The Play Therapy Process:

Intake:

The intake meeting is the first step in the intervention process. This session is conducted between the parents and therapist without children present, and we allocate 60-90 minutes for this purpose. It is an opportunity to gather insight about the child’s developmental and play history, the presenting concerns, and the parent’s hopes for therapy. The therapist will also offer more information about the intervention process and address and questions you may have.

Assessment:

The therapist first meets the child in the waiting room and introduces themselves. Following this introduction, the therapist proceeds with an individual assessment session with the child. This 1:1 session serves as an initial step in establishing the therapeutic relationship while also conducting various assessments to evaluate the child’s play ability, and gain insight into their unique perspectives on the world. Following the assessment, specific goals are then established in accordance with the child’s presenting concerns and the desired outcomes for therapy.

Sessions:

Play therapy sessions typically last between 30-45 minutes each depending on the child’s capacity. Sessions are scheduled at a regular and consistent time every week to create predictability and foster safety and trust. Play therapy services are delivered on a 1:1 basis in the playroom between the child and therapist. 

Update meetings:

Parent update meetings are an opportunity for parents to stay well-informed and actively engaged in their child’s therapeutic journey. In ensuring that the child’s therapy space remains their safe and secure space that is just for them, we take special care not to discuss updates in front of the child after or before sessions. During these update meetings, it is an opportunity to share progress updates, review goals and clarify any questions that may arise. These sessions occur roughly every 5-6 sessions or upon request.

Closure stage:

Play therapy is a therapeutic approach deeply rooted in establishing trust and a strong connection between the child, therapist, and the therapeutic environment. This is important to consider this while contemplating the conclusion of therapeutic services. The decision to end therapy is typically a collaborative decision involving both the parent and therapist, often guided by the therapeutic advancements or shifts in family circumstances. In preparation for closure, a structured plan is put in pace to facilitate a gradual transition and therapeutic ending for the child. This transition process usually unfolds over several weeks aligning with the duration of the therapeutic intervention.