Private Play Therapy

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FAQ about Private Play Therapy Sessions

How Long are the sessions? How many will we need?

Play Therapy sessions are 40 mins in length. Sessions are held weekly on a consistent time and day.

A minimum of 12 sessions are recommended initially for most new clients. The number of sessions can vary from case to case and all decisions regarding the length of intervention and support are made in consultation with therapist, parents/guardians and the child themselves. An agreement regarding the length of intervention will be agreed upon and signed in an initial intake meeting.

A minimum of 3 parent/guardians meetings will also take place. An initial intake meeting, a review meeting (midway) and an ending/extension meeting.

Who can consent to Play Therapy?

All parenting parties must agree and sign a consent form before a child can commence play therapy session. All parenting parties are required to attend initial, review and end meetings. This adheres to best practice guidelines and are in line with the Children & Family Relationship Act of 2015.

Little Valley Play Therapy acknowledges and understands that family situations can be complex and difficult, the utmost care is taken to ensure that all family members are heard and supported while working within the correct and appropriate legal framework. Parental consent and meeting attendance is compulsory for accessing play therapy with Little Valley Play Therapy. Parent meetings are usually an hour in length. These meetings are a non-judgemental, compassionate and supportive space where a child's challenges, strengths and interests are shared.

What are the Fees?

€60 per session

€80 per parent/caregiver meeting

€30 for end of therapy report

A reminder text message for your sessions will be sent the Friday before your appointment.

Failure to attend an appointment without adequate notice (within 2 days of your appointment) will result in a full fee payment.

Missed appointments with adequate notice (at least 3 days prior to your appointment) will result in a 50% fee payment.

In the unlikely event that your session is cancelled by your play therapist, you will be notified as soon as possible and no charge will apply.

Fees are pre-paid before each appointment using online banking.

An invoice for all sessions and meetings will be issued at the end of each contracted intervention period. Not per individual session.

Is Play Therapy Covered by my Health Insurance?

Many health insurance plans cover play therapy. Please check with your insurance provider. If you are covered by your plan an invoice will be issued at the end of your child's contracted intervention period, which can be submitted and used for reimbursement.

Alternatively, it may be possible to claim back therapy costs using the Med1 form through Revenue.

Do I need a Referral?

No. Little Valley Play Therapy has an open referral system which means that anybody can request to engage in this supportive service.

Referals often come from GPs, Educators, Parents, Primary Care Workers, AEN teams and other Mental Health Support Services. If you have been advised by a professional or agency to attend play therapy please disclose this and the reason for referral when requesting your initial meeting.

It is important to note that if your child is engaged with other mental health care professionals please check with their lead case worker to see if play therapy would be a complementary support. In some cases it may be advisable to wait for one intervention to finish before attending another so as not to overburden your child. Often Play Therapy is viewed as a complementary support and can run alongside SLT, OT and other wellbeing and mental health services.

How do I explain to my child that they will be attending Play Therapy?

By being open and honest. Try to use age appropriate language, explain to your child that you have found someone who can help them with their particular challenge. Show them pictures of the play room from our website gallery or instagram page so they can become familiar with the space and their therapist.

Explain to them that just like when we feel sick we can visit a doctor to help us, we can go to play therapist when we need help with our emotions or adjusting to changes in our lives. A play therapist uses music, games, art, movement and play to help us develop new skills that can help us to understand and regulate our emotions and adjust to changes in our lives.

Confidentiality?

All parent and child play sessions are completely confidential. If a concern for a child's welfare arises; it is part of a therapist professional duty to report this concern by contacting An Garda Síochána and/or TUSLA.

How can I support my child's work in play therapy session?

It is important to encourage your child to attend their sessions regularly as consistency is key with support like this. As such, please do not make plat therapy sessions a reward or a punishment. It is important to remember each child's journey is unique and takes time, allow your child to progress at their own pace. Plan for quiet moments and time to make positive connections, make space to listen to them should they feel inclined to share. Remember that your child's play therapy sessions are confidential so it is important not to ask them directly about their sessions, they will share about their sessions if and when they need to. We will have a review meeting and will keep in contact as we work together to support your child, following your child's lead.

Are Reports Provided?

A report with be provided to parents/guardians at the end of therapy. Please note this report is not for school or court use. Reports for any court case will not be issued.

Is Little Valley Play Therapy Insured and Registered?

Little Valley is run by Fiona Flaherty a fully qualified play therapist. Who trained with APAC in NUI Galway (Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy).

She is a registered play therapist with PT Irl (Play Therapy International) PT Irl. Mem: 202004530)

She is Garda Vetted and fully insured to practice with PPS Trust (Psychologists Protection Society Trust)

Please note that Play Therapy is not currently regulated by CORU.