What are the Qualifications of the Therapist?

Many therapists may call themselves ‘Play Therapists’ with little formal training. To be a qualified Play Therapist, it takes years of specialized clinical experience and supervision. The Therapist at Play2Grow Play Therapy & Parenting Support hold mental health qualifications at a masters or degree level, in this case a Bachelor of Psychological Science, a Graduate Diploma of Therapeutic Play and a Master of Child Play Therapy.  

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Why is Play Therapy appropriate for kids?

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Play is a child's natural form of expression.  Adults use words to talk out their experiences, children use play.  Children's play is meaningful and important to them. Through their play children can explore areas they have difficulty talking about. Children are able to use play to express what they cant say, do what they would feel uncomfortable doing, and express feelings they might otherwise be told off for verbalizing.

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The difference between play therapy and playing with my child at home?

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Play therapists are specifically trained to provide an environment of acceptance, empathy and understanding in the play therapy room. Play therapy is not the same thing as playing. Play therapy uses the child's natural tendency to "play out" their reactions to life situations, in the presence of a trained play therapist, to help the child feel accepted and understood and gain a sense of control or understanding of difficult situations.

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Why is it beneficial for the Play Therapist to be Non-Directive in the sessions and allow the child to take the lead?

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Children can often feel that they have little or no control over their life experiences. You however, might feel like that your child is very controlling but this behaviour is often stemming from a deeper feeling of being out of control.  This is why in the play room the therapist takes on a permissive role and follows the child's lead.  It is the feeling or sense of being in control of the play therapy experience, rather than actual control, which is essential to a child's emotional development and positive mental health. Through the child displaying a specific behavior i.e. anger in the play room, and the therapist recognizing the child’s feelings, reflecting this and setting suitable limits only when required, the child can learn self control.

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I am Interested in my Child accessing Play Therapy, what do I do?

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Make contact  via the contact page.

I will be in contact with you within two business working days to discuss your requirements.

Before therapy commences, we will meet for initial parent intake meeting that runs approximately 60-90 mins.

During the intake meeting, which will ideally be without the child, we will discuss:

• Your concerns/worries about your child’s behaviour and family

• A full developmental history of your child and family history

• In some cases, I will conduct a separate 30min Family Play Observation session or Pretend Play Enjoyment Developmental Checklist assessment to further determine treatment approach and needs

• Discussion of the play therapy process, fees, confidentiality and other practical considerations

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How Long will My Child Need to Attend Play Therapy?

All children are different. The length of the Play Therapy process varies depending on the child’s circumstances and complexities, there is no definitive set time. The length of the play therapy process varies in every case.

Typically Play Therapy sessions will take place weekly and last for 1 hour. Short term, medium term or longer-term Play Therapy is available. A short-term intervention is typically 6-10 sessions, medium term 10-16 sessions, and longer-term work 16 -24 plus. 

The aim is for children to gain optimal growth and health that is appropriate to both their age and stage of development. It is vital to allow the time for children to explore a range of emotions, work through or play out any worries they may have, and work through different aspects of child development.

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What Can My Child Expect from a Humanistic Play Therapy Session?

Pay therapy is a non-direct form of child counselling. The Therapists role is to follow the child's lead and not to interfere.  The aim is to facilitate and support expression and make children aware of their own experiences through acceptance and empathy. 

Once a safe place and trust are developed, the child can begin to explore and work through challenging inner experiences using the natural language of play and the careful facilitation of a skilled play therapist. The child develops and learns to better communicate, work through and overcome their worrying feelings and behaviours'. My work also extends to parents and caregivers through filial therapy and emotional support.

How Does the Play Therapist Help my Child to Express Their Feelings?

Whilst the child is engaging with the toys the therapist will be paying close attention, tracking play, providing unconditional positive regard, being empathetic and reflecting any underlying emotions that accompany their actions.

The play therapy sessions work on developing the child’s awareness and understanding around their own personal experiences, thoughts and feelings. Sometimes limits are set when needed. This is done in a respectful and therapeutic manner that helps the child to learn to make responsible choices and develop self-control.

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What Does the room look like during a Play Therapy session? 

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The playroom has been set up to be a warm and inviting space, carefully designed to help your child feel a sense of safety and comfort. A carefully selected range toys and art materials have been equipped in the play room. These materials and toys have been chosen to enable your child to explore a range of emotions and use their natural tendency. These toys assist children to "play out" their experiences of life in the presence of a trained play therapist.

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Will you Speak to Me about How My child went after each session?

No, not directly after the session. This time is for your child. I are more than happy to give you feedback and will schedule an update every 5 sessions to discuss your child’s progress and any queries you may have.  This time will be booked in as a separate appointment.

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Will I be informed about Everything That Happens in the Play Therapy Session?

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Unless there has been a major issue, no. Just like any therapy, the sessions are kept between the patient and Play Therapist. Of course, if something we regard as important or serious has happened in a session, an appointment with the parent/guardian/carer will be made to discuss will be arranged.

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Should I talk to my child about what happens in a session?

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Ideally it is best if you let your child decide if they want to talk about their session. Its recommended that you resist the urge to ask questions like " were you good" " what did you do" or " did you have a good time / fun?" Within the play therapy space it is important that your child can "just be" without judgement or expectation and not to feel that they must report back to tehri parents or care givers. You might like to say " Ok, let's go home now that your session is finished" Of course, if your child wishes to discuss their play their play session with you then that is fine also. 

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What if I need to talk to the therapist about my child?

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Try to avoid asking questions in front of your child before or after the session. If you have any questions or concerns you are more than welcome to call/email the therapist before or after the session to discuss.  We will also have review appointments scheduled after each bundle of 5 sessions. During these reviews we will review goals, get updates about what's happening at home, discuss what stage of the play therapy process your child is at and the possible behavioural consequences of the stage, make suggestions and recommendations to enhance the therapeutic process and discuss any therapeutic changes observed. 

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What do I do when my child is in session?

During the first session please stay in the waiting room in case your child feels anxious about starting and wants to know you are close by. A comfortable waiting area with lots of interesting parenting books to read or you can just enjoy some quiet time for yourself. If you do want to leave while your child is in session please ensure your mobile phone is on so you can be contacted if necessary. 

How Much Does Play Therapy Cost?

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The standard hourly fees range between $140 – $193.99 a session. Possible funding options (such as NDIS, Mental Health Care Plans) can be discussed at the initial parent consultation. At this stage, private health rebates are not offered.

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NDIS can be accessed If your child has plan-managed or self-managed NDIS funding, you can access Play2Grow Play Therapy under the Capacity Building Supports Budget.

General Practitioners, Pediatricians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners and other designated health professionals can refer clients using the Western Victoria Primary Health Network (PHN)- psychological therapy services (Mental Health Care Plans).  Treatment Sessions can be delivered by Registered Play Therapist in a cluster of 5 sessions, with up to a further 5 sessions being available, if required, following a GP review. All clients must be reviewed at the five session stage and further treatment provided if clinically indicated for the further five sessions. All ten sessions must be completed within 12 months of receipt of referral.
 

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