Common Questions & Answers

Q.  How do I know if my child needs Play Therapy? 

A.  By looking through the list at the bottom of this page you can identify any areas of concern.

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Q.  What should I tell my child about why he/she is coming to Play Therapy? ​

​A.  I have created introductory age appropriate letters for children aged 4-8 and 9-12 years of age.. It has a photo of me on the letter. It explains in general terms about Play Therapy to answer common questions children ask. There are also child friendly videos on Play Therapy I can send you to sit and watch with your child.

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Q. What if my child is already on a CAHMS waiting list awaiting therapy?​

A. I am not a CAHMS registered therapist or employed by the NHS. I am self employed.

Your child can remain on a CAHMS waiting list and still see a school Play therapist in the meantime.

Please note that most CAHMS Play Therapy referrals only allocate 6-8 sessions for a child, which unfortunately is not long enough to see lasting meaningful change in most children.

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Q. My child has an EHCP, can this cover therapy costs?​

A.  The answer to this will depend on the details outlines in the EHCP. If you are unsure, check with your child's school SENCO.  I regularly work with children whose EHCP's covers the full cost of therapeutic work required. 

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Q.  What should my child wear to the sessions? 

A.  Your child only wears whatever they usually wear for school. Aprons are provided in sessions, although the child is given a choice to use these or not.

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​Q.  Can my child bring their own toys to the sessions? 

A.  Your child will attend sessions in the school day so any toys have to remain in their bag. This is to maintain the safety of their belongings.

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​Q.  Will I need to be present or stay nearby when my child is in the play therapy session? 

A.  No, your child will attend therapy during the school day, so I agree to collect and return your child to class. I will meet with you before therapy starts, and then for a review every 6-7 weeks or half term and then towards the end of the therapy.

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Q.  Do both parents have to give permission for a child to attend  Therapy?

A.  Yes, I request parental permission from both parents if the care of the child is shared between them. In the case of an absent parent who has no or little contact with the child, then permission is not required.

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Q.  What if my child refuses to come to Play Therapy or is upset by the process?

A.  This is generally very rare as most children are happy to attend the sessions. I fully advocate for a child's right to choose and to respect this.

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However, for those children that are unsure or nervous, there are a number of different approaches that I will discuss with you to decide if you wish to try this. Listening to the child's thoughts and opinions is at the heart of the work I do, and a child should never feel forced or pushed into therapy. 

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