FAQ’s
- What is Play Therapy?
- What is EMDR?
- Why should I choose you as a therapist?
- What should I tell my child about going to therapy?
- How long will sessions and therapy last?
- Do you include siblings?
- Will you collaborate with other professionals?
- What will happen in the first session?
- How can I pay for sessions?
- How do I book an appointment?
- What are your office hours?
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is an approach that uses play, specially chosen toys, and the therapeutic relationship to engage, communicate and resolve a child’s difficult experiences and feelings. The use of play in therapy dates back to the 1900’s and is a field that continues to grow and become more popular. It’s effectiveness and benefits are continuing to be proven through research. Many theorists have established that play is one of the most important developmental tasks in a child’s development. Play is a way for children to express themselves and communicate feelings through symbolic expression when they do not have the language to do so. Play therapy can include, the use of puppets, drama, creative arts, the creation of sand tray worlds, therapeutic games and therapeutic storytelling.
For more detailed information about how play therapy works please click here. For further information about how play therapy benefits children please click here.
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a model of therapy that is effective for resolving emotional difficulties caused by disturbing experiences. When difficult experiences occur symptoms of anxiety, depression, irritability, anger, guilt, and/or behavioural problems might follow. When an upsetting experience happens, sometimes the memory of the experience stays “stuck” in the mind and body. The experience may return in a distressing and intrusive way. This can impact how a child copes with everyday life. EMDR assists children in getting “unstuck” and facing the difficult memories thus reducing symptomology. For more detailed information about EMDR please click here.
Why should I choose you as a therapist?
Selecting a therapist for your child/adolescent/family can be an overwhelming process. It is important that you find a therapist that is a good fit for your child/adolescent and for you as a parent/guardian. I am honored to work with and witness the strength and resiliency of children and youth in the work that I do. It is my hope that I provide clients with an open and honest therapeutic space to allow treatment to progress. I welcome clients to share any concerns that may arise during the treatment process.
What should I tell my child about going to therapy?
Parents often feel uncomfortable or anxious about talking to their child/adolescent about starting therapy. Many parents fear that their child will refuse to attend if they are aware of an appointment in advance. It is important to always be open and honest with your child about attending therapy. I am willing to assist you through these first steps.
How long will sessions and therapy last?
Sessions are 50 minutes in length and may be weekly, bi weekly or monthly depending on individual needs. The duration of treatment will depend on each individual client and will be discussed on an ongoing basis as part of the therapeutic process.
Do you include siblings?
Siblings can be included in treatment sessions if it is in the best interest of the client. Client consent is required when including family members in sessions.
Will you collaborate with other professionals?
In my experience, when working with children and youth, collaborating and information gathering with other professionals (school, physicians etc.) is fundamental to the assessment and treatment process. As a Registered Social Worker and in accordance with my regulatory governing body and my Professional Code of Ethics, I am required to respect the privacy of my clients by holding in strict confidence all information shared in therapy session and in the gathering of information. Information will not be released unless required to do so by law or with the written consent of the client and/or parent/guardian of the child. However, if there is reasonable grounds to suspect that a child has suffered or is at risk of harm as described in the Child and Family Services Act, it is my legal, ethical and professional obligation to report to the appropriate authorities.
How can I pay for sessions?
Sessions are to be paid in full by cash, e-transfer, cheque or credit card at the end of each session unless other arrangements are made. A receipt will be provided upon payment.
How do I book an appointment?
You can contact me by phone at 519-671-4551 or email at karriemacmasters@gmail.com. Should you need to cancel your appointment I ask that you provide me with at least 24 hours notice, otherwise you will be billed the full session fee.
What are your office hours?
I provide therapy sessions Monday through Thursday between 11am-5pm. I do not offer sessions on weekends or statutory holidays. I do not offer evening sessions.