Information for Children

I am a therapist who has been trained to use art and play to help children who have some kind of problem in their lives. Playing and making art can help you to understand your feelings, thoughts and things that have happened better, and to find new ways to let the feelings out. You are in charge of the play, and I am in charge of keeping us safe. We can play together to make sense of what is troubling you, and to help you to feel better. Sometimes you might want to talk, but I don't need you to explain things to me. That’s because children draw and play out their feelings better than they talk about them. 

There are lots of ways to play in my playroom, we will find ways that feel right for you. 

I have been asked to see you because you have been feeling scared, angry, sad or confused. Or  maybe you are feeling bad about yourself. Sometimes children come to see me because they feel worried about what might happen, or about something that has already happened. Maybe you need some help to manage big feelings so that they don’t spill out in ways that upset you, and maybe the people around you too. Sometimes big feelings, muddles and worries can get in the way of having fun with friends, concentrating at school, playing sports, or sleeping well.  

I can play with you to help you to make sense of what has been happening for you, sort these things out, and feel better. 

First I will meet with the adults who know you best to find out how you are and plan how to help you. Then we will meet in my therapy room and I will read a special story to you. An adult will be with you in the room while I share the story. This story lets you know what I have been told about why you are coming to see me. You can just sit and listen or move around and play while I share the story, there is no right or wrong way to listen. 

The rest of the time you will stay in the room with me, while an adult waits in the waiting room.  We meet at the same time each week for 50 minutes. It is your special time, you can play in most of the ways that you want to in the therapy room and I will keep you safe. You are welcome to draw, play, talk, sit quietly, be loud, play alone or together. You can choose whatever feels right for you each time you are here.

Our first session is a chance to get to know each other and also for you to get to know the playroom. If you decide you would like to keep coming to see me, this is what usually happens:

• You will come to my room with an adult

• You will stay in the room with me for 50 minutes while an adult waits in the waiting area

• You can play in most of the ways you want in my therapy room: there will be lots of things to play with like clay, paint, sand, dress-up, instruments, doll house, a cosy corner, games, puppets and lots more too! 

• When our time is up I will walk with you to the waiting area and we will say goodbye

• We will see each other again at the same time next week

When we first meet, I will talk to you about what is private and just between the two of us, and what I might sometimes need to share with other people. How you play or make art, and the things you say, stay between you and me. 

I meet with a grown up, usually every 6 weeks, and talk about how you are. I will talk to you first about what I plan to say and to find out if there is something that you would like us to talk about. It is also a chance to figure out ways to help and support you.

It is very important to me that you are safe.  If I was really worried about you, I would need to talk to other grown ups to make sure you're safe. I would want to talk to you about this first. 

No, it’s completely up to you. You can talk to anyone you trust about therapy, or you can keep it to yourself. It’s your choice.

I will help you to understand your thoughts and feelings as you play and make art. I will play with you to help you to find new ways to cope with difficult feelings. I can also help the grown ups who care for you to find new ways to help you too. 

It may take a while but there will come a time when we both feel ready to say goodbye. You will feel better and able to manage without me. I know that ending therapy can be hard, but I can help you with this.