WHAT IS PLAY THERAPY?
"Play Therapy is based upon the fact that play is the child's natural medium of self-expression. It is an opportunity which is given to the child to 'play out' his feelings and problems just as, in certain types of adult therapy, an individual can ‘talk out' his difficulties." Virginia Axline
Play therapy offers children and adolescents a safe and secure environment with which they can freely express their emotions. In play therapy, toys are like the child's words and play is the child's language (Landreth, 2002). Through play, therapists may help children learn more adaptive behaviours when there are emotional or social skills deficits (Pedro-Carroll & Reddy, 2005). The positive relationship that develops between therapist and child during play therapy sessions can provide a corrective emotional experience necessary for healing (Moustakas, 1997).
WHO IS IT FOR?
Play therapy can help children with the following:
Developmental disorders (including Autistic Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, ADD)
Anger/aggression/tantrums/violent behaviour (e.g. fighting and biting other children)
Attachment difficulties (difficulty within the child-parent relationship)
Difficulties with concentration/motivation
Difficulties with relationships (parents, siblings, peers, teachers)
Low self esteem, disengagement, sadness, bullying
Trauma (eg: bereavement, domestic violence, abuse - physical, neglect, emotional and sexual)
Anxiety (separation, general anxiety)
Separated parents
Withdrawn behaviour
BENEFITS OF PLAY THERAPY
Play therapy can help children:
Develop self-efficacy so they can feel more assured about their abilities
Learn new social skills
Develop better interpersonal skills
Cultivate empathy and respect
Learn to identify and express emotions in a healthy way
Learn and practice better problem-solving skills
Become more responsible for their behaviours
PLAY THERAPY TOOLKIT
The Play Therapy Toolkit will include the following items:
Art for creativity Creative Visualization for understanding and thinking
Storytelling for morals and spiritual development
Sand-tray for emotional development
Music for communication
Dance and Movement for physical development
Drama-therapy for social relationships
Puppets & Masks for self care
THE THERAPY PROCESS
Before commencing therapy an initial consultation is carried out. This meeting is used to determine the suitability of the referral.
If it is felt that play therapy would be beneficial, treatment will commence. It is made up of three phases
Intake Phase
This phase involves meeting with the child's parents/care givers to explore the child's current emotional state, the reasons behind the referred behaviour as well as well as their coping skills. A complete history of the child/family circumstances will be undertaken. The meeting is of great benefit to parents/care givers as it allows them to become familiar with the play therapist and air any queries. The meeting also allows the parent to see the Play Therapy room/practice.
Therapy Phase
The therapy phase is where the child attends play therapy on a weekly basis. At intervals of approximately 6 sessions review meetings are held with parents/care givers to assist them in regulating the child. It also affords them the opportunity to discuss any issues that may be emerging throughout the process.
Closing Phase
The final stage is where healthier behaviours have replaced the initial concerning behaviours.la
DATA PROTECTION POLICY
About the Service
Lighthouse Play Therapy (LPT) provides play therapy and child and adolescent psychotherapy services.
LPT Privacy Statement
The EU general data protection regulation (GDPR) governs how the personal data of individuals in the EU may be processed and transferred. LPT gather and process personal information in accordance with the relevant Data Protection legislation (the Data Protection Acts of 1988 and 2003) and other, applicable laws. This policy outlines the basis on which any personal data that you provide the service will be processed.
How we protect, manage and process your personal data
We will never collect any unnecessary personal data from you and will not process your information in any way, other than as specified.
Data will not be shared with any other party without consent, unless there is a legal requirement or court order to do so, or where there is immediate risk of harm to them or to others. Data may be held physically or may be kept in electronic format, under encryption. All Data Protection legislation will be complied with in accordance with current regulations. Physical data will be held by me in paper form in a locked filing cabinet. Electronic data documents are individually password protected.
Data Held
Prior to beginning therapy, parents/primary care givers will be asked to complete a consent form and intake form as part of our contract of working together.
Personal Information you will be asked to share with me includes:
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Child’s name
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Parent's/Guardian's Names
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Address
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Phone number
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Emergency contact
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Child’s date of birth
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Family composition
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Developmental history
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Family history
During the therapy process, I may need to write notes during or after sessions. Notes will consist of a brief summary of some of the points from each appointment attended, for the purposes of monitoring of a Client's progress.
Details of payments and receipts are held for Revenue purposes.
How long is data held
We will keep your information for no longer than is necessary for the purposes for which the information is collected. Our retention periods take into account legal obligation(s) under applicable law to retain data for a certain period of time, statute of limitations under applicable law and regulatory guidance. At the end of the retention period, data will be securely destroyed.
Data Breaches
I will report personal data breaches to the Data Protection Commission (DPC), where the breach presents a risk to the affected individuals. I will do this without undue delay and definitely within 72 hours of becoming aware of the breach. In addition, where a breach is likely to result in a high risk to the affected individuals, I will also inform those individuals without undue delay.
Confidentiality
We take your privacy very seriously and will never disclose your data to another organisation or individual without your consent, unless required to do so by law. I am required to have regular professional supervision and engage in reflective practice with another psychotherapist as part of their continuing professional development. During supervision any identifying information pertaining to the clients concerned are not revealed.
Further Information
If you have any questions or concerns about the way your Personal Data is used by us, please email us at claire@lighthouseplaytherapy.ie.
For more information and to read through your rights please visit the Data Protection Commission website http://dataprotection.ie.
If you wish to request your personal records, please allow up to 15 working days for us to provide them for you. In the interest of preserving data security, we reserve the right to provide printed copies instead of electronic files. Therapy