Child-Centred Play Therapy

Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT) is a well-researched, evidence based form of child-lead counselling for children who are experiencing social, emotional or behavioural difficulties. CCPT is an attitude, a philosophy and a way of being with children rather than a way of doing something to or for them. 

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As your child's trained play therapist, I respect the direction your child takes the play each session. I provide a play space which grants each child the freedom to be themselves in their process of playing out their feelings and experiences. This is achieved through the building of a trusting, unconditional, empathetic therapeutic relationship between myself and your child. In this process, I trust the inner person of the child acknowledging that the child's inner thoughts and what they say to themselves (inner dialogue) is the reality for that child. 

 

How a child feels about THEMSELVES is what makes the significant difference in behaviour. In working within the play space with your child I am sensitive to their internal world of experiencing and use my skills and knowledge to assist the child in relating to and discovering their own sense of self. It is the child's perception of reality that must be understood if the child, and behaviours of the child are to be understood.

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As a play therapist, it is my job to listen deeply and reflect back any thoughts, feelings that might help a child learn about themselves. 

Play Therapy can be lots of fun but at times, the mood in the play space can be serious as children wrestles with negative feelings or processing upsetting experiences. 

 

When children are provided with the core conditions of unconditional positive regard, empathy and congruence they can 'play out' what they need to and this can bring enormous relief for children. They can see troubles from a new perspective, to ask for help if they need it or practise new ways of being and interacting with others. 

 

Research and evidence shows that PT is suitable and beneficial for all kinds of children experiencing all kinds of difficulties:

• Anxiety, depression, struggling with peer relationships

• Challenging behaviour, attention difficulties, low confidence

• Loss, bereavement, parental separation, abuse, trauma.