Sessions begin with an initial consultation with only the parents/guardians and the therapist present. This consultation will determine whether Therapeutic Play is the right choice for the child. The consultation takes approximately 1 hour, and both parents/guardians should be present. However, it is understandable if this is not possible.

During the initial consultation, the parents/guardians must agree that the child will attend 12 consecutive sessions with Dr Sinéad Mc Donough. Both the therapist and parents/guardians will agree to a weekly time slot for the child. Parents/guardians cannot change this time slot without valid reason and without prior discussion. Each therapeutic play session is 40 minutes long.

Please contact me directly: info@blacklaketherapy.ie for information on consultations , review & session rates

Parents/Guardians must ensure that children are always supervised prior to sessions. It is expected that you arrive on time for your sessions. During the first three sessions, the parent/guardian must stay near the centre. After the first three sessions, the parent/guardian may leave the vicinity of the centre. However, they must return five minutes before the session is over. Failure to collect your child on time may result in a review/ fee. It is accepted by parents/guardians that sessions are treated strictly confidential and that these boundaries are not be broken unless a disclosure is shared.

At approximately week 10, the therapist will provide a review with the parent/guardian to assess the child’s progress to date. During this review, the therapist and parents will discuss the next step for the child, whether it be continuing the sessions as planned, adding extra sessions, or ending the sessions. General feedback is given at regular intervals regarding how the child has interacted. However, all sessions are strictly confidential and therefore no specific information is ever given about what the child has said or done in the playroom

Cancellation requires at least 48 hours for cancellation. Not cancelling before this time will result in being charged in full for the session. The parent/guardian is required to reschedule the session. If the session is not rescheduled, you must pay a fee to hold the child’s place. Failure to attend two consecutive weeks may result in the child losing their place.

Both parents/guardians must provide consent before an initial consultation takes place. I adhere to the National Consent Policy of Tulsa Child & family agency. For further information on these policies, please visit: http://www.tusla.ie/uploads/content/NationalConsentPolicyPart2.pdf

If you are concerned about your child or have any questions, feel free to contact me to arrange a consultation.

Each session lasts 40 minutes. Sessions are held weekly, and at the same time every week.

The sessions always take place in a private room, which could be at the child's school or alternative appropriate venue. The room is completely free from interruptions, giving the child the optimum environment in which to benefit from the therapy. Your child's sessions will always take place at the same venue.

At the initial consultation, advice and tips will be provided on how to talk to your child about starting therapy. There will be an initial introduction to the therapist prior to the session taking place. Where I will discuss the sessions, confidentiality and any questions that the child may have.

At parent review meetings, advice will be provided on how to best support your child.

A typical starting point is a 12-week block, with a review around week 10. Some children need fewer sessions, others may benefit from continued support. Progress will be discussed together and make decisions based on what’s best for your child.