Child Centered Play Theraepy

Child-Centered Play Therapy

Dr. Garry Landreth (2012) defines play therapy as “a dynamic interpersonal relationship between a child (or person of any age) and a therapist trained in play therapy procedures who provides selected play materials and facilitates the development of a safe relationship for the child (or person of any age) to fully express and explore self (feelings, thoughts, experiences, and behaviors) through play, the child’s natural medium of communication, for optimal growth and development.”

How does CCPT Work

Just as adults talk about their problems to feel better, children best communicate through play.  Through play, children express bothersome feelings and thoughts, and through the therapeutic process, therapists help children develop appropriate expression of their feelings, develop solutions to their problems, and develop responsibilities for their own actions.  Play therapists foster an environment that helps children feel understood, accepted and safe.  As a result of this relationship, children are less likely to maintain problematic behaviors.

How is CCPT Different from Other Child Therapy Methods?

CCPT is based on knowledge of child development, which acknowledges that for children, play is the most natural means to facilitate learning and expression due to abstract thinking not yet being present.  Extensive research shows that CCPT is an effective therapy for children with a variety of presenting problems.  The primary goals in CCPT are to help children develop self control, self responsibility, and an internal locus of evaluation.

For Which Population does CCPT Work?

The research base for CCPT is extensive. CCPT has evidence supporting its use for children ages 3-9 with these presenting problems.

  • ADHD

  • Aggression

  • Behavioral Problems

  • Negative Self-Esteem

  • Social Skills Deficits

  • Teacher/Student Problems

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Parent/Child Difficulites

  • Trauma

CCPT is effective in once a week formats for approximately 12 week sessions. (Ray, 2008; Ray, Henson, Schottelkorb, Brown & Muro, 2008). However, the length of therapy will differ depending on each individual childs’ needs.