What is Child Centred Play Therapy

Child Centred Play Therapy (CCPT) is a form of counselling where the therapist creates a safe and permissive space for the child to share their inner thoughts and feelings, and the meanings they make of their experience in the world. 

Conventional talking therapies may be appropriate for most adults because they are able to put their feelings, frustrations, anxieties, and personal problems into some form of verbal expression. Children however may struggle to find the words to describe complex feelings; this can mean that their feelings become difficult to control and may be expressed in undesirable ways. 

In CCPT, toys are used like words, and play is the child's language. The therapist provides carefully selected toys for self-expression and follows the child’s lead, providing attentive tracking and empathic responses.    

As the child in CCPT is helped to cope with and work through difficult memories, experiences and feelings, they develop a deeper understanding of their thoughts and feelings, and find ways of dealing with them more effectively. The child generally transfers these newly developed skills to their everyday life.

Play Therapy differs from every day play because of the therapeutic relationship that is developed between the child and the therapist.  CCPT builds on the child’s inner resources and strengths, which when supported by the therapeutic relationship, brings about growth, development and healing for the child. 

Play therapy allows children to:

· explore painful or confusing experiences and emotions in a safe way.

· learn how to express feelings in constructive ways

· accept responsibility

· find ways of dealing with situations more appropriately

· find inner resources with which to face situations

· develop resilience and self-confidence

· build positive relationships

· reach their full potential

Once the initial intake and assessment is completed with the parents/carers, goals are set and a treatment plan is developed.

The child then attends a 45 minute session each week with the same therapist, at the same time in the same room. This is very important as it creates an experience of consistency and security for the child.

During the play therapy session, the child is able to decide how they want to use that time. She or he can choose from the ‘Play Therapy Toolkit’ which includes carefully selected play materials including art and craft, play dough, sand play, storytelling, role play, dress ups, games, puppets, dance, music...the list goes on. 

This large range of activities offers the child the opportunity to try out and find the best way in which to express themselves. They can explore their experiences and emotions in a safe and non-threatening way. The child has a rare freedom within a safe environment.

The therapist follows the child’s lead and may join in the play if invited to by the child. Limits are set with the child as needed, and are done so respectfully and empathically to support the child to develop self-responsibility and decision making skills.