Do you have
Any questions?
Taking the first step into therapy can bring up a lot of practical questions. Here are answers to the things parents and carers ask most often about how it all works at The Play Lab.
General Questions
What age groups do you see?
We work with children, pre-teens, and teens aged 3 to 18 years old. Traditional play therapy is specifically designed for children aged 3 to 12. For older pre-teens and teenagers, our practice evolves into creative therapy, using mediums like art, sand, and creative materials to help them explore complex feelings in an age-appropriate way.
How many sessions will my child need?
Because every child and situation is unique, there is no set number. We start with an initial block of sessions, and we will look at how your child is progressing during our regular 6-to-8-week parent reviews to decide together how to move forward.
Can I come into the playroom with my child?
No. To allow your child the freedom to fully express themselves and build an independent relationship with me, parents do not join the weekly sessions. However, you are a vital part of the process, which is why we have dedicated time together during our regular parent review meetings.
What if my child doesn't want to play?
There is no right or wrong way to use the playroom. Some children jump straight into the toys, while others prefer to sit quietly or explore slowly. I meet them exactly where they are, and we move at a pace that feels completely safe for them.
Preparing Your Child
What should I tell my child about why they are coming?
Keep it simple, honest, and positive. You might say: "You are going to a special playroom called The Play Lab. There will be lots of toys, art materials, and games, and you'll be meeting their play therapist, whose job is to play with you and help you make sense of your feelings." I will send you a child-friendly leaflet ahead of your first visit, which uses simple words and pictures to help explain the playroom to your child.
What should my child wear to sessions?
Please dress them in comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting messy. The playroom includes sand, water, paints, and clay, and children get the most out of their sessions when they don't have to worry about keeping their clothes clean.
What should I say when I collect my child from a session?
Avoid questions like “What did you do?” or “Did you have fun?” because play therapy is deep emotional work. Instead, keep your greeting warm and low-key. Things like: “It’s so good to see you. I’m ready whenever you are.” or “I’ve got a snack for you in the car if you’re hungry.” Letting them lead the way is the greatest support you can give.
Managing Progress & Behaviour
What if my child's behaviour gets worse at home?
It is very common to see a temporary spike in big emotions or challenging behaviour when therapy begins. As children open up and process deep feelings, those emotions can sometimes spill over at home. This is a very normal part of the healing process, and we will work closely together during our reviews to navigate these waves.
What if my child tells me something that worries me at home?
If your child shares something at home that leaves you feeling concerned, please send a brief email or text to let me know before their next session so I have the context, and we can explore it properly during our next review meeting.
Trust & Privacy
Will you tell me what my child is playing with or talking about?
To help your child feel secure enough to express themselves fully, the playroom is a private space. I will not share the exact details of their sessions unless they explicitly ask me to. Instead, during our regular review meetings, we will focus on the main themes of their play, their emotional progress, and how we can best support them together.
Getting Started
How do I book an initial consultation?
You can get in touch by clicking any of the "Get in Touch" buttons on the website, or by emailing directly. We will then arrange a time for our initial intake meeting to discuss your current situation and how we can best support your child.