Frequently asked questions

Child and adolescent psychotherapy is a specialist form of therapy that helps children and young people make sense of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It looks beyond the surface to understand what may be driving emotional distress and supports the development of healthier, more integrated ways of relating to self and others. Sessions may involve play, talking, or other creative forms of expression, depending on the child’s age and needs.

At Safe Steps, we use a co-therapy model where two therapists work in parallel, one with the child and one with the parent or carer. This allows the child to explore their inner world in a safe, consistent space, while the parent is supported to understand what the child’s behaviour and communication may be expressing. Working in this way helps both sides of the relationship to grow and heal together

Play therapy focuses primarily on helping children express and process emotions through play. Child psychotherapy uses play too, but as one part of a deeper psychotherapeutic process that explores unconscious feelings, developmental patterns, and the child’s relational world. The goal is to promote lasting emotional and structural change, not only symptom relief or behavioural change.

Parent sessions offer space to think about what might lie beneath a child’s behaviour, the feelings, fears, or unmet needs being expressed through actions. Together we explore how these can be met with curiosity and empathy so the child feels seen and understood. Parents and carers are supported to respond in new ways that promote safety, connection, and emotional growth.

Confidentiality is an important part of therapy and helps children feel safe to explore their thoughts and feelings. We don’t share specific details from the child’s sessions, but themes and patterns that are helpful for the parent to understand are discussed within the parent work. If there are any safeguarding concerns, these will always be shared appropriately.

It’s not unusual for children to feel unsure about therapy at first. There can be many reasons why a child may not feel ready or able to engage at a particular time. We always begin by meeting with parents or carers first. This gives space to explore your concerns and gently consider what might be making therapy feel difficult for your child. Together, we can think about the best way to support them and decide whether it feels like the right time to begin. Our approach is paced, supportive and centered around helping your child feel safe and understood. Your child's voice is always listened to and considered carefully as we make decisions together about each step of the therapeutic process.

Yes. We have specialist experience in attachment and developmental trauma, and we offer both therapy and workshops for foster and adoptive carers. Our focus is on helping carers understand trauma-related behaviours, respond in ways that promote felt safety, and support children in rebuilding trust and connection.

Sessions usually last 50 minutes and take place weekly, at the same time each week. This regularity helps to create a sense of safety and predictability, which is especially important for children and young people in therapy.

You can get in touch through our contact form or by email to arrange an initial consultation. This first meeting gives us time to understand your concerns, explain how we work, and decide together what kind of support would be most helpful for your child and family.

Because the therapeutic process depends on regular attendance, we ask that families commit to their scheduled session time. Sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice are typically charged in full. We discuss this policy at the start so expectations are clear.

Confidentiality is central to the therapeutic process. Information shared in sessions is kept private unless there are safeguarding concerns or risks of harm. In those situations, we would always discuss the need to share information and explain the process clearly.

Endings are planned and thought about carefully. As therapy progresses, we begin to prepare the child and parent for closure by reflecting on what has changed, what has been learned, and how new patterns of connection can continue beyond therapy. We also discuss any future support that might be helpful.

Yes. Some families return for further work if new challenges arise or if a child reaches a different developmental stage. We welcome ongoing relationships with families as their needs evolve.

For Private clients: All sessions are €70.00 each. ie, Child sessions, Parent sessions, Intakes, and Reviews. Where the Co-Working Model is used the child session is still €70.00 but the parent sessions are subsidised and funded by donations made to the Centre. We aim to subsidise as much as possible however this is dependent on funding available. We do not charge more than €30.00 for parent work while it is part of the co-working model, however when possible (Funding available) and when co-working is deemed essential for safe therapeutic process the cost is less. For Clients referred through Tusla or other state agencies please contact us directly for specific costings.