Starting therapy for your child can bring up a lot of questions. That is completely normal. This page is here to help provide clarity around play therapy, what to expect, and how our process works at Empower Play. If you do not see your question answered below, we are always happy to talk and help you determine what is best for your child and family.
Therapy sessions range from 45-60 minutes depending on individual needs and considerations and the activity engaged during the session.
Therapy sessions typically occur weekly or bi-weekly depending on the needs of client. The therapist will determine and notify you of determined session frequency.
The first session may take place virtually or in-person. For child or adolescent therapy, we prefer you to not have your child present. During the first session the adults present and therapist will spend time addressing any questions, reviewing intake paperwork, discussing developmental and symptom history, family dynamics, concerns, treatment goals, and the process of therapy. This is best done if we can speak openly without your child present.
It is important to prepare your child for therapy. Show them pictures of the therapy office and the therapist they will be seeing (found on the website). Explain to your child in a developmentally appropriate way what a therapist is, for example for younger children you may describe a therapist or counselor as a “feelings doctor”.
Tell your child that their counselor will play with them and help them learn about their thoughts and feelings.
Whatever they feel comfy and cozy in! We allow kids to take off their shoes if that helps them feel comfortable.
Sometimes kids choose to play with sand, slime, paint, or other messy medians. If these sound like activities your child may enjoy there is a chance, they may get dirty. We try our best to stay clean, but we can’t make any promises 😊.
While we do offer after school appointments, these spots are very limited and get filled quickly.
To communicate with your therapist, we offer several HIPPA compliant options. Please send your therapist an email, message through the portal, or call the therapist’s direct line and leave a message. It can be difficult to reach a therapist via phone, as therapists are in session throughout the day.
If you need to speak with a therapist that may require a more in-depth conversation/longer duration we ask that you schedule a parent without client session via the portal. These sessions are billed just as a therapy session would.
A therapist is unable to prescribe medication.
If medication is recommended, your therapist can provide a referral to a psychiatrist or other prescribing physician.
Yes, Play Therapy is typically utilized for children 13 years of age and younger. For those over the age of 13 we utilize play, expressive arts, movement, nature, animals, and games to help our clients feel empowered, educated, and evolve into best versions of themselves.
Empower Play therapists are trained in a vast array of evidenced based strategies (See each therapists bio for more specifics).
Step 1 (optional): Meet and greet
We welcome meet and greets to ensure we are the right fit. Meet and greets last 15 minutes and can occur virtually or in person.
Step 2: Paperwork
After we are informed that you would like Empower Play to be your mental health provider, you will receive an email containing intake documents. These documents need to be reviewed and signed prior to beginning therapy. Once all documents have been completed and signed you are set to schedule your first appointment. All scheduling is completed through our online portal.
Step 3: Diagnostic Assessment
The first session is considered the diagnostic assessment. This appointment is 45-60 mins and consists of a review of intake documents, information gathering to help determine level of care and diagnosis. If the primary client is a child, this session will occur with caregiver/s only to allow for caregivers to talk openly regarding concerns.
Step 4: Treatment Plan
The second session is the treatment planning session. This session will last 45-60 mins the client and caregivers will collaborate to create long term goals and objectives. All goals are to be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound (SMART).
Step 5: Let the Fun Begin!
Sessions are now client and therapist only. Sessions occur weekly to bi-weekly to begin and focus on rapport building and working towards goal achievement. Together we will engage in creative and playful interventions to support identified goals.
Step 6: Discharge
Though we love having you, discharge is always the goal. Though bittersweet when discharge occurs, we PARTY to celebrate growth and healing.