Beginning your
Play Therapy
Journey
Welcome to our Play Therapy services! We understand that every child is unique, and sometimes they may need a little extra support to help them thrive.
Remember, each child is unique, and Play Therapy can be a valuable tool to help them navigate these challenges. Feel free to reach out to us for more information and to discuss whether Play Therapy might be the right choice for your child's unique needs.
Our team of dedicated professionals is here to support your child's emotional well-being and growth. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or if you'd like to explore the possibility of Play Therapy for your child. We're here to help!
PREPARING YOUR CHILD
Preparing a child for play therapy requires acceptance and involvement from both child and parent. Play Therapy cannot be administered if a child is unwilling to participate, nor if the parent is reluctant to cooperate with the Play Therapist. Speaking to your child about who they will be seeing and what they will be doing will help to ease their mind. Your therapist can provide an information booklet for parents and in some cases a children's book describing the therapeutic process. Additionally, you may receive an image of your therapist to show your child so they may recognise them upon meeting in person. Reminding your child that the therapist is there to make them feel safe, secure, and engaged with, is vital. If possible and preferred, the therapist can organise a 'meet and greet' session with your child prior to their first Play Therapy session.
THE FIRST SESSION
The first session with the Play Therapist will be attended by parents or guardians only. This session is intended to gather background information on the child and their immediate environments. The therapist will enquire as to the medical history of the child, any allied health services sought after, the family system, and their current play abilities. This is also an opportunity for the parents/guardians to ask the therapist any questions they may have regarding the therapeutic process, and to express their goals for their child. Additionally, any paperwork such as consent forms will be presented to the parents/guardians for signing.
WHAT HAPPENS IN A SESSION?
Subsequent sessions between child and therapist will be individually catered to the child’s needs, with adjustments being made each week. Over the weeks the therapist will work with the child by modelling the play activity, repeating actions, tracking their play, and challenging them. Modelling involves showing the child how to play with a toy and inviting them to join in. Repetition is essential for development, the therapist will not change an activity that a child is continuing to show interest in as this repetition builds the child’s understanding of the play action. Tracking play involves talking about what the child is doing during play as well as describing their expression, for example “you are smiling, you are enjoying playing with this toy”. Finally, challenging the child does not mean pushing them beyond their limits. Remembering we want them within the Zone of Proximal Development. What this means is that gradually the therapist will introduce more complex play into the sessions.
How many sessions will my child need?
Generally speaking the therapist will aim for 10 sessions and will offer more on a case by case situation. Some children enter therapy and remain for many more sessions. Some may re-enter after a long break. The therapist will chat to you to explain what is needed after thay have gained a good undertsanding of your child's and families needs.
