The Process
Deciding you would like therapy for your child is a sign that one or both of you have experienced difficulty. It's important to find a therapist you feel comfortable with and who you think will support your child sufficiently. Because of this, it's okay to ask questions or express any concerns you may have, so that you feel comfortable and at ease, ready to embrace the journey. You should look for a therapist who holds full and relevant qualifications and is registered with either BAPT or PTUK (like me!) your chosen play therapist may also have a specialism, but this doesn't matter so much because all registered play therapists are trained equally.
01
Initial contact
Complete the form on the website to make initial contact and arrange a free 15 minute phone or video call with Claire.
02
Telephone or video call
During these 15 minutes, we will talk about your concerns and experiences and how play therapy can help. You will be able to decide after the call, if you think Claire would be a good match for your family.
If you would like longer, there is the option of an hour long session with a small fee attached.
03
Referral Form
If you would like to go ahead with therapy, click download to complete the referral form and return it to Claire by email/post or in person. She will generate an invoice for the work.
04
Invoice
Ahead of the work beginning, you will be required to pay for the sessions upfront. If you need to arrange a payment plan, please ask.
All sessions will be paid for in advance and cancellation of a booking must occur 48hours prior to the session otherwise full charge will be taken.
05
Parent Interview
Both parents should consent to therapy and meet with Claire in the therapy room, for an hour long interview to talk about your child. It is useful to bring your child's red book so we can go right back to when your child was newly-born.
There will be a questionnaire to complete. You may decide you want to meet separately and this is okay.
06
Child Introduction
During this 40 minute session, we will look at the toys, become familiar with the process, talk about confidentiality and what your child feels their own strengths and difficulties are. You should stay with your child until they are comfortable enough for you to leave the therapy room, so we can begin the therapeutic process.
07
Play Therapy Begins!
By session one of play therapy, you will be familiar with Claire and the arrival process at the play room. Your child will anticipate you waiting in the car on the driveway to receive them after their session.
They might be tired/energised/hungry or thirsty after session. Try to be sensitive to their needs at this time.
08
Review
At week eight of therapy, we will review progress together and decide on how long therapy should continue for. Your child might need 15 sessions, or they may become a longer term client depending on their needs. Sometimes therapy is like a marathon rather than a sprint. If this is the case we will continue to review at eight week intervals or when appropriate.
09
Ending
At the end of therapy, you will receive a report to share with all of the professionals working with your child.
It is also very helpful if you fill in a review form to help us improve our service for others.
