FAQ

What is Creative Art Therapy?

Creative Art Therapy is a form of counselling using art materials like clay, paint, oils, puppets, sand etc. to express issues and facilitate the healing process.

It can be used to resolve issues such as:

Trauma
Low self esteem
Relationship issues
Anger issues
Anxiety
Loss/bereavement
Eating disorders

Does my child need Play Therapy?

If your child is going through a difficult time they might act out or become very withdrawn. If you are looking at websites about Play Therapy your intuition is already telling you there is something wrong and your child may need help. If you are wondering if Play Therapy could help your child contact Child Know How for a free phone consultation.

What should I expect at the first session?

Before the first session there will be a free consultation between the parent and the therapist, so that the child’s needs and the parent’s expectations will be assessed. In that consultation there is an opportunity for the parent to ask any questions or address any concerns.

Every child is different, at the first session some children prefer to have a parent accompany them and others will come in on their own. The parent is welcome to come in and help to settle the child if needed.

The first sessions are all about building a relationship of trust between the Play Therapist and the child because without this the child will not open up about their feelings.

How does Play Therapy work?

The Play Therapist has a playroom set up with special toys, sand, water, a punchbag, animals, dinosaurs, a doctors set, dolls, bottles etc. The toys are the tools used by the Play Therapist to build a relationship with the child and the child uses the toys to communicate with the therapist.

The child comes for a 40 minute session once a week for approximately 8 – 12 weeks. This is agreed with the parent beforehand depending on the age of the child, the difficulties the child has experienced etc.
At the half way point, between week 4-6, parents meet with the therapist to discuss the child’s progress.
The child finishes the sessions or extends the number of sessions needed or is referred on for further assistance.

The parents assess the child’s strengths and difficulties at the beginning and at the end of the process.

What are the steps involved in getting my child into Play Therapy?

Contact Child Know How.
We will arrange a free phone consultation to establish the difficulties your child is having, your expectations/needs and to make a plan.
We will gather as much information about the child as possible to facilitate the therapy.
The parent will fill out a strengths and difficulties questionnaire about the child and sign a consent form.
Arrange an appointment to introduce the child and have the first session.

How do I explain Play Therapy to my child?

You can explain that they are going to play with the play woman and she is going to help them with their difficult feelings.

What happens in the Play Therapy session?

The child builds up a relationship of trust with the therapist and plays with specialised Play Therapy toys that help them to express their thoughts and feelings.

Will my child be asked a lot of questions?

The only questions the child is asked will be at the first session. The child assesses their own strengths and difficulties. After this the therapist and the child communicate through play, which is a child’s natural way to express themselves.

Can I ask my child about what happened in Play Therapy?

It is best to let your child tell you what they want to share with you, when they are ready themselves, rather than asking a lot of questions.

If you have any concerns Child Know How firmly believes in open communication between the therapist and you the parent. Please don’t hesitate to contact us.

What is included in the free phone consultation?

Child Know How offers a free phone consultation to discuss your specific concerns, to find out if Play Therapy would help your child and to see if Child Know How would be a good fit for you and your family.

This is a free consultation and you are under no obligation to continue with Child Know How.

How do I request a free phone consultation?

Is there any support for me as a parent?

Absolutely, Child Know How firmly believes in supporting you as a parent during the Play Therapy process so the child can go from strength to strength long after the therapy is over.

At the free consultation we will discuss your child’s needs and the difficulties you are experiencing. We will offer suggestions to help you manage your child’s behaviour at home. Then half way through the Play Therapy process, usually at 6 weeks, we will again discuss this and revise the action plan if needed.

If you require support at any stage of the process, please feel free to contact me.

Additionally, Child Know How offers a Parenting Coaching service where you can get one-to-one parenting advice designed specifically for you and your child.

What ages of people do you see for therapy?

We see people of all ages, using either Play Therapy, Theraplay or Creative Art Therapy.

What is your confidentiality policy?

Play Therapists, like all counsellors adhere to strict confidentiality procedures. You can be assured that all information is kept privately.

What are the payment options?

Cash and cheque payment are accepted.

Certain health insurance policies cover a portion of the cost of Play Therapy under child counselling. Check with your health insurance provider to see if you are entitled to any reimbursement. If so, the payment in full is still due to Child Know How and you can submit the receipts to your health insurance.

If for any reason you are unable to make your scheduled appointment time please give at least 24 hours’ notice of cancellation or we will have to charge for the session in full, as it is not possible to fill cancelled appointments with less than 24 hours’ notice.