Initial Assessment
After the initial contact, you'll be emailed a set of assessment forms and then I'll give you a call so we can talk about your child's difficulties in more detail, to ensure that this type of therapy is suitable and that we can work together.
Session Information
The sessions last up to 1 hour and the first few sessions are usually about getting to know you and your child and vice versa. Normally, the first session is with the parents and child together and we do a little lighthearted play and the child gets the chance to explore the play room, while I talk to the parents.
I work at the child/young person's pace and some days the experience might energising, but other times it can be exhausting. This is normal. It is also normal to experience setbacks at times, before they begin to feel better.
During the sessions the child/young person and I will work together, exploring the difficulties presented in ways that make them feel most comfortable, This can talking therapies, using a sand tray, video games, music, creative arts, role play, using puppets or non-directive play.
Brainspotting is also used in the sessions, which a relative new therapy that enables the child to safely heal, without having to talk about their traumatic experience. But, there's no set format, as each child/young person is different.
Each session is followed up by email, or phone call with parents/caregivers to talk about how the therapy is going and how they can help to further support their child.
confidentiality
Similar to individual therapy, anything the child tells me during the session is confidential (unless there is a safeguarding issue, or risk of harm to the child or anyone else). The same goes for anything discussed with parents/caregivers.
Support for Parents
As well as follow-up after each session, additional support with parenting strategies and planning if available between appointments . This doesn't mean your current parenting practices are in any way wrong (you will never be judged or criticised), but a different approach can be helpful to some children. Often if a child has challenging behaviour, parents often run out of ideas, so this can be really helpful. In addition, 30 minutes review meetings are held roughly every 3rd session via Zoom, so we can look at what's working and what might need adjusting to better suit your family.
Support for Schools
Most sessions will take place during the school day, so normally a letter explaining the therapy process and a form to assess how your child copes with the educational environment will be sent to their normal teacher and or SENCO I am also more than happy to help with your child's school/college and on any support plans, so that everyone involved can work with pupil in a way that is best suited to them.