Common Questions

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 A session usually lasts 50 minutes and we recommend weekly sessions. Due to the nature of the therapy it is diffifult to be certain at the outset how many sessions may be needed but at the assessment stage the therapist will give you some idea as to what may be appropriate. For Play Therapy at least 12-15 sessions are usually needed and for more complex cases it will be more. 

You as a parent/guardian know your child, and therefore are the best judge as to what will suit your child’s needs at this time. Play therapy has been shown to be effective in treating children of all ages and for a variety of needs. Some common presenting issues we see are:  

· Academic difficulties 

· ADD/ADHD 

· Anger Management 

· Anxiety 

· Conduct Disorders 

· Depression 

· Developmental Concerns 

· Divorce 

· Family Changes/Transitions 

· Grief and Loss 

· Sexual Abuse 

· Sexuality 

· Social Difficulties 

· Trauma 

According to the Association for Play Therapy, “research suggests that play therapy is an effective mental health approach, regardless of age, gender, or the nature of the problem, and works best when a parent, family member, or caretaker is actively involved in the treatment process.”

 The therapy process is different for every individual and depends on needs of the client, commitment to therapy, and presenting issue. According to the Association for Play Therapy, issues usually take an average of 20 sessions to begin to resolve. Some children may begin to show progress sooner, and others may take longer to process more complex issues. Your therapist will work closely with you to develop the most appropriate treatment plan, and to re-evaluate at regular intervals. 

 Because play therapy is a form of counseling, it follows the same guidelines as other forms of psychotherapy. What parents and children say in therapy is confidential, except in the cases of harm to self or others, endangerment of a child or vulnerable adult (abuse/neglect), or if the therapist is subpoenaed by a judge. Your counselor will discuss the limits of confidentiality in great detail with you and your child during the first session, and throughout the counseling process. 

Play It Forward Counseling does accept BCBS-IL. 

However, if your insurance plan has out-of-network benefits, you may be able to be reimbursed for your child’s therapy. If requested, we can provide you with a statement to submit for reimbursement. The extent of reimbursement will vary. Call your insurance provider to find out what your particular plan will cover. 

As your child’s guardian, you are essential in supporting him or her through the Play Therapy process.

• Be consistent and encouraging to your child about attending sessions regularly.
• 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.
• Don’t ask your child to ‘be good’ or check if 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.
• Don’t insist that your child tell his or her therapist certain things: it is their time and they must feel free to express themselves at their own pace. Instead, share your concerns with the therapist directly on a separate occasion.
• During any therapeutic intervention behavior may appear to get worse before it gets better – please let me know if you have concerns at any time. Please also feel free to ask any questions throughout the process.