What is Child Centred Group Play Therapy (CCGPT)?
This developmentally responsive program leverages the natural language of children—play—alongside therapeutic relationships to create a safe and consistent environment for healing.
Built on person-centred principles, CCGPT aims to unleash a child’s potential to move towards functional relationships and self-enhancing ways. The program prioritises the child’s experience within the counselling relationship as the catalyst for lasting, positive change.
Child Centred Group Play Therapy (CCGPT) is a specialised, play-based mental health intervention designed for young children ages 3 to 10 navigating social, emotional, behavioural, and relational challenges.
What is the session like?
Sessions in CCGPT typically involve a group of 3-8 children engaging in various play activities facilitated by a trained therapist. Activities may include art projects, games, role-playing, and other creative exercises designed to encourage expression and interaction. The therapist observes and supports the children as they play, offering guidance and interventions as needed to address any issues that arise. The environment is designed to be safe, accepting, and conducive to both individual and group development.
What outcome would they expect?
Expected outcomes of CCGPT include:
- Improved social interactions and peer relationships
- Enhanced ability to express and regulate emotions
- Increased self-esteem and confidence through group experiences
- Development of problem-solving skills and cooperative behaviors
- Strengthened emotional and behavioral regulation
Issues treated/list of symptoms:
- Social challenges (e.g., difficulties making friends, sharing)
- Behavioral issues (e.g., aggression, withdrawal)
- Emotional regulation difficulties (e.g., anxiety, anger)
- Trauma or grief-related responses
- Low self-esteem or confidence issues
Goals/Outcomes for CCGPT:
- Enhanced Social Skills: Improving how children interact with peers, cooperate, and share in a group setting.
- Emotional Expression: Helping children better express and understand their feelings through group play.
- Self-Regulation: Teaching strategies to manage emotions and behaviors in a group context.
- Confidence Building: Boosting self-esteem through positive group interactions and achievements.
- Problem-Solving: Developing effective conflict resolution and cooperative skills.
Common FAQs specifically related to this therapy:
Sessions typically last between 60-90 minutes, depending on the age group and program structure.
For a holiday program, sessions may be scheduled daily or several times a week, based on the program’s design and goals.
CCGPT is generally suited for children between the ages of 4 and 12, with specific groups tailored to different age ranges.
While not always mandatory, it is encouraged for children to have had some one-on-one play therapy sessions before participating in group therapy. This prior experience helps children build a foundation of emotional expression and self-regulation, making it easier for them to engage effectively in a group setting.
The therapist will create a supportive and encouraging environment to help children feel comfortable. If needed, gradual integration and individualised support will be provided to ease the transition into the group setting.
Observation policies vary by program. Typically, it is preferred that parents do not observe sessions to ensure children can fully engage and feel at ease in the group environment.
Progress can be assessed through improvements in social interactions, emotional expression, and behavior. The therapist will provide regular feedback and updates on your child’s development and achievements.
CCGPT can be very effective for many children, but it may not be the right fit for every child. The therapist will evaluate each child’s needs and prior therapy experiences to determine if group therapy is appropriate.