What is Child-Centered Play Therapy?

Imagine walking into a room where there are no expectations, no wrong answers, and (almost) no rules. The room is bright and filled with toys and art supplies. You are free to say anything and do almost anything you want.

Sounds like any kid’s dream, right? That’s what happens in Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT). Kids are given the freedom to be the “play boss” for an hour each week in order to help them process and express emotions and events.

Adults express themselves through words. They name and verbalize difficult feelings, events, and beliefs. Children, on the other hand, use play as their primary tool to learn and discover themselves. CCPT adopts the natural language of children and molds it into a therapeutic space.

Learn More About Child-Centered Play Therapy

Child-Centered Play Therapy was created from the understanding that children experience the world differently than adults do. Developed by psychologist Virginia Axline and inspired by the work of Carl Rogers, CCPT grew out of the belief that children, when given the right environment, have a natural ability to heal and grow. Because children don’t always have the words to explain big emotions or difficult experiences, CCPT was designed to meet them where they are, through play.

Research and brain science support what play therapists have long observed: play is how children make sense of their world. Through play, children can express thoughts and feelings that may feel confusing, overwhelming, or unsafe to say out loud. The playroom becomes a space where emotions can be explored safely, relationships can be practiced, and new coping skills can emerge. With a consistent, attuned therapist present, children begin to feel understood, regulated, and empowered, often in ways that don’t require words at all.

The 8 Principles of CCPT

Develop a warm, caring relationship between therapist and client

The first goal of any therapeutic alliance is to develop rapport. This trust, warmth, and safety are the foundation for all change that happens in the playroom.

Example: Introduce the playroom and allow the client to explore in whatever way they choose; no pressure to answer a million questions or even talk at all.

Accept the child exactly as they are

Kids are often expected to act certain ways, whether it’s at dinnertime, in school, or while grocery shopping. In the playroom, they get a break. The therapist intentionally communicates unconditional positive regard, allowing the child to simply be.

Example: The client is allowed to make messes, say curse words, and throw pillows.

Establish a feeling of safety and permissiveness

Within the freedom of the playroom, the child is free to explore thoughts, emotions, and behaviors through play. The therapist is there to facilitate this freedom while also encouraging physical safety when necessary.

Example: All sessions begin with the statement, “In here, you are allowed to say whatever you want and do almost anything. If you do something you aren’t supposed to, I will tell you.”

Recognize and reflect feelings

The therapist observes and reflects emotions back to the child to help them gain vocabulary and understanding. This not only improves the child’s emotional awareness but also supports the therapeutic relationship.

Example: “Ooooh, the tiger is fighting the elephant because he’s angry!”

Respect the child’s innate ability to solve their problems

Rather than rushing to “fix” challenges the client may face, the CCPT therapist takes a step back and allows the child to lead.

Example: If a client is struggling to fix a broken toy, the therapist might say, “You really want to fix Batman, and you are not giving up!”

Allow the child to lead the play

Allowing the child to lead the play provides autonomy and empowers the child in their own decision-making. The therapist does not guide, suggest, urge, or lead in any way.

Example: The therapist sits back while the child builds with LEGO toys and only joins if invited.

Recognize the gradual nature of the child’s process

Healing unfolds at the child’s pace. The therapist does not hurry the child’s process, push for insight-building, or make changes until the child is ready. Children typically display different kinds of play throughout CCPT, and changes in play signal that progress is happening.

Example: If a child historically participates in solitary play during a session and suddenly invites the therapist to join, the therapist reflects, “You want me to play with you today.”

Set limits only when necessary

Remember when I said children are allowed to say anything they want and do almost anything? Well, it’s true. Limits are introduced at the therapist’s discretion but are often only used when safety is a concern.

Example: A child is allowed to throw stuffed animals, but if one is thrown at the therapist’s head, she may say, “One thing you can’t do in the playroom is throw toys at my head.”

Child-Centered Play Therapy is a warm and supportive therapeutic model that allows children to freely express themselves. The model accepts children for just as they are and allows them to learn and grow. For that reason, we love offering CCPT to our clients.

Written by Rachel Millan, Therapist

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Calm Mind Therapy is a boutique mental health practice located in Ardmore, PA, specializing in the care of children, adolescents, and adults. Our mission is to provide the Main Line with high-quality mental health services for all ages. Our goal is to help our clients achieve emotional well-being and build a life worth living. Serving clients in Ardmore, Bryn Mawr, Wynnewood, Narberth, Radnor, Lower Merion, Haverford, Havertown, Villanova, Swarthmore, Devon, Berwyn, Malvern, Bala Cynwyd, and more.