeguarding department.

For more information, please request a copy of my Safeguarding policy.

Frequently asked questions