Frequently asked questions
What ages is play therapy suitable for?
Play therapy is most commonly suitable for children aged 3 to 12, and can be adapted for teenagers (and even adults!) depending on their individual needs.
Play therapy is a neurodiversity affirming therapy. It meets young people where they are and focuses on helping neurodiverse children, teens, and families feel empowered and accepted.
What are the fees?
Our rates are aligned with the Psychologists' Association of Alberta recommended fee schedule. Intake and 50-minute therapy or parent coaching sessions are $225 per 50 minute session. 30-minute sessions are $135.
Direct billing to insurance is available.
Hayley is an approved provider for Indigenous individuals covered under the Non-Insured Health Benefit Plan (NIHB).
Where are you located?
While Red Deer Play Therapy looks for its home, Hayley provides play therapy, EMDR, and sand tray therapy virtually, and in their office at Greenberg Psychological Services, located at 536 Laura Avenue, Red Deer County.
Do you offer assessments?
Not at this time, but colleagues through Greenberg Psychological Services provide assessment and diagnostic services for:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Behavioural and mental health disorders
- Anxiety Disorders
- Intellectual Disabilities
- Learning Disorders/Disabilities
Contact the Greenberg Admin team at 403-392-9247 to book or learn more about the assessment process.
What should I expect for my child's first appointment?
After our initial contact, parents or guardians will complete intake paperwork.
Then, the psychologist will meet with you for an Intake/Consultation session. During this visit, you will have the opportunity to share your concerns, ask questions about the therapy process, learn about your child's rights, and work alongside the psychologist to develop a therapeutic plan for your child.
You'll be invited to join your child in their first session. Together, you'll be introduced to the psychologist and the play therapy room, where we'll go over their rights as a group. The priority for this session is creating a safe space where your child can feel comfortable within the play therapy room and with the therapist.
How many sessions are needed?
The number of therapy sessions needed is dependent upon presenting concerns. The psychologist will work with you to identify goals and develop a therapy plan. Parents and guardians are seen as integral members of the child's team, and you will be involved throughout the therapy process.
How do I know if my child needs help?
Childhood can be stressful. If these, or any other patterns worry you, it may be time to talk about mental health with your child:
- Sudden or severe mood or personality changes, including regressions
- Social isolation or difficulty with peer relationships
- Extreme and/or unusual feelings of sadness, anger, fear, irritability or anxiety
- Picking their skin or hair, or self-injurious behaviours (self-harm)
- Physical Symptoms (Complaining about headaches or stomachaches, particularly when associated with going to school or social events)
- Exposure to trauma
- Exposure to abuse
- Life changes, stressful events, or loss
- Talking about suicide, or harming others
To support families in understanding possible avenues to support their children, we offer a free, no-obligation 15 minute phone consultation. Contact us to set up your free consultation.
What are your areas of focus?
Children and teens come to therapy for a variety of reasons, including:
- Abuse
- Adoption/Foster/Kinship
- Anxiety
- Anger management
- Attachment
- Attention and focus
- Behavioural concerns
- Confidence and self esteem
- Coping Skills
- Depression
- Emotional regulation
- Family transitions (including separation and divorce)
- Grief and loss
- Identity Development
- LGBTQIA2S+ issues
- Nightmares/Trouble sleeping
- Relationships
- Social skill development
- Thoughts of suicide and self-harm
- Trauma
