CHILD - CENTRED PLAY THERAPY
Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT) is a non-directive approach that supports children to explore their inner world and emotions.
Enhancing self-exploration, self-definition, and the development of positive self-concept, acceptance and responsibility are primary goals of Child-Centred Play Therapy. Another main goal in CCPT is for children to learn to express their feelings responsibly.
In the playroom, the child has access to a variety of toys and materials, which are used to facilitate exploration and communication through play. The therapist follows the child’s lead in play, actively reflecting the child’s thoughts and feelings, allowing them to use the language of play to communicate their inner world, feelings, understandings and ideas. In the play room, there is an absence of evaluation and judgement.
Child-Centred Play Therapy is not new, and is strongly backed by research. Studies highlight the method as an effective form of treatment for trauma, social and emotional challenges, self-esteem, anxiety, internalising and externalising issues, academic performance, attachment issues, disruptive behaviours, issues related to family environment, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), aggression, developmental delays, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), selective mutism and more.
THE THERAPEUTIC PROCESS
Typically, there are four identifiable stages that children move through during their play therapy journey.
The therapist notices and tracks the common ‘themes’ that children present with in the playroom during each typical stage.
The length of time spent in each stage of play is variable between children.
1. First Stage
The child can take some time to get used to the space and feel comfortable with the therapist. The first few sessions are typically focused on the building of the therapeutic relationship, and the development of safety and trust.
2. Second Stage
Once the child feels comfortable with the therapist, they can begin to test the limits of the play room. Children often do this as a way of testing the therapist, and ensuring that they can trust them to continue to support them, and view them with unconditional positive regard, even when they present the therapist with challenges.
Children in this stage progress to developing increasing capabilities for emotional awareness: constructive self-awareness; frustration tolerance; and self-control. They feel secure in their relationship with the therapist.
3. Third Stage
The child feels comfortable to be vulnerable and express themselves. They play out their challenges and experiences, coming to a deeper understanding of them. Often, negative emotions are alleviated during this process.
The child feels a great level of trust in the therapist, and this allows them to engage in play themes centering on nurturance, protection, attachment and issues relating to closeness/connection.
4. Fourth Stage
The child reaches mastery. They feel confident in themselves and their skills. They come to a deeper understanding of themselves and a strong connection to their emotional inner world.
Children present more consistently as emotionally expressive, exhibiting self control and appropriate behaviour choices, accepting of limits and boundaries, and view self and others more positively.
How does it work at NURTURED?
