Play Therapy.
Decades of research show that children learn, process experiences, communicate, and grow through play. Play is a child’s natural language and provides a developmentally appropriate way for them to express thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to put into words.
Children often express themselves more freely and authentically through self-initiated, spontaneous play than through verbal communication. Because play feels safe and familiar, it allows children to explore experiences and emotions in a way that supports healing and growth. When children are limited to verbal expression alone, this can create an unnecessary barrier to the therapeutic relationship.
Play therapy provides children with the opportunity to express, explore, and make sense of their experiences through play — the most natural, dynamic, and self-healing medium available to them.
Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT)
Child-Centred Play Therapy is a non-directive, relationship-focused, and child-led approach. The therapist follows the child’s lead, creating a safe and accepting environment where the child can explore their inner world at their own pace. CCPT is generally considered a medium- to long-term therapeutic intervention.
Play therapy is an evidence-based, trauma-informed counselling approach for children aged 2–12 years. It supports children experiencing a wide range of emotional, behavioural, developmental, social, and psychological challenges, while nurturing their inner strengths, confidence, and resilience.
What to Expect
An initial parent or caregiver session is held prior to the commencement of play therapy. This session allows time to understand your child’s needs, gather background information, and determine whether Child-Centred Play Therapy is the most appropriate therapeutic approach.
Play therapy sessions typically run for 30–45 minutes, depending on the child’s developmental needs. Weekly sessions are recommended initially, with the option to move to fortnightly sessions as therapy progresses.
During sessions, your child is invited into the playroom and encouraged to play freely with the toys in the ways that feel right for them. Feedback and parent support are provided through agreed-upon methods, such as email or phone consultation.
When appropriate, therapy may gradually become more integrative, incorporating additional play-based approaches such as sandtray, creative arts, movement, and cognitive-behavioural play interventions.
Play therapy is a collaborative process, with parents and caregivers playing an important role in supporting children throughout their therapeutic journey.
What Does Play Therapy Look Like?
Because sessions are non-directive, children are free to express themselves through play using a carefully selected range of therapeutic toys. These toys are chosen to help children explore emotions, relationships, and life experiences in a safe and symbolic way. Through play, children are able to “play out” reactions to experiences or situations that may currently feel overwhelming or difficult.
Close attention is given to the child’s play themes, toy choices, narratives, and the way they engage in play, as these offer meaningful insights into their emotional world.
Play therapy is a powerful and deeply respectful therapeutic intervention. It is a privilege to be invited into a child’s inner world and to walk alongside them on their journey toward healing, growth, and wellbeing.