Parent Press

a Goally Publication

Get

Goally

What is Child-Centered Play Therapy?

Home>>Neurodiversopedia>>C Terms

Summary

summary

Child-centered play therapy (CCPT) is a type of therapy that uses play to help kids ages 3-10 grow socially and emotionally. It focuses on the child’s needs and helps them develop better relationships and behaviors.

Frequently Asked Question

donut

How does CCPT differ from traditional talk therapy?

Unlike traditional talk therapy, CCPT relies on play as the primary means of expression, allowing children to communicate and explore their emotions and thoughts in a way that feels natural and engaging for them.

Is CCPT effective for children with varying degrees of autism?

Yes, CCPT is adaptable and can be tailored to suit the unique needs and abilities of children across the autism spectrum, making it an effective approach for a wide range of individuals.

What qualifications should a CCPT therapist have?

A CCPT therapist should have specialized training in play therapy and experience working with children on the autism spectrum to ensure they can provide effective and empathetic support.

Can parents get involved in CCPT sessions with their child?

In some cases, parents may be encouraged to participate in CCPT sessions to learn how to continue supporting their child’s development at home and strengthen the parent-child relationship.

Scientific Definition

scientist

Child-centered play therapy is a form of psychotherapy that utilizes play as children’s primary means of communication and expression. CCPT is based on the belief that play is a child’s natural language and that through self-directed play in a safe, accepting environment with a trained therapist, children can resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development. Research has shown CCPT to be an effective intervention for children experiencing various emotional, behavioral, and relational issues.

Resources:

Real World Example of Child-Centered Play Therapy

Meet Susie, a bright and imaginative child with autism. She struggled with communication and social interaction until her parents discovered child-centered play therapy. Here’s how CCPT transformed her life:

  • Child-Led Exploration: In CCPT, Susie chooses toys and activities that spark her interest, like colorful building blocks and art supplies.
  • Therapist Support: Her therapist, Ms. Emily, joins in, showing genuine interest in Susie’s creations and ideas.
  • Growing Trust: With time, Susie feels safe and secure with Ms. Emily, allowing her to express herself freely.
  • Expressive Play: Susie learns to communicate her feelings and thoughts through play, even creating stories with her toys.
  • Making Friends: Child-centered play therapy helps Susie practice sharing, taking turns, and understanding others, improving her social skills.
  • Emotional Triumphs: She also discovers ways to manage her emotions, reducing anxiety and meltdowns.
  • Problem-Solving Skills: Susie develops problem-solving abilities, which she applies daily.
  • Real-Life Progress: The skills Susie gains during CCPT benefit her at home, school, and in her community.

Child-Centered Play Therapy empowers children like Susie to embrace their uniqueness and thrive in their own way.

How Does Child-Centered Play Therapy Work?

Child-centered play therapy is a gentle approach that helps children with autism thrive. Here’s how it works:

Component Description
Child-Led Play Children choose what to play with, allowing them to express themselves in their own way.
Therapist Engagement Trained therapists join the play, following the child’s lead without judgment.
Building Trust A strong bond forms between the child and therapist over time.
Communication Through play, children learn to express feelings and thoughts.
Social Skills They practice sharing, taking turns, and understanding others.
Emotional Regulation CCPT helps children manage emotions and reduce anxiety.
Problem-Solving Kids learn to find solutions and cope with challenges.
Generalization Skills learned in therapy can be applied to real-life situations.

Child-centered play therapy encourages personal growth and development in a supportive, child-focused way. 

 

This post was originally published on Sept. 20, 2023. It was updated on April 3, 2024.