Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) is a therapeutic approach that allows children to express their emotions and experiences through play. With the provision of a safe and supportive environment, the play therapist uses play therapy to help children express themselves when they do not have the verbal language to express their thoughts, feelings, and/or experiences.

Play therapy is based on the belief that toys are a child's words and play is their language.

CCPT can help children with a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges, including:

• Anxiety and fear  

• Anger and aggression  

• Depression and sadness  

• Trauma  

• Difficulty with relationships  

• Low self-esteem

• Behavioral problems

It helps children to:

• Process difficult emotions and experiences

• Improve verbal and non-verbal communication.

• Develop strategies to manage their emotions in a healthy way.

• Develop a stronger sense of self-worth.

• Identify problems, explore solutions, and develop coping mechanisms

• Build stronger relationships with peers and family members.

Child-centered play therapy empowers children to understand and cope with their challenges in a way that is natural and enjoyable to them.

A CCPT session is typically child-led, meaning the child chooses the toys and activities. The therapist creates a warm and accepting environment, observing the child's play and providing support as needed. There is no set agenda or specific goals for each session; the focus is on the child's process.

The duration of CCPT varies depending on the child's needs and progress. Typically, sessions last between 45-60 minutes, and the frequency of sessions is determined by the therapist and the child's family. On average, a child may need between 12-24 sessions or more.

Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in CCPT. They are often involved in initial assessments and ongoing communication with the therapist. While parents do not typically attend their child’s therapy sessions, they are encouraged to support their child's progress at home.

Research has shown that CCPT is an effective treatment for children's emotional and behavioral problems. It has been successfully used to address a variety of issues, and many children show significant improvement after completing therapy.

While both play therapists and psychologists work to support children's emotional and mental well-being, there are key differences in their focus and therapeutic delivery.

A play therapist uses play as a therapeutic tool to help children express and process emotions. A safe and supportive environment is created where children can explore their feelings through play. This is best for children who may struggle to verbalize their emotions or who would benefit from a non-verbal approach to therapy.