What is Child Centered Play Therapy?
If we want to help children grow or heal, we must first understand where they are emotionally, and one of the most powerful ways to do that is through play. That’s why we’re proud to offer Child‑Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)—a warm, responsive, evidence-based approach designed especially for young children.
Here’s how we think of it, in everyday language: instead of asking a child to tell us what’s going on inside with their words (which can be tough for kids), CCPT invites the child to show us through play. The therapist creates a safe and trusting environment, provides developmentally responsive toys and materials, and follows the child’s pace and lead.
In CCPT:
We believe everyone is hard-wired to heal and that given a safe environment with a CCPT trained therapist, they child will direct the play naturally towards what they are trying to heal. The therapist’s role is to observe, reflect, and support—not to lead, control, or impose a direct agenda.
The “play” is the language. Because children often express feelings, worries, and experiences in symbolic ways, the play becomes the space for serious work—building self-awareness, emotion regulation, self-concept, and resilience.
The focus is on the relationship between child and therapist: a non-judgmental, attuned presence that offers contained, respectful witnessing of the child’s internal world.
Why This Matters for Kids
Children often don’t have the verbal vocabulary, recognition, or comfort level to describe what’s going on inside them. Yet many things—from changes in family, social stress, school transitions, big feelings, trauma, or developmental differences—show up in behavior, play themes, emotional regulation, self-concept, and peer relationships. CCPT gives children a developmental and relational way in.
Because the child is driving the process naturally, the therapy doesn’t feel forced or scary—it feels inviting and safe. And it’s precisely that safety and child-led pace that allow healing to happen.
What kinds of issues can CCPT help with?
CCPT is versatile and can be helpful for a wide range of presenting concerns. At In Bloom Counseling we often see children who may be dealing with:
Big emotional changes (e.g., anxiety, sadness, frustration)
Behavior or regulation challenges (e.g., oppositional behavior, aggression, frequent meltdowns)
Self-concept or identity issues (e.g., low self-esteem, feeling different, changes in peer relationships)
Trauma, loss, transitions (e.g., change in family structure, moves, grief)
Developmental and relational stress (e.g., difficulties at school, changes in friendships, sibling rivalry)
Examples of how CCPT works in real life
A 5-year-old who begins acting out in preschool after a move might use toy figures to “re-play” the move in therapy, processing feelings of confusion or loss with the therapist's support, and develop through play stronger emotional regulation and confidence.
A child who is anxious or has experienced change may feel nervous about therapy; by being invited into the play and with the therapist simply being present, the child often begins to express what’s hard, feels seen, and learns new ways to cope.
What the Research Says
One of the first questions we often hear from parents is: “Does this actually work?” The answer: yes—CCPT is well-supported by research. Children aged roughly 3 to 12 who engage in play therapy (including CCPT) show measurable improvements in behavioral and emotional issues.
Children who participate in CCPT tend to show meaningful improvements—not just “a little bit better” but noticeably better—in emotional regulation, behavior, self-concept, peer/teacher relationships, and overall coping. And those improvements show up across ages, genders, and types of presenting problems (though naturally each child is unique).
While no therapy can guarantee a “cure,” CCPT offers parents and children a developmentally responsive, evidence-informed pathway toward healthier emotional and behavioral functioning.
How CCPT works at In Bloom Counseling
Here’s how we integrate CCPT into our practice—so you know what to expect, and when it might be the right fit for your child and family.
Initial Consultation
We begin with a parent-coach or parent-consult session (depending on your child’s age and presenting concerns), where we gather background: what you’re noticing, what your child is experiencing, how family/work/school life is intersecting with those challenges. Together we decide if CCPT is a good fit for your child. CCPT tends to be especially appropriate for children roughly ages 3 to 12 who are more comfortable with play than lengthy verbal processing. (Research supports this age range.)
Therapy Sessions
Sessions are held in a play-therapy room equipped with carefully chosen toys and materials (sand tray, figurines, art materials, puppets, etc.)
The therapist follows the child’s lead—allowing the child to choose what to play, how to play, and what to express.
The therapist uses reflective language, attuned response, and creates a supportive space for the child to explore feelings and experiences.
Over time, themes emerge (e.g., fear, anger, grief, identity, friendships), and the child begins to process, integrate, experiment with new roles or behaviors, and strengthen coping skills.
Periodically the therapist meets with the parent(s) to share general observations (while preserving the child’s confidentiality) and provide parent-coach input: suggestions for how to support the child’s growth at home, reinforce safe emotional expression, and celebrate strengths.
Regular review and collaboration
We review progress together (child, parent, therapist) every 4-6 sessions: how play themes are developing, how the child’s emotional/behavioral functioning is shifting, and how parent/child interactions and home routines are evolving. If needed, we integrate supplemental approaches (e.g., parent coaching, school consultation) to provide holistic support.
When might CCPT be especially helpful— and when something else might be considered?
Great fit
A child who is young (3-12 yrs), especially at the preschool/lower elementary level.
A child who may not yet have the language to fully articulate feelings but is showing emotional or behavioral distress (meltdowns, anxiety, withdrawal, aggression, changes in peer or school functioning).
A child who resists more verbal/“talk-therapy” formats.
A family seeking an approach that is respectful of developmental stage, and rooted in strengthening emotional regulation, self-concept, and relational safety.
When we might consider other or supplemental approaches
For older children/adolescents who are able to engage more verbally and cognitively, we would consider integrative models (e.g., trauma-focused CBT) or more structured approaches.
If there are significant co-occurring issues (e.g., severe trauma, complex developmental disorders, acute risk) we may combine CCPT with other evidence-based interventions.
If a child is very verbal and ready for more direct talk-therapy, we’ll discuss what makes sense and may integrate other approaches accordingly.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been witnessing something in your child that doesn’t feel just right—maybe it’s increased anxiety, acting out, withdrawal from friends, big feelings around change, or you’re simply noticing that your child’s emotional world is expanding fast and your usual “talk‐it‐out” strategies don’t seem to quite reach.
CCPT offers another pathway: one that says “Yes — it’s okay that your child can’t yet neatly tell you what’s inside. Let us invite the child to express it through play, and let us build emotional strength together.”
At In Bloom Counseling, our goal is to walk alongside families in these transitions — helping children feel safe, understood, and growing toward their best selves, and helping parents feel supported, guided, and confident in their child’s journey.