play therapy is to children what talk therapy is to adults

What should I tell my child about why they are coming to play therapy?

How long and how frequent are the Play Therapy sessions?

The Interplay Therapy sessions are usually scheduled on a regular basis for 45 minutes. Sometimes with very young children or children with particular special needs, the sessions may be shorter, such as 30 minutes. The more frequent the sessions, generally the faster the healing for the child. Session times could vary from intensive daily sessions but are more common once a week. It is important that a regular time scheduled is made for your child. This becomes your child’s special play time and this predictability and consistency is important for the Play Therapy process. This consistency also will help your child to feel secure.

How many sessions will we/my child need?

Each child’s therapy journey is unique, and therefore there is no firm number on how many sessions a child will need. An initial plan will be created together with the family and there will be constant communication with you to discuss any progress, shifts and changes observed in the playroom. Some children can do well with 10 sessions, some children require ongoing support.

What sort of notice is required for cancellation of a Play Therapy session?

If possible, please give 24 hours notice of cancellation. Otherwise, charges will apply. Please review the declaration of practices for more information.

If the therapy is covered by NDIS and the invoice has already been paid, if I am given over 24 hours’ notice I will do my best to reschedule the appointment. If this is not possible we are able to do 2 make up sessions in the next term, or when the sessions are completed. If the cancellation is made within the 24 hours, the session will be forfeit.

What clothes should our child wear to Play Therapy sessions?

Please dress your child in old clothes so that they don’t have to be worried about getting paint, sand or water on clothes and shoes. If you are coming straight from school, please bring another set of clothes for your child to get changed into. This helps children feel less anxious in the playroom and can help children feel able to be more free.

Our child has difficulty at school. Can you speak with the teacher and other professionals involved with our child/the family about the Play Therapy and about our child?

We are happy to speak with your child’s teacher and to discuss ways that the school can support your child and the Play Therapy process. It can also be very helpful for me to speak to the teacher and any other professionals involved with your child, to get a picture of how your child is doing educationally, emotionally, psychologically and socially in his/her environments. We will need to get your written consent prior to speaking with teachers and other professionals in contact with the child. We would notify you prior to making contact and also provide any feedback about what was discussed. Depending on the amount of time these consultations take, please refer to our declarations of practices and procedures for rates associated.

How do we know when they’re ready to finish and what does that process look like?

Finishing play therapy can be quite an achievement. I will be in constant communication with you, so you will be aware that your child may be reaching or about to reach their therapeutic goals, thus we would both then communicate that with the child.

The ideal is for all of us to have some warning that therapy is going to complete, so we are able to be respectful and say our goodbyes, thus I request that wherever possible 2 weeks notice is given before we complete therapy, so that this process of completion can take place. If this is not possible, I may request 1 more session with you and your child. I will give 3 weeks notice whenever I am going to complete therapy with your child.