How it Works

Getting Started with Child Art Psychotherapy

If you are considering Child Art Psychotherapy (CAP for your child or young person, the process begins in a gentle and supportive way.

Initial Phone Consultation

Parents or guardians are first offered a brief, informal phone consultation. This provides an opportunity to ask questions, get a sense of the therapist, and decide whether you would like to proceed.

Forms and Consent

If you decide to move forward following the phone call, consent and background information forms will be sent by email for parents or guardians to complete at their convenience.

Introductory Meeting

Once the forms have been returned, an introductory meeting is arranged with parents or guardians and the child or young person together. This meeting creates a gentle starting point, allowing everyone to meet, settle into the space, and begin a shared understanding of how therapy may help. It also gives the child or young person the opportunity to meet the therapist, become familiar with the space, and gain a sense of what therapy involves. The child or young person's voice and perspective are welcomed from the outset.

Assessment Sessions

If the therapist, parents or guardians, and the child or young person all feel that Child Art Psychotherapy is a suitable support, three initial assessment sessions will then be scheduled with the child or young person.

These sessions offer valuable insight into the child's emotional world and challenges and help determine how therapy might best support the child or young person and whether ongoing therapeutic work is recommended.

Review Meetings

Following the initial assessment sessions, we hold a review meeting with parents/guardians and the young person to discuss how the process is going. At this point, you can decide whether to continue with therapy or conclude after the assessment phase. If we move forward, we propose a timeframe for sessions, with regular review meetings to assess progress, make any necessary adjustments, and plan the next steps. This ensures that therapy remains responsive to your child/young person's needs. When the time comes, we work towards a supported and well-prepared ending, ensuring a thoughtful transition as therapy concludes.

Duration and Ending

Sessions typically last 50 minutes, and the number of sessions varies based on the individual child's needs. When therapy is coming to an end, we plan a 'goodbye' session, allowing your child time to process any feelings about ending the therapeutic relationship in a healthy way.

Confidentiality

All information shared in sessions, including the artwork created, is treated with the utmost confidentiality, ensuring a safe and secure space for your child. However, in line with Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children, if any concerns arise regarding their safety, I have a duty to take appropriate steps to protect them. In such cases, I will discuss the concerns with your child and family and outline the necessary actions to ensure their well-being.

If you'd like to learn more or explore whether Child Art Psychotherapy is the right fit for your child, please feel free to get in touch. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.

Get in Touch

If you are interested in CAP please feel free to get in touch. 

Rachael Murphy

Address: Kilronan House, Church Rd, Malahide, Co. Dublin
Email: caapablehands@gmail.com