MY WAY
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Initial consultation
I will normally arrange a phone call or in person meeting for an initial consultation to gather information and formulate some thoughts as to the cause of your child’s difficulties and the way forward. Further assessment sessions with the child will follow and either a treatment plan will be agreed or I will signpost to other services.
- Length of treatment
I offer short term or long term work depending on need. The shortest treatment would be six weeks and longer term work can be up to two years. Longer lasting and more significant change often comes from lengthier work and some children find it most effective to return to me at different stages of development.
- Confidentiality
All sessions are confidential. This is important so that children and young people feel able to express themselves honestly. I will still stay in communication with the parents and share themes from the work as well as any specific information the child / young person has agreed to. Any safeguarding concerns will be responded to in the appropriate way and this information will be shared with the relevant people or agencies, in these circumstances, where possible I will always endeavour to speak to parents initially.
- Room and resourcesThe therapy room provides a cosy homely feel. It has good natural light, comfortable furnishings and uses lamps, plants and pictures of the natural world to create a calm feeling. For younger children there is a sand tray with many figures for telling stories, a tent, castle, dolls house, giant bean bags and a variety of puppets, playdough, sensory toys and art materials. Older children often still benefit from using the art materials and fiddle toys and the seating area provides soft velvet chairs for comfort.The room is in Tavistock in Devon and has a large pay and display car park a couple of minutes away. There are many shops and cafes nearby that can be accessed before or after the session. All art materials are provided and included in the session fee. At the end of our work your child will have the option to take their art work home.
- Waiting for child
There is a waiting area that adjoins the therapy room. The radio is kept on in the waiting area to ensure confidentiality for your child whilst in their session. The waiting area can only be accessed through walking through the therapy room so all families are asked to arrive at their appointment time only. The waiting area is only for use by families whose child is in a session with me at that time. Alternatively if your child is comfortable to be left parents can spend the time in the local shops and cafes.
FAQS
Questions You May Have
If you or your child have never attended therapy before it can feel a bit unknown.
Hopefully these FAQs will answer some of your questions but do make contact if you have any further queries.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 7pm depending on need of clients. After school appointments are available for those that need them.
Initial consultations when booked on the phone are free of charge. An in-person initial consultation costs £60 for 50 minutes.
A treatment plan can be anything from 6 weeks to up to a year or more depending on need as I assess it or on each individuals financial situation.
Unfortunately I am unable to provide reduced prices currently.
I aim to respond to your initial enquiry within 24 hours. Depending on my availability and your flexibility I may be able to offer an appointment the day after our initial contact.
I will have regular reviews with parents and I will regularly ask for feedback on how you see the therapy impacting your child. Each week I will reflect on and consider the best approach for your child and remain flexible in my approach. Sometimes as emotions start to feel safer for the child they may go through a more difficult period. This is part of the process and I will support you through this.
From the blog
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Life As a Child Part 2
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