Question 1

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

No. I have an open referral system which means that anybody can make a referral for Play Therapy including parents, guardians or professionals.

Question 2

What is your intake protocol – how soon can I start?

Accepted Answer

First step is to make contact with me via email or phone. 
I will then forward information about the service, relevant paperwork (referral form) which you then fill out and send back to me. 
 I will contact you to schedule a Parent Interview Appointment. I will send a payment link for this appointment. 
 In order to confirm this appointment, payment must be paid in advance.  (Please note cancellation policy applies as detailed in email). 
This Parent Interview Appointment is for Parents only (no children attend) and will be scheduled for approximately 60 mins. Both parents should attend but if not possible, can be scheduled either in person or via Zoom (and will be charged as a separate meeting). Please note parental consent is required from both parents (unless full guardianship has been court appointed). 
When an appointment slot to start therapy has been agreed with parents/ guardians, an email will be sent to outline additional information regarding how to prepare your child for starting therapy, how progress is reviewed, scheduling and confidentiality.

Looking forward to meeting you!

Question 3

What is the age range for your Play Therapy Service?

Accepted Answer

I currently work with children and young people between 4-18 years of age.

Question 4

How often are sessions?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are once a week, on same day, at the same time as agreed during parent intake consultations. This consistency and commitment is crucial for the therapeutic process. This is your child’s Special Time and is honoured, held and respected by all parties. 
Please also read cancellation policy which has been created to support and safeguard this time.

Question 5

How long is each session?

Accepted Answer

Each session is 45 mins long. Please note parental consultations are scheduled for 60 mins.

Question 6

How many sessions will my child need?

Accepted Answer

The question I get asked most! 
Each child is different in their personality, developmental stage, trust building capacity, previous experiences and current coping abilities. They progress at their own pace. All children naturally take time to build trust in the therapeutic space before opening up and this cannot be rushed or forced. I ask for an initial commitment of 10 sessions (this will be agreed with the parent/carer at Initial Intake Consultation). Working closely with parents, therapy is reviewed regularly at interim meetings.

Question 7

How often do you meet with parents during the Play Therapy session block?

Accepted Answer

In order to review the child's progress at home and in school as well as discuss possible strategies that may support your child's progress, regular review meetings between parents and the therapist are scheduled every 6 to 7 sessions without the child. Parents/ guardians are encouraged to attend these appointments in person if at all possible, but phone calls during the session time are possible instead if childcare is an issue. Please note these sessions (including phone calls) are charged at €100.
On Fridays between 1-6pm, parents are welcome to call the Play Therapist for a quick check-in call for FREE (up to 15mins) - these calls need to be scheduled directly with the play therapist ahead of time in order to ensure a slot. Should you wish a more in-depth discussion, please contact the play therapist to book a 60min consultation - these can be in-person or on Zoom.

Question 8

Are you covered by Insurance?

Accepted Answer

Many health insurance plans cover Play Therapy under ‘child counselling'. For details, please check with your individual health insurance provider for your specific plan to see if child counselling is covered. I will provide receipts for all sessions attended.

Please note that if covered, you will need to pay for play therapy in full and then furnish receipts to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Alternatively you may be able to claim therapy cost on Med 1 form or online on www.revenue.ie

Question 9

What is the best way to explain to my child that they are going to attend play therapy ?

Accepted Answer

Be honest and use clear open, age appropriate language. Explain to your child that you have found someone to help them with difficult feelings they may be having and that they will be doing that through playing, using arts and crafts, music and games! I also have an information sheet that you can share with your child.

Question 10

Are you registered with CORU?

Accepted Answer

As of now, Play Therapy in Ireland is not yet regulated by CORU.

Rest assured however, I am registered, certified and Accredited with Play Therapy Ireland and Play Therapy International and recognised by the Professional Standards Authority in the UK. I am also an Accredited member of IPTCA. My training was with APAC (Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy), NUIG and Leeds Beckett University in the UK. For my full qualifications, please see the following:

BA (HONS) PSYCH.,Masters International Business (Intercultural Communications in Education), PGDIPCOMMS., PGCERT THERAPEUTIC PLAY, PGDIP PLAY THERAPY, PTIRL/PTI, IBECPT, CERTIFIED PCAP PRACTITIONER, IPTCA, THERAPLAY® INFORMED PRACTICE, AUTPLAY, HEART TO HEART ATTACHMENT PRACTITIONER

Question 11

Are you insured? Garda Vetted?

Accepted Answer

Yes, fully insured by Psychologist Protection Insurance and fully Garda Vetted.

Question 12

Are sessions confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sessions are completely confidential. If a therapist has a concern about a child's welfare, it is their professional duty to report the concern to the Deputy Liaison Person (DLP) or Duty Social Worker. They will take appropriate measures to deal with the concern; including contacting the Garda Siochana or TUSLA, where required.

Question 13

Do you require both Parents sign to Consent forms?

Accepted Answer

This play therapy service follows best practice guidelines with regards to parental consent in order to advocate effectively for the child. In line with the Children & Family Relationship Act of 2015, both parents are required to sign consent forms for play therapy. 
I acknowledge and understand that family situations can be complex and difficult and so I take the utmost care to ensure that all participants in my service are working within the correct and appropriate legal framework. Parental consent is compulsory for accessing this play therapy service.

Question 14

Do you provide Reports?

Accepted Answer

Please note I do not provide Court Reports or School Reports.

Question 15

Cancellation Policy

Accepted Answer

Sessions are scheduled with you in advance for a regular time and day. Unplanned interruptions or missed sessions may disrupt your child's process. If you need to reschedule/cancel session, you are asked to let me and your child know at least a week in advance if possible. In those cases, I will do my best to find someone to take the cancelled appointment as a once off, in order to hold the time slot for your child. However, the nature of therapy makes this difficult and a change in time slots may be necessary unless you are willing to pay for the appointment. Also unless a minimum of two WORKING days (Mon-Fri) notice,   is given, you will be charged the agreed session fee of €80. Please note this applies to ALL CANCELLATIONS (including illness, isolation period, emergencies, weather alerts, family holidays, school events etc.) unless the appointment can be used by another family at short notice.  If for any reason the Play Therapist needs to cancel a session, the Play Therapist will aim to provide you with 48 hours’ notice and you will not be charged for the session.