Support for Parents & Carers: Supporting You, Supporting Your Child
Deciding whether your child may benefit from therapy can feel like a big step. You don't need to have all the answers or know exactly what is wrong. Jacaranda Therapy offers a supportive, non-judgemental space where we can talk through your concerns and consider what might be right for your child.
When might my child benefit from support?
Children can experience difficulties for lots of reasons, and sometimes it can be hard to know whether what they're experiencing is something they'll grow through or whether they could benefit from additional support. Here are some signs to look out for:
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Increased anxiety or worry
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Frequent emotional outbursts
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Anger or frustration
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Becoming withdrawn or unusually quiet
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Changes in behaviour
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Difficulties with friendships
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Low confidence or self-esteem
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Difficulties adjusting to change
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Sleep difficulties
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Experiences of loss, separation or other significant changes
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Struggling with school or finding school difficult
Working together
Parents know their children better than anyone. Your knowledge and understanding of your child are an important part of the therapeutic process.
You know your child better than anyone, and your understanding is an important part of their therapeutic journey. I will keep you updated throughout the process, help you make sense of your child’s emotions and behaviour, and offer appropriate guidance on ways you can support them at home. My aim is to work alongside you, so that you feel informed, supported and confident in helping your child.
Confidentiality and privacy
Creating a safe and trusting space is an important part of Play Therapy. Your child will be given a private space where they can express themselves freely through play and creativity, without feeling pressured to share everything they explore during their sessions.
As a parent, you will be kept appropriately informed about your child’s wellbeing and their therapeutic progress, while respecting the privacy of the therapeutic space. There may also be times when information needs to be shared where there is a concern about your child’s safety or wellbeing. These boundaries will be explained clearly to you at the beginning of the therapeutic process, so you know what to expect.
Practical information
Sessions last for between 40-45mins. The sessions occur on a weekly basis to support consistency while the child processes what they need to. An episode of sessions lasts for 12-15 sessions, however this can be extended when therapeutic objectives are still to be met. This is decided in consultation with parents and child.
Sessions can take place at the Jacaranda Therapy bases in Trowell or Lutterworth. Where appropriate, sessions may also be offered within your child’s school, with parental agreement and subject to the school’s location and availability. Please get in touch to find out the cost of sessions, as this is dependent on the location.
For some children, coming to a new place and spending time with someone they don't yet know can feel difficult at first. It can take time for a child to feel comfortable, build trust and settle into the therapeutic space, and this is completely understandable. We will work together with you and your child to agree a plan that feels appropriate for them, taking their individual needs, feelings and readiness into account. There is no expectation that they will feel comfortable straight away — the focus is on building a trusting relationship at a pace that feels right for them.
