No, you do not need a referral to see a therapist at Balanced Minds PT, we accept self-referrals.

Typically, play based therapy is suitable for children ranging from 3 to 12 years of age, although we can make adjustments based on individual needs.

You know your child best and it is important to explain play therapy to them in a way that is authentic, developmentally appropriate, and positive. Some choose not to call it therapy, instead calling it “special play time”. You can explain that they will meet a play expert who has a special playroom where they can play almost anything they like. You may like to share a photo of your therapist and a photo of the playroom to lessen any worry and prepare your child for their first visit. Your therapist will discuss these approaches further during the intake session.

For each initial parent intake meeting, 60 to 90 minutes is set aside. 

Each child session takes between 30 to 45 minutes and is billed for an additional 15 minutes to accomodate for notes and administration. 

Parent update meetings occur every 5 to 6 sessions and generally takes 30 minutes. This meeting is also billed for an additional 15 minutes for notes and administration. 

It can be difficult to determine the exact number of sessions a child may need due to each child's uniqueness and individual needs. Some children see significant positive shifts with as little as 12 sessions, whereas some children may benefit from 20 sessions or longer-term interventions. 

The initial parent intake meeting is between the parent and therapist only.

Weekly play therapy sessions are typically conducted between the therapist and child, with parents in the waiting room. This allows the child to freely express themselves, establishes the playroom as their own safe space and initiates the development of the therapeutic relationship between the child and therapist. However, the child's comfort always remains the top priority. Therefore, parents may be encouraged to stay and assist the child during their initial transition into the playroom. 

Update sessions are between the parent and therapist only and are a way to keep you updated on child progress and keep you engaged in the therapeutic process. 

The wide range of toys and materials in the playroom allow children to express and explore ways to meet their needs. 

• Art and craft materials

• Soft toys and puppets

• Building materials

• Dress-ups

• Dollhouse and doll furniture

• Miniatures and figurines: people, animals, fantasy, soldiers, super-heros, dinosaurs etc. 

• Aggression toys: pretend weapons, foam swords etc.

• Baby dolls and baby bottles

• Vehicles: cars, planes, trains, emergency vehicles etc.

• Toy kitchen and cooking items

• Structured games: card games, turn-taking games, books etc. 

• Unstructured objects: boxes, tubes, cardboard, string, rocks etc.

• Sensory and messy play: Sand trays, painting, play-dough, slime etc. 

Sometimes play can be really fun and children may leave the playroom smiling and laughing. Sometimes however, children may leave a session feeling more sensitive, sad, or vulnerable. This can happen when a child is working through challenging emotions and experiences during their play, which is an essential part of exploring their inner world and expressing themselves. 

As a parent or caregiver, you can support your child's therapeutic journey by respecting their process and being available for them after a session. Following a sessions, we recommend that you do not ask a lot of questions like "What did you do?" or "Did you have fun?". Children may need space and time to process their feelings. When you meet them in the waiting room, approach them with openness and calmness, expressing your happiness to see them and letting them know what is planned next for their day. Your child may choose to share or discuss their session with you when they feel ready.