Child-Centred Play Therapy
Child-centred-play therapy (CCPT) is a form of psychotherapy or counselling, where children use play - their natural way of expressing themselves - to work through emotional, behavioural, or social difficulties. The therapist follows the child’s lead and creates a safe, accepting environment where the child is free to work on the challenges and unmet needs that underlie their behaviours.
Play Therapy helps children
Research shows that Play Therapy is an effective approach for children experiencing:
Adjustment to family changes
Friendship challenges and difficulties making friends
Intense emotional experiences such as anger, fear, sadness, shyness and anxiety
Aggression and behavioural concerns
Bullying and school difficulties
ADHD, ADD and autism
Abuse and neglect
Social adjustment concerns
Separation anxiety
Sleeping and eating concerns
Self-concept and self esteem difficulties
Trauma
Grief and Loss
Chronic illness/hospitalisation/surgery
Physical symptoms without medical cause
Foster, adoption and identity issues
Prenatal and birth trauma
Selective mutism
Evidence Based Research for Child Centred Play Therapy
What do Play Therapy Sessions ‘look like’?
The therapist works 1:1 with your child, in a designated ‘playroom.’ Children are free to play and express themselves in almost any way they choose. This can include with toys, creative and sensory materials like sand, paint, playdough, and with role play.
Sessions are typically 45 minutes long (sometimes shorter sessions are offered for younger children or depending on their developmental level).
Parents and caregivers are a really important part of the child’s therapy and healing journey.
The first appointment is always with caregivers only. We meet for approximately 1.5 hours, and speak in depth about your child, their journey in life until now, answer any questions, and set goals for therapy.
Ongoing, the therapist and caregivers meet every 5-6 sessions to share progress, discuss and problem-solve through challenges and celebrate successes. This will continue until the completion of your child’s therapy process.
CCPT is best suited for children aged 3 to teens. Everybody is welcome.