How do I choose the right therapist?
What should I be looking for?
When searching for a therapist, the first question to ask is 'What are your qualifications?'. This is an important question to ask. Are they qualified to work with your child? A mental health practitioner should list their qualifications on their website or page, best practice should include postgraduate level qualifications. Play Therapy is not a protected name, this means the qualifications for a play therapist could vary greatly. Ask the question- Do you have a post-graduate qualification in your mental health field? All of our play therapists at Precious Hands do.
If your child's school is arranging mental health support, don't be afraid to ask this question.
To practice as an Art therapist in the UK it is a legal requirement have a Masters level qualification.
Do they have a governing body?
Your therapist should be registered with a governing body. This means they have met the strict requirements to practice. This may include post-graduate level qualifications, required hours of CPD completed to maintain up-to-date practice, relevant safeguarding requirements and regular supervision with a qualified supervisor. Supervision is vital for therapists as it ensures their work is being moderated and they are getting guidance to maintain best practice. Ask the question- who is your governing body? Our therapists are registered with Play Therapy UK (PTUK).
Child Mental Health Charter
Our owner Melanie Jones is a committee member of the Child Mental Health Charter. The CMHC seek to change government policy to ensure the Charter's Six Principles are in place to offer the best mental health support for our children and young people.
The Charter's Six Principles:
- Focus on the needs of children
- Protect children
- Invest in properly qualified workforce
- Ensure policy is informed and adequately funded
- Focus on the needs or the parents and carers
- Make policies work
The CMHC's work includes arranging meetings with their MPs including presenting this important case with MPs at Westminster.
We know how important your child is. Don't be afraid to ask these important questions to ensure they have the correct support from a qualified mental health practitioner.
