Child-centered play therapists (CCPTs) are qualified professionals who use play therapy as a therapeutic medium to help children and teens self-express and resolve internal conflicts. This approach stems from an understanding that play is a mode of communication that comes naturally kids. CCPT allows youngsters to express feelings they can’t always verbally articulate. In child-centered play therapy, play therapists empower kids to explore their inner world and cope with stressful situations.

This form of therapy enhances the self-esteem of young clients, boosting their emotional healing and growth capacity. CCPT strengthens family dynamics as well. That’s why a therapist may use CCPT in conjunction with family system therapy to provide emotional support to children going through difficult life experiences.

Play therapists will follow their young client’s lead in play therapy. When they realize that their young clients can’t communicate their innermost thoughts like other kids do, they create a safe space where kids engage in play & pretend. This way, they develop a strong bond of trust with their therapist. So, CCPT helps kids become better at communicating with adults

10 Benefits of Child-Centered Play Therapy

In CCPT, therapists acknowledge the fact that play is a key medium of expression for children who swap toys for words. In trauma therapy, therapists utilize different approaches to help clients process and heal from trauma. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is an effective approach where therapists combine trauma-sensitive interventions with cognitive-behavioral techniques to create a very structured approach in which trauma narrative and trauma integration help children not only confront but also make sense of their trauma in a safe environment. Trauma therapy equips kids with the coping skills they need to regulate their emotions and overcome the symptoms of trauma.

When a play therapist uses CCPT to work with a child, they can bring out important areas that need internal work. They will then use these identified challenges to promote emotional regulation and self-control in kids. Play therapy relies on four pillars and follows eight important principles (as per the standards set by the famous author Virginia Mae Axline in her 1947 book Play Therapy):

• Forming an alliance with the kid

• Accepting the kid for who they are

• Creating a safe space in the clinic

• Recognizing the feelings the kid has expressed

• Respecting the kid’s problem-solving acumen

• Letting the child lead the session on their own

• Conducting the session with patience

• Establishing limitations to keep the session grounded in reality

Here are 10 reasons why play therapy plays a key role in childhood development and well-being:

Promoting Emotional Expression

Play therapy makes kids better at emotional expression, especially when it comes to complex emotions like guilt or jealousy. They use toys, games, quizzes, painting, and other modes of expression to probably enact a scenario that reflects their true feelings regarding their parents and other stuff. Play therapists let kids explore their emotions and process them healthily.

Enhancing Self-Esteem

Kids build their self-esteem in CCPT sessions. For instance, solving a puzzle or building something in the play area will boost their self-confidence. That's why play therapists let kids take the lead in all CCPT sessions. This confidence boost has lasting effects on their self-image & willingness to take on challenges outside the therapy room.

Developing Problem-Solving Skills

As per the eight tenets of CCPT, therapists nurture a kid’s problem-solving skills via play. If a child is playing with action figures and encounters a conflict between characters, a play therapist might guide them to find resolutions through negotiation or creative storytelling.

Reducing Stress/Anxiety

The clinic settings serve as a sanctuary where kids deal with pent-up emotions constructively. Painting or playing with clay will become an outlet for sadness and frustration. The structured routine of play will help create predictability for kids feeling overwhelmed by situations like:

• Stress

• Anxiety

• Trauma

• Depression

• Behavioral issues

• Relationship difficulties

Improving Social Skills

Interactive play scenarios are a vital part of CCPT. Therapists help them learn key social behaviors in a group session. For instance, they learn to share, take turns, listen to others patiently, express empathy, etc. They become much better at understanding social cues and developing healthy bonds with peers in these sessions.

Encouraging Self-Responsibility

Child-centered play therapy plays a key role in boosting a kid's sense of responsibility. During their CCPT session, they learn how to plan and execute their ideas as well as face the consequences of making a bad decision. It empowers them to be more responsible and make better personal decisions.

Facilitating Trauma Processing

Kids who experience trauma often struggle with self-expression. They may become nonverbal or suffer from mixed feelings regarding those traumatic events. CCPT uses symbolic play to help kids process such feelings and overcome the symptoms of trauma. For instance, using puppets/dolls to reenact traumatic events allows them to externalize their experiences safely.

Supporting Behavioral Regulation

Many behavioral issues stem from a child's inability to regulate their emotions. When they can't keep their emotions in check or make sense of them, it often leads to behavioral issues. So, CCPT helps children identify which emotions they're feeling and how to manage negative emotions positively. They do that via several play-based activities to master the art of self-regulation.

For example, therapists can introduce calming techniques during play sessions—such as deep breathing exercises when a child becomes frustrated during a game—which can be applied outside therapy when faced with emotional challenges at home or school.

Enhancing Cognitive Development

Therapists can use CCPT to stimulate cognitive development in kids. For instance, children can engage in imaginative play in a safe space. It'll hone their creative skills, and kids will become more flexible cognitively. It's just like when a child pretends to be a doctor treating stuffed animals, and then they're essentially doing a role-playing exercise that'll sharpen their critical thinking skills. Also, structured activities like board games will further promote strategic thinking and problem-solving in kids.

Strengthening Therapeutic Bond

Lastly, therapists keep in mind that therapy forms the foundation of the relationship between a therapist and a young client. Play therapists build and strengthen this trust by engaging in various playful activities that align with the child's interests. When the young client feels accepted within their playful context, they become open to the idea of exploring complex emotions with the therapist's support.

This strong therapeutic alliance is essential for fostering long-term emotional growth and healing.

CCPT and Core Wellness

Child-centered play therapy works under the assumption that children grow in a positive & healthy manner when they feel safe and loved. Therapists create a safe space where self-expression blooms. In this safe space, kids can direct the session and try to overcome their behavioral issues.

At Core Wellness, we believe that mental health professionals are always exploring new and amazing ways to support children’s well-being. The CCPT method honors kids and empowers them to understand not only themselves but also the world around them. To learn more about integrating CCPT into your practice, you can check out our amazing live and on-demand courses from Brenna Hicks, which discuss the history, foundational principles, four pillars, practical application, and necessary techniques of child-centered play therapy.