Frequently asked questions

What are the next steps?

I offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation where we can chat about how I work and how play therapy might support your child.

If you’d like to move forward after our call, we can arrange a 60-minute assessment meeting. This meeting can take place either in person or online. It gives us a chance to talk in more depth about your child and discuss how you might introduce the idea of play therapy to them.

After the assessment, we’ll both take some time to reflect on whether play therapy and working with me  feels like the right fit for your child. If we decide to go ahead, I’ll then arrange to meet with your child, and sessions will begin on a weekly basis.

How will I know if play therapy is helping my child?

Change can look different for every child. Sometimes it’s clear quite quickly — you might notice your child seems calmer, more confident, or better able to express their feelings. Other times, the progress can be more subtle and gradual, showing up in small shifts over time.

It’s also normal for things to feel a little up and down along the way. As children begin to make sense of their experiences and feelings, you might see changes in behaviour or mood — this can be part of the healing process.

I’ll check in with you regularly so we can talk about how things are going, both in sessions and at home. Together we’ll look for signs of progress and think about what’s most helpful for your child as therapy continues.

What if my child can’t attend a session?

I understand that life can be unpredictable, and sometimes schedules need to change. To respect both your time and mine, I kindly ask for 24 hours’ notice if you need to change or cancel an appointment.

Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice (or missed sessions) will be charged at the full session fee.

How much do you charge?

I use a sliding scale for my fees, and we can discuss the details during our initial consultation. Fees start from £70 per session.  

What happens in sessions?

Each session is led by your child. They choose the toys and materials they’d like to use and decide how they want to play with them. Play is a child’s natural way of expressing feelings, exploring experiences, and making sense of the world — so in the playroom, they take the lead.

My role is to be alongside your child as they play — to notice, support, and make sense of what they are expressing through their play. I provide a safe and accepting space where your child feels understood and valued, helping them work through difficult feelings and experiences at their own pace.

Sessions offer your child an often unique opportunity to simply be themselves. The usual rules and expectations they might have at home or school don’t apply in the same way here. Within clear, safe boundaries, they have the freedom to explore, create, and express whatever they need to. 

What can I do to help my child while they are accessing therapy?

One of the most supportive things you can do is to give your child space to process their sessions in their own way and at their own pace. It’s best not to ask questions about what happens in therapy — often children do not know what they have ‘done’.

It’s also quite normal for children to feel a bit unsettled or “wobbly” after sessions. This can be part of their healing process, as feelings start to make sense and shift. Offering calm, consistent support at home — through routines, gentle attention, and reassurance — helps them feel safe as they work things through.

I also offer support for parents and carers throughout the therapy process. You play a key role in helping your child’s progress become lasting change, so we’ll work together to help you feel confident and supported too.

Where are sessions held and how often?

I offer sessions either at RightMind in Sevenoaks on Mondays or within your child’s school setting. In some circumstances, sessions can also take place at home. We’ll talk through the best option for your child during the assessment meeting.

Sessions are held weekly, at the same time and in the same place each week, to provide a sense of consistency and security for your child. If a session ever needs to be rescheduled, we’ll discuss this together in advance.

Most sessions last for 50 minutes.

 How many sessions will my child need?

Every child is different, so it’s hard to say in advance how many sessions will be needed. Some children benefit from a shorter period of therapy, while others may need more time. What’s most important is that your child feels safe and supported — we won’t rush the process.

I’ll check in with you regularly throughout the work so we can reflect together on how things are going and decide what feels right for your child.

Where can I find out more about play therapy?

The BAPT website has lots of useful information for you to look at for free.

 https://www.bapt.info/play-therapy/information-for-parents-and-carers/

What if I am not happy with the service I have received?  

Sometimes, things do not always go to plan. I value open communication and always try to resolve any concerns directly. If we haven’t been able to find a solution together, you can find details about the official complaints procedure on the BAPT website.

https://www.bapt.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/BAPT-How-to-Complain.pdf