Deciding what to do:
Does the child have an emotional or behaviour problem?
No - allow plenty of time to play.
Yes - how severe is the problem?
| Slight | Is the child under 3? | Consider filial therapy. |
| Mild | Between 3 and 14? | Consider therapeutic play or play therapy. |
| Moderate or a number of problems | Over 3 years? | Consider play therapy. |
| Over 14 years? | Consider counselling talking therapy with a counsellor with Creative Arts Skills. | |
| Severe | Over 3 years and under 14? | See your doctor for a referral to a child psychotherapist etc. |
If you feel that your child or children would benefit from play therapy the next stage is to arrange an initial assessment and discussion. At this meeting we would:
- Explain play therapy and what's involved.
- Carry out an assessment focusing on the child's strengths and difficulties. This will involve the parent/carer and the child.
- Show you some of the resources that will be used within therapy sessions i.e. Sand, puppets, musical instruments.
- Agree upon our therapeutic objectives, fees and payment, the number and dates of sessions and when we should have a review meeting.
- Complete the paperwork and consent form.