FAQs
How does the initial process work?
The play therapy process begins with a consultation meeting, where we meet, without your child, to explore your child’s developmental history, strengths and areas for development, set goals for therapy and find a time slot that will suit us both. While it is preferable that both parents attend this session, it is understandable that this is not always possible and separate intake meetings can be arranged. Where there are two parents in the child’s life, it is necessary for both parents to consent to therapy in order to proceed. If one parent has sole custody, then only this parent’s consent is required however this must be put in writing before therapy proceeds. Intake/consultation meetings are between 1 – 1.5 hours and we may require more than one intake session depending on your child’s needs.
How long is each session?
Creative psychotherapy/play sessions are 50 minutes each.
How many sessions will my child need?
If we agree to commence therapy following our intake meeting, your children will then come for a minimum of 12 sessions and we will meet for review between sessions 8 and 9. The number of sessions that a child requires is individual to them and their process. We will discuss your child’s ongoing needs when we meet for review.
Do I stay with my child in the playroom?
In the first session, you will attend with your child and the story of what has brought them to the therapy is shared. This is an important part of the process as it makes clear to your child what is known about them and is the beginning of the therapeutic relationship. You can then wait in the car for their session. It is necessary for you to stay outside for the duration of your child’s session.
What should my child wear to therapy?
Your child should wear whatever they are comfortable in for therapy but please note that we do get messy so clothes may get paint, clay, slime etc on them.
Cancellation Policy
Rewild Play Therapy requires at least 24 hours notice of cancellation. Failure to cancel before this will result in being charged in full for the session.
Failure to attend two consecutive weeks may result in the child losing their place.
Will my child have to name/talk about what has brought them to therapy?
Play is the language of children and toys are their words therefore, there is never an onus on the child to verbalise anything, rather they ‘play out’ what they need to in the playroom.
Are sessions confidential?
Yes, play therapy is confidential, just like adult therapy, but there are strict limits on confidentiality, primarily to ensure the safety of the child and others. If a child reveals information about abuse, neglect, or intentions to harm themselves or others, Niamh is legally obligated to report it to the appropriate authorities.
Niamh will inform parents about the general themes and progress of the sessions without revealing specific details and will discuss any concerns about safety before taking action.
As is standard, I bring my work to a clinical supervisor but ensure all identifying details are removed when exploring clinical work in supervision.
Please note I do not become involved in legal proceedings or provide court reports or letters for court.
What do I tell my child about why they are attending therapy?
Keep it simple and honest. Using age appropriate language, explain to your child that you know that they have been feeling sad/angry/confused or that (whatever is relevant to your child’s situation) has meant a big change in their lives and you have met a woman called Niamh who has a playroom with lots of toys and art materials who helps children figure out big feelings or worries. Explain that lots of children go to this room and when they go there, they get to play or make art or slime or get messy and figure lots of things out.
Can my child bring their own toys to sessions?
No, it is not advisable to bring toys to sessions. In play therapy, the child establishes new patterns of behaving and communicating using the variety of play materials available in the playroom. Each toy in the playroom is chosen for a specific reason therefore I ask that children do not bring in toys when they attend sessions.
Do I need a referral?
No, anyone can make a referral to Rewild Play therapy including parents, guardians, Tusla, and other professionals.
