Child-Centered Play Therapy

I am currently offering Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) to children ages 4–10. Research suggests that play therapy for children can be effective for a variety of concerns, including behavioral issues, grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, and academic or social challenges (A4PT, 2014). Many parents come into the office seeking play therapy, and this post will help explain how child-centered play therapy techniques work and whether this approach may be right for your child.

The Power of Play in Therapy

The philosopher Plato is often quoted as saying, “You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation” (A4PT, 2014). In just one hour of play, I can observe a child’s emotions, thoughts, beliefs about the world, and confidence in themselves. Play can help build trust and mastery, encourage creative thinking and problem-solving, elevate self-esteem, and reduce anxiety.

The Foundations of Child-Centered Play Therapy

Virginia M. Axline is considered the founder of client-centered play therapy. She referred to play as “the child’s natural medium of self-expression.” Building on the work of Carl Rogers, the originator of client-centered therapy, Axline believed that children could benefit from therapeutic conditions rooted in empathy, acceptance, genuineness, safety, and self-regard (VanFleet, Sywulak, & Sniscak, 2010).

The Eight Basic Principles of CCPT

1. A warm, friendly relationship develops between the therapist and the child.

2. The therapist accepts the child exactly as they are.
   As a therapist who uses CCPT, I make no judgments about a child’s choice of toys, colors, thoughts, opinions, or feelings shared in session.

3. A sense of permissiveness is established.
   I show interest in the child’s play to help them feel accepted. This doesn’t mean a child can do whatever they want in the therapy room; rather, it gives them permission to express themselves safely and authentically.

4. The therapist practices empathic listening and reflects the child’s feelings (VanFleet, Sywulak, & Sniscak, 2010).

5. The therapist respects the child’s ability to solve problems.
   This is a core belief of CCPT — that even young children are capable of discovering their own solutions.

6. The approach is non-directive, allowing the child to lead the session.

7. CCPT provides time and space for children to understand their thoughts, feelings, and personalities.

8. Therapists set clear, consistent limits.
   Boundaries help children feel safe and supported — especially those who struggle with anxiety, emotional regulation, or a sense of control (VanFleet, Sywulak, & Sniscak, 2010).

Is Play Therapy Right for Your Child?

Child-Centered Play Therapy is especially helpful for children who express themselves more easily through play than words. It can support emotional growth, improve behavior, and strengthen the parent–child relationship.

If you’re looking for play therapy for children in Jackson, Michigan, I currently see clients in person at my Jackson office and also provide telehealth sessions for families in North Carolina. I’m in-network with most Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) plans and also offer private-pay options.

If you believe play therapy could benefit your child, feel free to contact my office today to schedule an appointment or learn more about child counseling and play therapy services.

References

Association of Play Therapy United States. (2014). Why Play Therapy? Clovis, California

VanFleet, R., Sywulak, A., & Sniscak, C. (2010). History, Theory, Principles, and Variations of Child-Centered Play Therapy. In Child-Centered Play Therapy. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.