Intake: Firstly the play therapist will meet with the parent(s) without the child present. The intake session is an opportunity for the therapist to get an understanding of the issues and challenges being experienced and to set the stage for the therapeutic process to begin.

Session 1: In the first session the parent(s) will accompany the child into the therapy room for the initial 5-10 mins. This time will be the child’s introduction to their play therapist where a ‘Touchstone Story’ will be delivered. This is a lovely story of the child’s life including a gentle explanation of the reasons why they are coming to see the play therapist. Aside from the beginning of the first session parents would not ordinarily be present in the play therapy room for any further sessions.

Sessions 1 – 6: After the touchstone story the first session will begin as normal. Sessions will be scheduled weekly with each session lasting one hour and taking place at the same time each week.

After every six sessions the parent(s) and the play therapist will meet for a review session, this is an opportunity for discussion while ensuring the child’s confidentiality is upheld at all times.

And so the cycle continues with every six sessions followed by a review session. The length of the play therapy process varies in every case but most children will complete a minimum of 12 sessions.