No. Leaps and Bounds has an open referral system which means that anybody can make a referral for Play Therapy including parents, guardians or professionals.

Sessions are held weekly, on the same day and time.

Individual play therapy is 45 minutes. Group play therapy sessions are slightly longer at 60 minutes. Note that you should allow 60 minutes for initial parent consultations. Every child is different and the Play Therapy process varies from child to child, but a minimum of 10 sessions is required. This will be agreed with the parent/carer at Initial Intake Consultation and reviewed at any interim meetings. Understandably, some parents may wish to know definitively how many sessions are required, as each child is different, this is not possible.

Individual Play Therapy Session - €75 per session (45 mins). Please note that the initial parent consultation interview prior to therapy commencing is 60 mins and the fee for this meeting is €90. All parent meetings after this will be charged at the normal session rate of €75. Group Play Therapy Session - 4 no. children in group with similar difficulties or life events e.g. Anxiety or Parental Separation etc. €55 per session (60 mins). PCAP (Parent Child Attachment Play) This is an innovative early help model which focuses on strengthening and supporting the parent/carer (or other adult) - child relationship. PCAP Sessions are €90 (individual) and €65 (group).

Individual Play Therapy session 1:1 Play Therapy sessions will last for 45 minutes. Sessions are weekly, at an agreed time. Short or long-term support can be agreed and depends on the reason for the referral, but a minimum of 10 sessions is required. Review meetings will be held with the Referrer/Parent/Carer. Group Play Therapy session The therapist works with up to 4 children who are presenting a similar difficulty (e.g. anxiety) or with children who have experienced a similar life event (e.g. parental separation). The group meets weekly for an hour for 8 – 10 weeks. Group sessions are generally more directive to address the referral reason. Parent sessions PCAP (Parent Child Attachment Play) Helping to support parents/carers to strengthen bonds with children by working on, and using therapeutic activities.

Honesty is best. Using age appropriate language, explain to your child that you have found someone who can help them work through how they are feeling or to understand the event they experienced through play.

Yes, fully insured by PPS (Psychologist Protection Insurance).

Yes, sessions are completely confidential. If a therapist has a concern about a child's welfare, it is their professional duty to report the concern to the Deputy Liaison Person (DLP) or Duty Social Worker. They will take appropriate measures to deal with the concern; including contacting the Garda Siochana or TUSLA, where required.

It is important to encourage your child to attend regularly. Listen to them and connect in with them in a positive way. It is important not to ask them about sessions. Please make sure not to use play therapy sessions as a reward or punishment. Their journey may take time, we must let them do this at their own place. We will keep in contact and work together through this process.

Leaps and Bounds Play therapy service follows best practice guidelines with regards to parental consent in order to advocate effectively for the child. In line with the Children & Family Relationship Act of 2015, both parents are required to sign consent forms for play therapy. We acknowledge and understand that family situations can be complex and difficult and so we take the utmost care to ensure that all participants in our service our working within the correct and appropriate legal framework. Parental consent for accessing our play therapy service is compulsory.

Many health insurance plans cover play therapy under 'child counselling'. You will need to check with your insurance provider to see if child counselling is covered under your particular plan. If you are covered by your plan, play therapy will need to be paid for in full and receipts will be provided, which can then be used for reimbursement. Alternatively, it may be possible to claim back therapy costs using the Med1 form through Revenue.

A report will be provided for Referrers/Parents/Carers at the end of therapy. Please note that Court or School Reports are not provided.

At this time, Play Therapy is not regulated by CORU. However, Lisa Knox Kelly is a Registered and Certified with Play Therapy Ireland and also with Play Therapy International and recognised by the PSA (Professional Standards Authority) in the UK. Lisa is an APAC (Academy of Play & Child Psychotherapy) trained Play therapist certified by Play Therapy International/Play Therapy Ireland and the IBECPT (International Board of Examiners of Certified Play Therapists).