Referral Process

You can self-refer or be referred by a school or social worker. I usually respond within two working days. Mel Horsfall Therapy is not an emergency service; in a crisis, please contact 999 and for more immediate support NHS 111 or your GP.

1. Initial Contact

   Contact me via email with an outline of your child’s current difficulties and referral needs. I will respond with a brief overview of the process and fees with the offer of a free phone call.

2. Free 20-minute phone call

   A phone conversation to discuss play therapy in more detail in relation to your situation. This will give you a chance to ask specific questions and gain further information to decide if play therapy is right for your family circumstances.

3. Parent/ Referrer Consultation

   If you choose to continue, a longer meeting is arranged to discuss your child’s story in more detail to understand how therapy might help your child. A short questionnaire and interview are used to develop hopes and expectations for therapy. Contracting, Terms and Conditions are shared.

4. Child Therapy Commences

   An initial session is held with your child to meet them, share the creative toolkit and see if they are happy to attend regular therapy sessions. If they feel they want to start therapy, 6 initial sessions are agreed before a short review to check access to the toolkit and willingness to attend.

   A further 6 sessions will be agreed.

5. Regular Reviews

   At 12 weeks, we will meet to discuss your child’s progress and further presentation. The questionnaire completed at referral will be completed again and checked against the hopes and expectations for therapy. If further sessions are needed, 6 more will be planned and reviewed accordingly. If an ending is planned, a recommended final block of sessions is completed.