Frequently Asked Questions

What happens in a play therapy session?

Each session is led by your child. They choose from a range of carefully selected toys and creative materials and decide how they want to play – because play is how children naturally explore their experiences and express their feelings. My role is to be fully present alongside them – noticing, supporting, and gently making sense of what they are expressing through their play and offering a warm and accepting space where they feel understood and valued. The therapy room offers your child something unique – the freedom to simply be themselves, without the pressures or expectations of everyday life.

Where are sessions held and how often?

Sessions are 50 minutes long and held on a weekly basis. Consistency is an important part of the therapeutic process – having a regular, predictable time and space helps children feel safe and settled, and gives the therapeutic relationship the space and time it needs to develop.

Sessions take place within your child’s school. Working within a familiar environment means your child doesn’t have to travel to a separate location, making the process as straightforward and comfortable as possible for them and for you.

How many sessions will my child need?

There is no fixed answer to this – every child’s journey is unique. The length of the work depends on your child’s individual needs, the challenges they are facing, and how they respond to the process.

As a general guide, an initial block of 12–16 weekly sessions is recommended, as this allows sufficient time for trust to develop and for the therapeutic process to begin. Many children go on to benefit from between 20 and 30 sessions in total, though some may need more or fewer.

I will keep in regular contact with you throughout our work together so we can reflect on how things are going and decide together what feels right for your child.

What will I know about my child’s sessions?

Understandably, many parents want to know what is happening in their child’s sessions – and staying connected to the process is something I actively encourage. However, the content of your child’s sessions is confidential.

I hold regular review meetings with parents every 6–8 weeks, where we can discuss general themes emerging in your child’s play, how they are progressing emotionally, and how you might best support them at home. This keeps you informed and involved whilst honouring the confidentiality that allows your child to feel truly free within their sessions.

The only exception to confidentiality is if a safeguarding concern arises, in which case this would be shared appropriately and in line with my safeguarding responsibilities.

What can I do to support my child while they are attending therapy?

One of the most helpful things you can do is give your child time and space to process their session. Children often work through things internally, so it is best not to ask them what happened in therapy or what they talked about – they may simply not have the words for it yet.

It is also quite normal for children to seem a little unsettled after sessions – this is often a sign that something is shifting and is very much part of the process. Offering reassurance and maintaining familiar routines can make a real difference whilst your child is in therapy.

You play a vital role in your child’s progress, and I will support you throughout the process. In our regular review meetings, we can reflect on how things are going and think together about how best to support your child – so that the work they do in therapy has a lasting impact beyond the therapy room.

How will I know if play therapy is helping my child?

Progress in play therapy can look different for every child. Some families notice changes quite quickly – a child who seems calmer, more confident, or more able to express how they are feeling. For others, progress is more gradual and subtle, unfolding quietly over time.

It is also worth knowing that progress is not always linear. As children begin to process their experiences, you may notice some changes in mood or behaviour along the way – this is often a natural and healthy part of the therapeutic journey.

I will check in with you regularly so we can reflect on what you are noticing at home and think together about how things are progressing. You will never be left wondering – we will always be in this together.

What if my child can’t attend?

Family life is busy and sometimes things come up unexpectedly. I completely understand that. If your child is unable to make their session, please let me know as soon as possible and at least 48 hours in advance.

Because each session is set aside exclusively for your child, cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice will be subject to the full session fee.

What do I do if I have a complaint?

I take all feedback seriously and welcome the opportunity to address any concerns directly. If something is troubling you, I would always encourage you to speak with me in the first instance – most concerns can be resolved through an open and honest conversation.

If you feel we haven’t been able to resolve things together, you are entitled to raise a formal complaint with the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT), whose details can be found at www.bapt.info. As a registered member, I am bound by the BAPT Ethical Basis for Good Practice and their complaints procedure.