1. Why can’t the Play Therapist tell me the details of Play Therapy sessions?
Confidentiality is central to the Play Therapy process and this means the Play Therapist must maintain a strict level of privacy (this is broken if the Play Therapist believes the child is at risk of harm). Without confidentiality, the child will not be able to trust the Play Therapist and this will cause the Play Therapy to be ineffective or even break down. The confidentiality rule can be difficult and frustrating, but it is essential for Play Therapy
2. Why should the child be rewarded with Play Therapy when they are behaving badly?
Children often enjoy Play Therapy – it is a special and unique experience for many children. When children are disruptive or difficult, teaching staff may feel that Play Therapy is a reward for bad behaviour. However, children need to feel secure in the knowledge that their ‘space’ is there for them each week and is not contingent on behaviour. Indeed, when a child has been disruptive or difficult, it is often especially important that they attend Play Therapy so the Play Therapist can help the child to process their thoughts and feelings.
3.Why can’t I interrupt a Play Therapy session?
Sometimes when Play Therapy is taking place in a shared space, teaching staff may want to interrupt to collect something from the room. The problem that this creates is that it shows the child that the Play Therapy can be intruded on without warning. Only a consistent ‘secure’ space enables children to feel safe enough to express themselves. Even one interruption can break down the Play Therapy process.
4. How long does Play Therapy take to work?
It is difficult to give a precise figure, but often Play Therapy requires a minimum of 12-15 sessions. For children with complex needs, Play Therapy may take a lot longer. Unfortunately, there are no quick, easy solutions.
5.Why do Play Therapists accept some children for Play Therapy and not others?
Often, teaching staff will refer the children who are in most need. But Play Therapists have many factors to consider before accepting a child for Play Therapy. Generally, Play Therapists are not saying ‘no’ to accepting a child, but rather that it is either not the right time for Play Therapy or that the child needs a different type of intervention
Flourish & Play 