FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the stages of Play Therapy?
Important Key Information!
Play Therapy with Mel is Site Based at our Therapeutic space named 'Story Corner' in Port Pirie.
You are very important in supporting your child, the following tips help with the therapeutic process.
Be consistent and encouraging to your child about attending sessions regularly, same time, same day each week
Resist the urge to ask your child what they did, as this will put pressure on them to comment on something they may have difficulty understanding themselves.
Friendly reminder to resist from asking if your child to ‘be good’ or check they have been. Therapy is not about being ‘good’ or ‘bad’ and your child must feel free to express ‘bad’ feelings in an uncensored way.
Play can be messy and it is helpful if your child can wear old clothes to minimise anxiety about this.
During any counselling process, behaviour may appear to get worse before it gets better
You are encouraged to always reach out to ask your child’s Play Therapist any questions throughout the process
Part of a Play Therapist role is to support the caregiver so they can support the child during this process, this may come in the forms of the Play Therapist recommending supports for you.
It is also crucial that your child knows you are supporting the process.
Do I need to stay when my child is in the Play Therapy Session
It is important that you stay in the waiting area so that your child knows you are close by. Should your child become anxious they may come and check that you are still waiting, this is an important part of their process, and a sense of safety is created by knowing you are there. We also recognise that some children may feel safer and more secure in the first session, with their caregiver very close by, sometimes even in the room.
How can I know the Progress my child is making in Play Therapy
We schedule regular parent review appointments where the child is not present. This time is to discuss how your child is progressing through the various stages of Play Therapy. Confidentiality is linked to the therapeutic process and a crucial component to the child feeling fully free to express themselves during the sessions. Themes of play that emerge rather than specifics of play are shared with you. During our review together we discuss the stages your child is working through, the observations from the play therapy room are related to each stage.
Can I get a report for Family Court?
Evolve Well Health does not provide court reports
Evolve Well Health will recommend other services more suitable for high conflict situations
Please understand this comes from a place where a Child Play Therapist is trained to keep the child in mind and to support parents / caregivers as the child moves through the various stages.
High importance for the child to be in a safe and stable environment to accomodate the therapeutic process, which does involve a period of regression.
What is your Cancellation Policy
Out of respect to people who are waiting to access appointments, you are required to provide 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule appointments. This fee will then need to be paid before any further appointments can be scheduled.
The cancellation fees are as follows:
No Show/No Notice- 100% of your appointment fee
24+ hours/Reschedule- No charge
There are certain circumstances where this fee can be waived, however the best way to avoid this fee altogether is to provide adequate notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment.