Playful Pathways 314-669-1332

Playful Pathways 314-669-1332

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    • Home
    • About
    • Play Therapy
    • The Play Room
    • Parent Support
    • FAQ
    • Contact
  • Home
  • About
  • Play Therapy
  • The Play Room
  • Parent Support
  • FAQ
  • Contact

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact

Play is an incredibly powerful way to LEARN, GROW and HEAL.


Bruce D Perry

FAQ: Therapy Process

Parents often have questions about the therapy process and what to expect when their child begins counseling. Below are answers to some of the most common questions families ask.


If you have additional questions, you are always welcome to reach out.

Many children experience big emotions or challenges at different stages of development. Therapy may be helpful when those challenges begin to interfere with your child’s daily life, relationships, or emotional well-being.


Parents often consider therapy if they notice:


• frequent meltdowns or emotional outbursts
• anxiety, worries, or fears that seem intense or persistent
• difficulty managing frustration or anger
• struggles with friendships or social situations
• sudden changes in behavior, mood, or confidence
• difficulty adjusting to life changes such as a move, or a new school


You know your child best. If something feels concerning or different from your child’s usual behavior, it may be helpful to speak with a professional.


A consultation can help determine whether play therapy would be beneficial and what next steps might look like.


I specialize in play therapy for children ages 3–10.


Most sessions use play therapy techniques that allow children to express their thoughts and emotions through play. Depending on your child’s needs, sessions may include a mix of child-led play and more structured activities.


Other services may include:


• parent sessions
• parent-child sessions
• sibling sessions
• family sessions


 I specialize in working with children ages 3–10.


Play therapy is designed specifically for children and provides a developmentally appropriate way for them to express emotions, process experiences, and build coping skills.


The intake session is typically held with parents or guardians first, without the child present.


During this meeting we will:


• review consent forms
• discuss your child’s history and current concerns
• talk about your goals for therapy
• answer any questions you may have


Your insights as a parent are an important part of helping me understand how best to support your child.


Parents are an important part of the therapy process.


While most play therapy sessions are held individually with the child, parents may receive guidance and support to help reinforce progress at home.


At times, parent sessions or parent-child sessions may also be recommended depending on your child’s needs.


Most children begin with weekly sessions.


Weekly sessions help children build trust and maintain momentum in the therapy process. As therapy progresses, we can discuss adjusting the frequency based on your child’s needs.


Every child’s therapy journey is different.


The length of therapy depends on several factors, including:


• the concerns being addressed
• how long challenges have been present
• the child’s engagement in the process
• parental involvement and support


Some children benefit from shorter periods of therapy, while others may need longer support.


Parents often begin to notice changes gradually as children develop new ways of expressing emotions and coping with challenges.


Some signs therapy may be helping include:


• improved emotional regulation
• fewer or less intense meltdowns
• increased confidence
• improved relationships with peers or family members
• greater ability to express feelings


Progress looks different for every child, and we will regularly check in about how your child is doing and any changes you are noticing at home or school.


FAQ: About Sessions

It is very common for children to feel unsure about therapy at first.


My goal is to create a welcoming and engaging environment where children feel comfortable and safe. Many children begin to look forward to their sessions once they become familiar with the playroom and the process.


While therapy may involve working through difficult feelings, it should never feel like a punishment or something to dread.


A typical session lasts 45–50 minutes, although session length may vary depending on your child’s needs. 


No—there are both daytime and after-school appointment times available. We’ll work together to find a schedule that feels manageable for your family.


That said, there can be some meaningful benefits to coming during the day. Children are often more regulated, focused, and able to fully engage in the therapeutic process earlier in the day. The skills we work on—like emotional regulation, coping, and confidence—often carry over into the classroom and can support improvements at school as well as at home.


Daytime availability also tends to open up sooner, which can be helpful if you’re hoping to get started more quickly.


We can talk through what makes the most sense for your child and find a rhythm that feels both realistic and worthwhile.


Play therapy may look like “just playing,” but the playroom and activities are intentionally designed to help children express emotions, explore experiences, and practice new skills.


Play is a child’s natural way of communicating. Through play therapy, children can safely work through challenges, develop coping skills, and build confidence.


A trained play therapist observes and gently guides the process to support emotional growth.


FAQ: Fees and Insurance

Intake session: $165


Individual sessions: $150


Family or sibling sessions: $165


Therapy is an investment in your child’s emotional well-being and development. Early support can help children build the skills they need to manage emotions, develop confidence, and navigate challenges throughout childhood.


My fee allows me to maintain a manageable caseload so I can provide thoughtful, individualized care for each child and family.


It also supports the time spent outside of sessions preparing for appointments, consulting with parents, and continuing advanced training in play therapy to provide the highest quality care.


Therapy is an investment in your child’s emotional well-being, development, and long-term growth.


Through the process, children build skills that impact so many areas of their lives—learning how to manage big emotions, navigate relationships, increase confidence, and handle challenges in healthier ways. These are skills that often carry over into daily life, including improvements at home and at school.


The fee reflects not only the time spent in session, but also the preparation, training, and care that goes into creating a thoughtful, individualized experience for each child and family. I also maintain a manageable caseload so I can be fully present and provide consistent, attuned support.


Many families find that the progress they see over time; in connection, confidence, and overall functioning—makes this investment a meaningful and worthwhile one.


Choosing private-pay therapy allows sessions to focus entirely on your child’s needs rather than insurance requirements.


Insurance companies often require a mental health diagnosis and may place limits on the number or type of sessions they will cover. Private-pay therapy allows greater flexibility in determining the most appropriate approach and pace for your child.


Many families also appreciate the added level of privacy and confidentiality, since therapy information is not shared with an insurance company.


If you plan to use out-of-network benefits, documentation can be provided for you to submit to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement.


I do not accept insurance.


However, I can provide documentation that families may submit to their insurance provider for out-of-network reimbursement. 


You may wish to contact your insurance provider to learn more about your out-of-network benefits.


FAQ: Getting Started

The first step is to contact Brooke or ask to schedule a consultation.


You can contact me through the contact page to learn more.


You are always welcome to reach out if you have additional questions about the therapy process or whether play therapy may be helpful for your child. 


Still unsure if therapy is right for your child?
Set up a consultation with brooke

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