“Toys are children’s words and play is their language.” – Dr. Garry Landreth
The idea of therapy is often associated with speaking. Adults sort through complex experiences and challenging emotions through words, reflections, analysis, and nonverbal exchanges. However, for our children, these advanced tools are not fully developed yet in their growing brains. So, how do we help them navigate their world?
The key is playing. They use toys to play out scenarios, imagine new experiences, process complex emotions, and bring their inner thoughts to the surface to communicate in a way they cannot with words yet. Then, with the support of a therapeutic guide aka a child centered play therapist, children heal, grow, and change through playing.
So, what does it mean to be truly child-centered?
Therapeutic Environment: The therapy typically takes place in a safe, comfortable space that’s equipped with a variety of toys, art materials, and other play items.
Child-Led Play: Unlike some therapeutic approaches where the therapist takes a more directive role, CCPT is child-centered. This means that children lead the play, choosing the activities and themes that are most meaningful to them. The therapist observes and supports the child’s choices.
Non-Directive Approach: In CCPT, therapists use a non-directive approach, meaning they allow the child to express themselves freely. The therapist provides a supportive presence and reflects the child's feelings and experiences but doesn’t direct the play.
Expression and Processing: Through play, children can express feelings and thoughts that they might not be able to verbalize. This can include their fears, frustrations, or joys. Play allows them to work through these emotions in a safe and controlled way.
Building a Therapeutic Relationship: A key component of CCPT is the relationship between the child and the therapist. By providing a consistent, empathetic, and accepting presence, the therapist helps build trust, which is crucial for effective therapy.
Emotional and Behavioral Insights: As children play, they may reenact scenarios from their own lives or create new stories. This can give therapists insights into the child’s internal world, including their emotions, relationships, and coping mechanisms then the therapist can reflect how to help the child change.
Parental Involvement: While the therapy itself is focused on the child, therapists often work with parents or caregivers to provide support and guidance. This might include discussing the child’s progress, suggesting ways to support the child at home, and helping parents understand the therapeutic process.
CCPT is an evidence-based practice created by Dr. Carl Rogers’ student Dr. Virginia Axline in the 20th century. According to a 2015 metanalysis of 52 studies in which CCPT was used, it was found that children improved in academic performance, interpersonal challenges, problematic behaviors, and self-efficacy (Lin & Bratton, 2015).
To learn more about CCPT, visit the Center for Play Therapy (UNT), Dr. Brenna, Hicks, and the Association of Play Therapy (APT).
Is Child-Centered Play Therapy right for you child?
If your child is struggling with behavioral challenges, anxiety, meltdowns, trauma, social difficulties, or big feelings then CCPT can be a beneficial support for them. Some goals of CCPT include:
Being more self-directive
Develop a positive self-concept
Learn to express feelings responsibly
Assume responsibility for own actions
Learn self-control and self-direction
Learn creative problem-solving skills
Learn feelings are acceptable and non-controlling
Process traumatic events in a healthy and prosocial way
Child-Centered play therapy (CCPT) is not just about the toys, it is about the space and the time. Child-Centered play therapists genuinely believe children can heal, grow, and change with the time, the tools (aka the toys), the space, and the relationship with the therapeutic guide. By engaging with a child in these ways, the child feels both safe enough to express what challenges them and brave enough to change what is no longer working.
Retrieved from Landreth, G. L. (2012). Play Therapy, The Art of the Relationship. Routledge Taylor & Francis Group.
Caroline Kovatch, MHC-LP is a registered child-centered play therapist who provides play and talk therapy, along with parent support, for children and adolescents in Pleasantville and virtually in New York State. She supports children, families, and young adults experiencing a range of challenges.
Learn more about Caroline at www.pleasantvilletherapy.com
(914) 488-4343
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