FAQs

HOW LONG DOES PLAY THERAPY/COUNSELLING GO FOR?

Individual appointments generally last 50 minutes. The length of the therapy process overall is very individualised, from a few weeks to a few months, sometimes over a year. This is dependent on the presenting worries and how the child responds to therapy, along with the relationship built between child and therapist.

HOW OFTEN ARE APPOINTMENTS?

Appointments ideally are weekly and at a similar time each week in order to maximise the effectiveness of play therapy. However, this is dependent on many factors and fortnightly appointments may also be considered.

WHAT IF MY CHILD DOESN'T WANT TO GO TO THERAPY?

Play is fun for children, and a room full of toys is often a child's dream. However, therapy can be confronting for children as they may start expressing some difficult experiences or feelings as part of their play. The therapist will support you if your child is expressing they don't want to attend, as this can be a normal process. However, ultimately it is a child's choice to enter the playroom.

WHAT DOES A PLAY THERAPY ROOM LOOK LIKE?

The play room is set out purposefully to allow creative expression for children. The therapist chooses certain toys and materials to allow children to express in different ways, for example there may be toys which allow for expression of anger, toys that allow for physical play, and toys such as dolls and teddies which allow children to play out different roles or experiences. Toys are chosen specifically for the play room.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO AS A PARENT?

Parents have an important role to play in a child's therapy. It is expected that parents will drop children off and pick them up consistently each week, and will be asked to wait outside the play room in case they are needed by the child. In most cases, the parent won't be in the play room whilst therapy is occurring (with the exception of some circumstances), however the therapist will provide regular updates and information regarding how play therapy is progressing. Sessions with parents are generally held separately to the child's sessions.

HOW WILL I KNOW IF PLAY THERAPY IS WORKING?

Your child will be given the opportunity in play therapy to work through the things which may be worrying them. The aim of play therapy is that the presenting concerns will gradually reduce throughout the therapy process, as children let go of some of their strong feelings or worries using the toys. However, this process is different for every child and some ups and downs in their presentation and behaviour may occur throughout therapy. Changes may not be obvious to parents straight away, but the therapist will notice changes in your child's play which will be explained to you.