The Power of Child-Centered Play Therapy

Someone once told me that having a child is like having a physical part of yourself walking around out in the world. Maybe this is why it is so very hard to witness your own child(ren) suffer in any way – it’s like an actual part of you is in pain! 

And maybe it’s also why parents and caregivers (myself included!) often have a strong urge to step in and do whatever they can to ease their children’s suffering – apply a bandaid, fix a broken toy, mend a friendship, solve a problem. This urge to connect and heal is strong because it’s necessary for our survival as a species! Sometimes it’s so strong that we parents step in, even if our child is simply uncomfortable or discouraged or disappointed. And in that moment, it can be hard to imagine how a child might feel when we do this repeatedly.

In therapy, sometimes people are seeking practical solutions with direct involvement, but most often they just need someone to listen (like fully listen!). This is true with our kids too! Our urge to apply that bandaid and insert ourselves into the solution can overshadow what our kids need, which is someone to be fully present as they work something through. It takes effort not to jump to a solution and to only provide empathy. In these moments, I remind myself that sometimes the most powerful healing begins when someone feels safe enough to speak their truth and know they won’t be judged or interrupted, just heard and understood.

Empathy like this is not only vital in everyday parenting, but also lies at the heart of child-centered play therapy (CCPT), a powerful therapeutic approach that supports healing through a child’s most natural form of communication – play!

What is Child-Centered Play Therapy?

CCPT is built on a warm, accepting relationship between child and therapist. The approach is non-directive, meaning the therapist does not lead the play in any way by making suggestions. They don’t even ask questions! 

The therapist facilitates the safest space possible for the child’s self-expression. They do this by providing a reliable and predictable structure. These considerations includes 

• The physical space
• The length of session
• Consistent limits set as needed to ensure safety, as well as
• A range of toys for a child to explore (e.g. dolls, a doctor kid, art supplies, pretend weapons). 

Within this container, the therapist allows the child’s process experiences at their own pace, with whatever materials they choose, in whatever way they choose to do so. 

During the session, the therapist observes how a child is playing and what they might be feeling. They gently reflect this aloud, without judgement, to the child. This reflection serves many purposes including

1. Demonstrating the therapist’s undivided attention
2. Demonstrating the therapist’s emotional attunement with the child
3. Communicating acceptance of the child 
4. Bringing the child’s behaviors and emotions into their own conscious awareness. 

By taking the child’s lead in this way, the therapist communicates trust in the child. And this in turn helps the child build trust in themselves and their own instincts and intuition. The therapist co-regulates by remaining safe and calm, even when the child might feel out of control, so that the child can then learn to better regulate their own emotions and experiences.

Origins of Child-Centered Play Therapy

CCPT traces its roots to the humanistic theories of Carl Rogers. Rogerian therapy emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence as foundational elements of psychological growth. In the 1940s, Virginia Axline, a student of Rogers, expanded these ideas into the realm of child therapy. Axline believed that children, when provided a supportive and non-judgmental environment, could access inner resources and move toward healing. 

Later, two key figures – Louise and Bernard Guerney – played a significant role in broadening CCPT’s reach. The Guerneys developed “Filial Therapy,” an extension of CCPT that trains parents to support their child’s healing. In an approach that involves parent coaching, clinicians support parents in learning the primary skills of CCPT: structuring, empathic reflection and limit-setting. This innovation bridged the gap between therapy and home.

Why choose Child-Centered Play Therapy

CCPT facilitates long-lasting emotional growth and healing. Rather than targeting specific behaviors, it helps children to:

• Develop self-awareness and emotional regulation
• Strengthen self-esteem and self-acceptance
• Improve problem-solving and coping skills
• Enhance their ability to form healthy relationships

CCPT allows children to take ownership of their emotional journeys. This self-trust and resilience then extends beyond the therapy room. Research supports the effectiveness of CCPT across a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges and results in significant improvements in children’s overall emotional functioning. Studies have highlighted its success with children experiencing trauma, anxiety, ADHD, and disruptive behavior disorders, with gains often maintained long after therapy ends.

Child-centered play therapy offers a path to healing through empathy, respect, and emotional connection. Rooted in the belief that children, like adults, are capable of growth when met with understanding, CCPT helps young people to heal, trust themselves and find their voice.

Interested in learning more about child-centered play therapy or working with Jess? Reach out to us here to get started.

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