Frequently Asked Questions

How frequently do we come to play therapy?

Either weekly or fortnightly is the schedule we stick to.

Research indicates that play therapy is most effective when delivered on a weekly basis. When we think of a child's weekly schedule, one week is a long time! Progress is often seen much more quickly when children come weekly, as the rapport and therapeutic relationship is established much more quickly and is often stronger. Children also find it easier to "pick up where they left off". With that being said, fortnightly sessions are still effective, if budget or time is an issue.

What should I tell my child about coming to play therapy?

I encourage you to keep it simple and avoid going into too much detail. We don't want children to feel like there is something "wrong" with them or that they are in trouble.

For younger children you may simply say "you are going to go play with Alannah today". For older children you may explain "sometimes life is challenging and it can be really helpful to have somewhere to go to try and feel better about it. You are going to see a lady named Alannah and she is there to play with you and listen to anything you may want to say".

We ask that following your child's sessions you do not ask them questions about what they did as this can impact on their openness within therapy. Your child will let you know what they want you to know and I will keep you updated throughout the process.

How is Play Therapy different from Psychology?

Play Therapy tackles a lot of the same issues that Psychologists do however Play Therapy differs in that it uses play as the mode of communication and expression rather than words. Play Therapist's do not focus on diagnostic assessments but instead focus on allows children to grow and heal through the therapeutic relationship, play and connection.

Do I need to stay while my child is in their session?

I ask that you stay for your child's first couple of sessions, until they are settled and comfortable. It is also require a parent or guardian present at all times if your child requires assistance with toileting or has identified risks. Otherwise, you are welcome to leave and come back at the end of the session. If you do choose to leave the clinic, I do ask for your diligence in returning on time as I may have a client soon after.

I encourage parents to use this time for self-care, since finding 50 minutes of free time is often hard! Utilising the time to grab a cuppa, read a book or engage in some mindfulness could make the most out of your visit!

During Covid-19 restrictions, there may be limited capacity within the waiting area. In these circumstances I will let you know and will invite you to take a walk around the town, grab a coffee at a local cafe or wait in the car.

My child suddenly doesn't want to come, what do I do?

Firstly, I want to acknowledge that this is a really tricky situation that parents do find themselves in. I also want to reassure you that this is often quite a normal response to therapy. It may be that your child has touched on something internally that has triggered their anxiety response or felt uncomfortable and unsettling. In this situation, this suggest your child is making progress in their therapy and it is important for them to work through those emotions. Other times the reluctance may be that they may be testing limits and boundaries within the therapeutic space and find the limit setting by the therapist frustrating. Again, this suggests progress and is exactly what we aim to help children work through, as these situations are what helps build skills for your child to use outside of therapy.

The other situation may be that your child does not feel comfortable or connected with the therapist. Sometimes it can take a little longer for children to connect with the therapist. If it has only been one or two sessions, I would encourage you to give it a bit more time. However, if you really feel that your child is unhappy and I am not a right fit, that is absolutely fine. Not all therapists will be the right fit for your child and that's okay. I am happy to refer you to another play therapist, counsellor or psychologist if you decide to terminate therapy.

Is it really worth the money??

This is a really tricky one because of course my answer is... YES! However, I definitely appreciate that it is a lot of money and sometimes that is just out of reach for some families.

Play therapy, counselling, psychology etc. is an investment. When you commit to these services you are investing in your child's future. That is why it is really important to find the right therapist for YOU! Someone you trust and feel you can talk openly and honestly with.

My belief is that the earlier the intervention, the better. It is far better to invest the money now, than to wait until your child is much older. As children get older their behaviour and coping strategies become habitual and this is often more difficult to alter. Also, children will begin to distance themselves from the family unit throughout their development as they find their individual sense of self. It is a lot harder trying to help a child at that point than when they are younger. So it is often about weighing up just how concerned you are and how you feel you and your child are coping.