Question 1

How do I decide if Play Therapy is right for my child?

Accepted Answer

Many parents experience difficulties with their children and it can be hard to talk about for fear of judgement or unwanted opinions. Alanna is an experience Play Therapist who takes a sensitive approach. She will be happy to discuss your child with you in confidence and will discuss how play therapy may help your family.

Question 2

Is my child too old for Play Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Play Therapy is a gentle way of exploring concerns and working with children. The word 'Play' evokes many meanings for adults and can prevent people from considering it as a therapy for their child. Play is the natural language of the child and children explore and learn using play.
 
The combination of 'Play' and 'Therapy' provides the therapist and child with opportunities to explore issues and concerns that the child may find diffcult to talk about. The child will navigate towards activities and resources they are most interested in.
 
Children of both primary and secondary school age are welcome. Alanna is skilled in working with children and will adapt her tools to suit the child's needs. Examples of activities include: Sand, Art and Crafts, Puppets, Lego, Drama and role-play, Music, Clay, Games, Therapeutic Storytelling, and movement.

Question 3

How long is a session?

Accepted Answer

Each session is typically 40 - 45minutes with the child. Alanna will include time either side for pack up and pack away time. 
 
The gap between sessions is often short so if you have questions for Alanna you can email her directly. 
 
A contract of sessions will usually be10-12 sessions but this will depend on the needs of your child and this would be discussed with you before arrangements are made.

Question 4

How many children attend a session?

Accepted Answer

Each session is 1:1. This means your child will attend individually with Alanna (Qualified Play and Creative Arts Therapist).
 
Your child may be invited to 'group play therapy' within school if a group is being held to support several children with the same concerns.

Question 5

Can I attend Play Therapy with my child?

Accepted Answer

Play Therapy is arranged for the child to explore their concerns in a confidential space. Alanna asks that parents and carers ensure prompt arrival (or arrive 5-10 minutes before the session) and leave once their child has entered the session. 
 
Play Therapy is a creative approach where the therapist allows the child to communicate with them through play. It is very different from play alone, as the focus is on 'healing' and positive change. 
 
Alanna is skilled to identify themes the child may be exploring in their play and will support the childs self esteem, self regualtion and control during sessions.

Question 6

Will I be kept informed about my child's sessions?

Accepted Answer

Play Therapy is a form of child counselling. As such, Alanna respects the child's sessions as confidential. This means the content of the sessions may not be discussed with you but Alanna will keep you informed of progress and themes that they may explore in therapy.
 
Before therapy starts, Alanna will discuss your child with you and descibe the process ahead. At a middle point during therapy e.g. 6 weeks, Alanna will have a chat with you about any changes you may have noticed since the start of therapy. Depending on the child's response to therapy, the issues being explored, outcomes noticed or impacting factors outside of therapy, she may advise for therapy to continue longer than planned, or begin preparing to end therapy. This is always discussed with you and Alanna will ensure you are involved in all decisions about arrangements throughout therapy. At the end of the contract, Alanna will chat with you again to conclude on the outcomes of therapy.
 
It is typical that you may be asked to complete a short questionnaire at these three points to support the measure of therapy outcomes. 
 
In the event of any concerns Alanna will share this immediately.

Question 7

How much will it cost?

Accepted Answer

Play Therapy can be costly to parents as it can take some time for change to be noticed. Where possible Alanna will try to create a package to meet your family needs.
 
Usually therapy will be arranged for a contract of 12 sessions, but for deeper concerns this will sometimes be much longer. For private referrals each session costs £75. 
 
This price includes arrangement of space, contract, communications, resources provided and 45 minutes of 1:1 therapy.

Question 8

How do I arrange Play Therapy for my child?

Accepted Answer

You will need to contact Alanna who will arrange an initial 20minute telephone consultation. During this time Alanna will discuss your concerns with you. If it is decided that Play Therapy is an option and a space is available, Alanna will arrange a confidential meeting with you to find out more about your child.
 
Arrangements will need to be made if play therapy is to be held at your child's school or an alternative loaction. Alanna may ask to meet with the class teacher to gain an understanding of how your child is managing the same issues within school. 
 
A provisional start date will be agreed. A contract will be drawn up between the play therapist and the parent/carer to cover the duration of play therapy and all financial commitments. Consent will need to be granted by the child's responsible adults. Following on from this, sessions will begin.

Question 9

How soon can we start?

Accepted Answer

Alanna will make arrangements for a suitable play space. An uninterrupted play space is necessary for sessions to begin. This will need to be consistent for the duration of play therapy.
 
Sessions will be scheduled for the same time each week usually for a duration of 12 weeks or possibly longer. If space is available therapy can begin after intial meetings and consent is obtained. During this time it is important that as far as possible there are no interruptions (holidays etc.) Cancellations may incur a fee but this will be discussed at the time of contract.
 
Alanna will arrange referral meetings, assess the needs of your child and suggest a suitable start date for therapy to begin.
 
Alanna will discuss your childs progress at a mid point during therapy and ensure sessions are brought to a safe ending with the child when the time is right.

Information for parents