What is Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT)?
Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT) is a therapeutic technique designed to help children heal and develop through play. Since play is a child’s natural language, play therapy allows them to express themselves in a safe, nurturing environment.
During child-centred play sessions, a therapist follows the child’s lead, which is why this method is often called ‘child-directed play’. This approach builds trust between the child and therapist, further enhancing the effectiveness of therapy.
As children explore their inner world and the one around them, they learn a range of coping skills to help them cope with trauma, anxiety, behavioural issues or social difficulties. Since children don’t always have the words or ability to express themselves like adults, play therapy is a proven effective method for helping children overcome problems and understand themselves better.
The goals of play therapy
The main goals of play therapy for children are to help them understand and express emotions, solve problems, resolve conflicts, and build healthy coping mechanisms. As they play, they develop insights into their own behaviours and emotions, allowing them to regulate feelings and express themselves.
Other goals of play therapy are to boost a child’s self-esteem and confidence, and also strengthen relationships between parents and children. Whether your child experiences emotional, social, neurological or behavioural difficulties, CCPT therapy is a valuable method for helping children develop in a safe, supportive environment.
The benefits of play therapy
Play is fundamental to a child’s growth, development, learning, and the cultivation of relationships. It’s a natural and joyful process that offers numerous therapeutic benefits, including:
- Encourages Open and Voluntary Communication: Play provides a safe space for children to express their thoughts and emotions without the pressure of verbal language, fostering open communication.
- Builds Trust and Mastery: Through play, children learn to navigate challenges, build trust with others, and gain a sense of accomplishment and mastery over their experiences.
- Fosters Learning and Acceptable Behaviours: Play encourages the development of social norms and acceptable behaviours in a natural, non-judgmental setting.
- Regulates Emotions: Play helps children process their feelings, reduce overwhelming emotions, and learn how to manage them in a healthy way.
- Reduces Anxieties: Engaging in play allows children to explore and work through their anxieties in a manner that feels safe and supportive.
- Promotes Creative Problem-Solving: Play nurtures creativity and problem-solving skills, enabling children to approach life’s challenges with innovation and confidence.
- Elevates Spirit and Self-Esteem: Play boosts self-esteem by allowing children to succeed in imaginative and real-life scenarios, fostering a positive sense of self.
Through these benefits, play therapy empowers children to thrive emotionally, socially, and developmentally.
What behaviour and well-being outcomes can a child expect from CCPT?
- Improved emotional expression and regulation.
- Enhanced social skills and peer relationships.
- Increased self-esteem and confidence.
- Better problem-solving abilities.
- Reduced anxiety and behavioural issues.
- Greater resilience when dealing with challenges.
While children and whole families benefit from the above, parents and caregivers benefit from CCPT in the following ways.
- Improved communication with their child.
- Enhanced understanding of their child’s emotions and behaviours.
- Stronger parent-child relationships.
- Reduced parental stress and anxiety.
- Increased confidence in parenting skills.
- Greater insight into effective strategies for supporting their child’s well-being.
