FAQs

  • Cancellation Policy:

    Stephanie Barnes Play Therapy requires 48 hours for cancellation.

    • All 48hr cancellations: €35

    • 24 hrs or less: €70

    Dear Parents & Caregivers,

    I carefully structure my schedule around each Childs appointment to ensure the best possible service. When a session is booked, that time is reserved exclusively for your child.

    Unlike other types of businesses, it’s not possible for me to fill a cancelled session, as this time is uniquely set aside for their therapeutic journey. As a self-employed therapist, I need to maintain a sustainable practice. In order to do so, I have implemented a cancellation policy.

    This policy helps to cover the time and preparation already invested in your child's session, even if unforeseen circumstances prevent attendance.

    I truly appreciate your understanding. My primary goal is to work collaboratively to support your child's well-being while balancing the practical needs of running a small, dedicated practice. If you have any questions about the policy or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

    Warm regards,
    Stephanie

    My opening hours follow the school calendar year, I am also open during the summer for 2 months.

    I understand there are school events etc during these times, especially coming up to Christmas & Summer Holidays but my cancellation policy still applies.

    I will do my best to accommodate a change of session time but cannot guarantee availability.

  • Sessions:

    • During the initial consultation, the parents/guardians must agree that the child will attend 12 consecutive sessions with Stephanie Barnes Play Therapist.

    • Both the therapist and parents/guardians will agree to a weekly time slot for the child. Parents/guardians cannot change this time slot without good reason and without prior discussion.

    • Each play therapy session is 40 minutes long.

    Please arrive on time for your appointment. You can wait in the waiting room and when it is time for your appointment, I will meet greet you there.

    During the first three sessions, the parent/guardian must stay in the waiting room.

    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. Regularly failing to collect your child on time may result in a review. Please ensure that children are always supervised prior to sessions.

  • Reviews:

    • Around 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.

  • Consent:

    • Both parents/guardians who have access must provide consent before an initial consultation takes place.

    • We understand in some situations this is not possible - Please speak with me if this is the case.

    • Stephanie Barnes Play Therapy adheres to the National Consent Policy of TUSLA.

    • http://www.tusla.ie/uploads/content/NationalConsentPolicyPart2.pdf

  • Child Protection:

    • The Association of Professional Counsellors and Psychotherapists in Ireland (APCP) define child abuse as “harming children by [an] indirect act or failure to provide proper care or both”

    • For further information on child protection, please visit: http://www.tusla.ie/services/child-protection-welfare/definitions-of-child-abuse/

    • If a therapist has a concern about a child's welfare, it is their professional duty to report the concern to the TUSLA.

    • The therapist will take appropriate measures to deal with the concern, including contacting the Garda Siochana or TUSLA