FAQ - Answering your questions
Questions about therapy
What is Play and Creative Arts Therapy?
Play and Creative Arts Therapy is a form of psychotherapy, or counselling for children. It is a gentle, child-led approach that uses play, art, storytelling, and creativity to help children explore and make sense of their emotions and experiences. Play in therapy gives children a way to express themselves in the way that is most natural to their development—especially when they’re finding it hard to make sense of their feelings.
​
Who is therapy suitable for?
This kind of therapy is suitable for children aged between 4 and 14 who may be experiencing emotional, behavioural, or relational difficulties. This could include anything from anxiety, grief, trauma, or attachment challenges, to low self-esteem, angry outbursts, or difficulties adjusting to life changes.
​
What is the next step?
After you get in touch, I offer a free initial phone chat (or email if you prefer) to help us decide whether this feels like the right support for your child. If we choose to move forward, the first session will be a parent consultation—either in person to show you the therapy room, or online. This gives us time to talk through your hopes for therapy, explore any concerns, and ask questions. It’s a parent-only session so we can speak openly and build a clear picture of your child’s needs.
From there, we’ll arrange a regular weekly time for your child’s therapy, beginning with a gentle introductory session to help them feel comfortable and settled. Therapy should always feel like a safe choice—so it’s important that children are never forced to attend.
​
What happens in a therapy session?
Sessions are 45 minutes long and are shaped around your child’s individual needs and interests. We might use toys, art materials, stories, sand trays, talking, games, or role-play—whatever your child chooses.
The sessions are child-led, and I draw on my training to move flexibly between non-directive and more directive approaches. Sometimes, children simply need space to play and explore freely; at other times, gentle psychoeducation or focused activities can support them in working through specific feelings or experiences. This flexible model helps keep the therapy responsive, supportive, and truly centred on your child.
​
How long will my child need therapy?
Therapy usually takes a minimum of 12 sessions, giving enough time for trust to build and for deeper feelings to be explored at your child’s pace. We begin with a parent consultation, followed by six sessions with your child. After those first six sessions, we’ll meet again to review how things are going and talk about whether continuing feels right, or if a different approach might be helpful.
​
​Do you involve parents or carers in the process?
Yes. The therapeutic relationship is primarily with the child, but your role is vital. We begin with a parent consultation to get a full picture of your child’s needs and experiences. Regular reviews and check-ins are also offered to support you in supporting your child. I am trained in therapeutic parenting, and sometimes it may feel more appropriate to work solely with parents and carers, or to take a hybrid approach that supports both you and your child. Every family is different, and we can talk together about what feels most helpful.
​
Is it confidential?
Yes, everything your child shares in therapy is kept confidential, unless there is a safeguarding concern. It’s important that your child feels this is their space to express themselves freely. At the same time, I meet regularly with parents and keep you involved in the process—sharing general themes that may be emerging in the play and offering gentle suggestions to support your child at home.
​
How much does it cost?
Private sessions are £60 and take place weekly at the same time each week. The first step is a free phone call to see if the service feels right for your family, followed by a parent consultation before starting direct work with your child. I also offer my services to schools within West Yorkshire - get in touch for details, ​
​
Where do sessions take place?
I work from dedicated therapy spaces in West Yorkshire, including Ilkley, Bingley, Skipton and Saltaire. I also visit schools and offer online sessions where appropriate.
​
How does it work online?
I offer play-based therapy in a secure online space, with a few appointments each week dedicated to digital sessions. I am experienced in this approach for children aged 6 and above, offering a creative and interactive way to access support from home. Sessions are £55 each.
Online therapy isn’t suitable for younger children or when more complex needs are involved—but I’m always happy to chat things through and help you decide what’s right for your child.
​
Questions about our books
Do I need lots of materials for the activities?
Don't worry! Emotions at Play stories are filled with games, sensory activities, experiments and creative fun but there are no fancy ingredients to source. The focus is on materials you are likely to have around the house and things you will find in nature or your recycling pile. It is important to us that play is accessible to everyone and kind to the planet.
​
How do Emotions at Play books work?
Each book in our series is centred around a main character who is going through a new experience or big emotion. As the story unfolds, our mascot Rags is on hand to playfully offer facts, creative and sensory activities, jokes, and games along the journey.
We know that for young children, learning isn’t possible without play—so it’s a vital part of helping children understand and express their feelings.
​
Our books are grouped into four colour coded categories to help you find the right support for your child:
Feelings – exploring big emotions like sadness, anxiety, or anger
Challenges – offering gentle guidance through difficult times such as grief or change
Experiences – supporting new beginnings like starting school or moving house
Diversity – celebrating what makes us unique and helping children see the beauty in difference
Each story aims to reflect the feelings and experiences of young children in a way that feels safe, supportive, and fun.
​
​
​
What age range are the books aimed at?
Emotions at Play stories and activities have been created with the 3-8 year old in mind, but are open to anyone and everyone!
How will Emotions at Play stories help my child?
Therapeutic stories are carefully written to support children with their feelings and challenges in the most developmentally appropriate way. This works by very gently offering a mirror between the characters experience and that of the child. They are no longer alone in their struggles. In being able to identify with part of the story, the child can develop emotional literacy around their feelings and begin to recognise and name them.
Is there guidance for parents and carers?
Each Emotions at Play story comes with information on the specific issue the book addresses, along with guidance on using the story and additional ways to help your child at home. This is accessed via a QR code inside each book, which will take you straight to the dedicated parent/carer page.
We know how difficult parenting can be, especially when your child is going through some big feelings or brand new experiences, and we are here to help.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
JAYNE, TEACHER
As a teacher, I love the concept of Emotions at Play. Let's help children to understand their emotions at the earliest opportunity and help them to be school ready.
STEPH, MUM OF 3
What a fantastic idea for helping children to talk about their emotions. I can't wait for the first books to land. I think i'll collect them all!
ANNA, THERAPIST
I always recommend 1:1 playtime at home to parents , because it has so many benefits. Emotions at Play is a wonderful way to address experiences and feelings in a developmentally appropriate way for young children.
Therapeutic story
Art & craft
Experiments
Sensory activities
