Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my child need to attend Play Therapy?
With each child comes a unique set of difficulties and therefore the length of Play Therapy will vary. Play Therapists will consider the extent of the child’s difficulties, their strengths, family and school environment and various other factors, to determine the length of the therapeutic intervention.
How long does each session take?
Play Therapy sessions are an hour and will usually be scheduled weekly. However, this is just a guide and will vary depending on the needs of each child. It is also encouraged that parents and/or carers try ensuring consistency in the time and day that their child attends Play Therapy.
Can parents or carers be in the playroom during a session?
Other than Filial Play Therapy, parents and/or carers are not in the room during Play Therapy. Learn to Play and Humanistic Play therapy sessions are done one-to-one, with the child and Play Therapists. Parents may like to wait outside. Sometimes if the child needs to, parents/carers may need to be in the room but will work to the goal of waiting outside the playroom.
What ages are most suited to Play Therapy?
Children between 3 and 12 years of age are best suited to Play Therapy. This is a general guide and depends on the child and their unique circumstances. Infants and teenagers can benefit tremendously from Play Therapy and in some cases may be better suited compared to traditional talk-based therapies.
What type of Play Therapy do I choose?
Parents and/or carers will work together with the Play Therapist to determine what model of Play Therapy is needed. The Play Therapist will consider the child’ environment, relationships and temperament to determine this. In many cases, Play Therapist will combine techniques to suit the unique needs of children and their families.
How is Play Therapy different to normal play?
Play Therapy provides children with the tools they need to express thoughts feelings and behaviours while everyday play only includes parts of these tools. The support, skills and environment that the Play therapist provides creates the core conditions for change to occur.