• A person playing with colorful wooden blocks, stacking them into a tower in a room with green, yellow, and blue walls.

    Getting Started

    It’s OK, You’ve got this!

    Beginning your journey with Healing Hearts Play Therapy is more than just an appointment - it’s a path designed to support you, your child and your family every step of the way.

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What to Expect

Beginning support for your child can bring a mix of feelings. Many parents arrive with hope, worry, relief or uncertainty. All of these are completely normal. This page walks you through what happens next so you know what to expect at each stage.

1. Reach out

You might feel unsure about whether your concerns are “big enough”. Most parents do. Sending that first message is often the hardest part, and you are not expected to have everything figured out. Once you get in touch, we arrange a time to talk.

2. Discovery Chat

This is a space for you to share what has been happening, ask questions and talk through your child’s needs. Parents often feel a sense of release here because they finally have room to explain things fully. Together we explore what support might look like and whether play therapy is the right approach.

3. Agreeing a plan

We look at what support may help your child and talk through session options. A minimum of twelve sessions is often recommended so the child has time to settle and build trust. It is normal to feel unsure about committing at first. We follow a pace that works for your family.

4. Starting sessions

Your child begins their sessions, and you might feel a mix of relief and hope. Children respond differently, and progress can look different for each one. What matters is that they have a consistent, supportive space where they can express themselves and grow at their own speed.

5. Regular check‑ins

We stay connected throughout so you always know what is happening. Check‑ins give you space to share observations, ask questions and understand how to support your child between sessions.

6. Review and next steps

Towards the end, we review progress together and decide what comes next. Some families feel ready to finish, while others continue for longer. Every child is different, and the approach adapts to what they need.

Play therapy may help if your child:

  • struggles to explain feelings

  • becomes overwhelmed easily

  • has behaviour that feels out of character

  • finds school transitions difficult

  • worries often

  • finds friendships hard

  • has experienced change or stress

  • needs a safe space to express themselves

If any of these feel familiar, the Foundation Package can help you understand where to begin.

How to Know If Play Therapy Is Right for Your Child

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime.

  • Every child is different. Some need short term support for a specific challenge. Others benefit from longer work that allows deeper emotional or relational healing. You will be part of regular reviews so you always feel informed and included.

  • Play therapy sessions are usually one to one with your child and their therapist so your child can express themselves freely. Parent child sessions are available when strengthening connection or co regulation is part of the work.

  • You receive regular parent check ins where you can ask questions, share observations and understand what your child may be communicating through play or behaviour. Your support is an important part of the therapeutic process.

  • Talking is never expected. Children communicate naturally through play. Play therapy gives them a safe way to show feelings, worries and experiences without needing adult language.

  • Some children become calmer and more settled as therapy begins. Others may show more emotion as they start to explore feelings safely. Both responses are normal. Over time parents often notice more emotional language, stronger regulation and easier connection.

  • This is very common. Many children mask emotions in school and release them at home. School or home observations can help everyone understand what is happening across settings.

  • An initial parent consultation is recommended for all families and is part of the Foundation Package. Some children also benefit from a Therapeutic Play Assessment if more clarity or direction is needed before beginning regular sessions.

  • Yes. School observations, written reports and professional meetings are available to help your child feel understood across their day and to ensure everyone is working together.

  • Parents are supported through consultations, regular check ins and a clear space to talk through concerns. The brand values steady support for parents and caregivers because children grow best when the adults around them feel guided and held.

  • A short conversation can help you understand what feels right for your child and your family. You do not have to work this out alone.

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Getting Started is Easy

Whether you are ready to begin or want to understand more, you can start with a simple conversation. You will be met with warmth, clarity and support.