Question 1

What is play therapy?

Accepted Answer

Play therapy is a therapeutic approach that utilises play to enable children to express their feelings, thoughts, and experiences. It facilitates emotional communication and processing through activities such as drawing, role-playing, and using toys, as opposed to traditional talk therapy methods.

Question 2

What age range do you see?

Accepted Answer

I primarily work with children aged 3 to 10 years in the playroom, while also providing counselling services for youth aged 11 to 16 years, typically conducted in a separate room.

Question 3

What can I expect from a session?

Accepted Answer

In play therapy, your child will participate in activities in the playroom while you wait in the waiting room, if possible. Each session lasts approximately 50 minutes, during which the child will engage in various play activities, with the therapist observing and interacting. The therapist may either introduce specific techniques or allow the child to choose activities, focusing on creating a comfortable environment for natural self-expression. While most sessions will leave your child feeling regulated, there may be times when the child requires additional comfort and support from you due to emotional challenges.

Question 4

Can I be in the session with my child?

Accepted Answer

Parents are typically involved at the beginning and end of therapy, meeting regularly to discuss the child's progress, receive guidance for home support, and address any concerns. While parents or caretakers should wait in the waiting room to provide the child with a private and secure environment, I am committed to ensuring the child’s comfort; if necessary, we can include you in sessions, often implementing a gradual separation process over several sessions to foster the child's independence and confidence.

Question 5

Does my child need to bring anything with them?

Accepted Answer

It is recommended that the child refrain from bringing items from home, as a variety of play materials are provided within the playroom. If the child has a comfort item they carry with them everywhere, they may bring it along; however, we will implement a gradual process to help them gradually separate from it over multiple sessions.

Question 6

Should I discuss the sessions with my child?

Accepted Answer

During play therapy, I establish a safe and secure environment where your child can be themselves without pressure or expectations to discuss their sessions. It is advisable to avoid questioning your child about the session; instead, you might use neutral statements like “time for home” to minimize any pressure, while remaining open to and welcoming if your child chooses to initiate a conversation.

Question 7

What if my child’s challenging behaviours become worse whilst they are in therapy?

Accepted Answer

If your child's challenging behaviours intensify during therapy, it is often a normal part of the process as they confront underlying issues. Please communicate these developments to me so we can understand the reasons behind the changes and collaboratively develop effective management strategies.

Question 8

My child is neurodivergent, will play therapy be appropriate?

Accepted Answer

We are proudly neurodivergent affirming and welcome all neurotypes in our sessions, embracing and celebrating each child as they are, without attempting to change or fix them. Play therapy is effectively adapted for neurodivergent children, including those with autism, ADHD, and other conditions. I customised my approaches to support each child’s unique needs and communication styles.

Question 9

Can I use NDIS funding?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I accept self and plan managed NDIS clients.

Question 10

Do you provide Medicare or Private Health Rebates?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately at this time counselling and play therapy services are not eligible for Medicare or Private Health Insurance rebates.

Mindful Magic operates on a fee-for-service model, so we are able to accept private paying clients or those with NDIS funding.

Question 11

Do both parents need to consent for a child to attend therapy?

Accepted Answer

I am able to see the child without obtaining consent from both parents if no court order is in effect; however, securing consent and involvement from both parents is generally more advantageous. Should a court order be in place, I am required to comply with its terms and cannot provide services outside those stipulations.

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