The Therapy Process 

We understand that seeking therapy for your child can be a daunting experience but be rest assured that our highly skilled, experienced and friendly therapist will make you feel at ease and is dedicated in supporting not only your child but your family as a whole.

1. Make a Referral

Request referral form on our website and return completed, call or email Shine Play Therapy

2. 1 hour Consultation with our Therapist

The aim of this meeting is to gather information relevant to the child's difficulties so that the therapist can gain a thorough understanding of the child and their background.  Areas of concern, needs and goals, are highlighted so that the best treatment can be determined.  A treatment plan will be discussed at this time and specific recommendations will be made regarding therapeutic interventions, home-based interventions for parents to work on and any further evaluation or referrals which may be needed. In addition during the initial intake session we will discuss the process of play therapy and it also provides the parent / carer with an opportunity to learn more about the way the therapist works, their training and qualification.

3. Play Therapy Sessions

Individual Play Therapy:  

• One to one form of counselling for children aged between 3 and adolescence.

• Facilitated by a Play Therapist

• Held in our special play rooms which are equipped with a wide range of toys and creative materials. 

• Sessions take place on a weekly basis 

• Sessions typically last between 30-50 minutes. 

• The number of sessions required depends on the nature and complexity of the presenting problems, however, a minimum block of 12 sessions plus one review meeting are recommended to begin with. 

• It is important to note that play therapy is not a quick fix solution however some children can respond well to short term intervention.

• Children can talk freely about what goes on during the play session;  parents are asked not to ask the child about their session. 

• Parents are involved in the play therapy process, you will be asked to attend regular reviews about your child's progress in which general information will need shared about your child's needs, feelings and what he/she may be communicating.

Group Play Therapy: 

• Effective with small groups (2-6) children 

• Children share similar interests or life experiences. 

• Can help emotional and social development. 

• A very cost effective therapeutic technique. 

• Can be both positively challenging and supportive 

Typical groups we run are:

• Anxiety

• Social skills

• Dealing with Loss

• Children dealing with a parent with addiction

• Children dealing with separation/divorce

We run groups regularly when there is enough people. Usually there are around 6 people in a group.

To register interest, please get in touch.

4. Parental Support

As parents/caregivers, are an essential part of their child’s therapeutic process, we schedule regular review meetings during your child’s Play Therapy process to help keep you up-to-date with your child's overall progress. We support you with parenting skills and in strengthening your parent/child relationship.
A review is held with parents after the agreed number of sessions to give them general feedback on play sessions to date.
As part of this, there is a re-assessment as to whether you feel your child could benefit from attending further sessions.

We also have specific services for you:

• Parental Advice sessions - The opportunity for individual time with one of our qualified therapists. Just £45 per session. 

To register interest, please get in touch.

• Day workshops (9.30am – 4.30pm) - Tailored for parents, this is 7 hours of intensive assistance for £100 per day.

To register interest, please get in touch.

• Parent Mentoring Programme – 12 week Filial Play Parent Mentoring Programme is designed and proven to enhance the parent/child relationship and improve child behavior.  This can run on a 1-2-1 or group basis.

To register interest, please get in touch.

5. Consultations and Advice

Shine Play Therapy also provides standalone consultation & advice to parents and professionals. We offer support and advice in relation to parenting issues and child development. These consultations can take place on a one-off or regular basis.