Frequently Asked Questions

What is Play Therapy? Does my child just play the entire time?

Your child will be playing the entire time, but therapy happens at the same time. Joy and connection are part of the healing process. My approach is responsive and adaptive, with your child's needs directing the sessions. Some sessions will be more therapist-directed and others will be child-led. Through play, children can share a lot of information that would not come out in talk therapy, as they do not always have the ability to communicate with words.

What is AutPlay Therapy and how does it differ from Play Therapy?

AutPlay® Therapy was created by Dr. Robert Jason Grant and is both a play and behavioural therapy approach to working with neurodivergent children (Autism, ADHD, learning and developmental disabilities). It is a collaborative model that integrates play therapy and behavioural therapy, as well as relationship development approaches, to assist children and adolescents in gaining needed skills and abilities. It is both therapist-led and guardian-led.

AutPlay Therapy has shown effective treatment outcomes for the following areas:

Increasing emotional regulation ability
Improving social skills and functioning
Improving relationship development and connection
Reducing anxiety levels
Improving sensory processing challenges
Increasing concentration, focus, and attention
Reducing unwanted behaviours
Improving the guardian/child relationship

More information can be found at www.autplaytherapy.com

What therapy modalities do you use in sessions?

I use a client-focused integrative approach with all clients to best meet their needs. As a Therapeutic Play Practitioner, I am most drawn to Adlerian and Gestalt principles, but incorporate interventions from all Play Therapy modalities. In talk therapy, I use primarily a Cognitive Behavioural and Solution Focused approach but incorporate interventions from other modalities, as needed.

As a parent/guardian, how can I be part of the therapy process?

Parents/Guardians are an essential part of the intake process and will have a chance to share their concerns and ask any questions they may have about the process. Parents/Guardians do not participate in therapy sessions with their child, as the space is confidential. While you are always welcome to ask questions, there are times information cannot be shared, as your child is the client and their confidentiality is protected. However, follow up meetings can be arranged to go over some common themes in the playroom, as well as to provide suggestions for activities and/or strategies to use outside of the therapy space.

We are interested in pursuing therapy for our child. How do we get started?

This is great news! When beginning therapy, it is important to begin with an intake session involving parents/guardians. The intake session will last for 50 minutes, so we have plenty of time to discuss your concerns, decide on treatment goals and develop a plan moving forward. This is the time to get to know one another, ask questions and make sure it is a good fit. We will also spend time discussing your child's temperament and play style, and tour around the playroom. Following the intake session, I recommend booking 3 consecutive sessions (1 per week for 3 weeks) and then meeting again to touch base and discuss themes arising in play, if appropriate. At that time, we can decide to keep or modify goals, depending on your child's areas of need.

Will the reading intervention actually help my child? We have already tried different programs!

Your child will benefit from a structured, systematic approach that is specific to their needs. The approach is multi-sensory in nature, so your child will be busy engaging with material (sand tray, magnetic letters, games), so they remain engaged the entire time. There is always the option of following up at home, but it is not required. Results are guaranteed!

Are your services covered by insurance?

While most insurance companies cover psychotherapy services, it is important to make sure to check with your insurance provider. Receipts are provided following sessions.

* Please note: Reading intervention is not covered by insurance. However, receipts are still provided.

We don't have insurance. Do you offer a sliding scale?

I understand that therapy costs add up and not everyone has insurance to help. If you are in this situation, please reach out, so we can discuss different options and find a solution that works for you.

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