At Happy Hearts Play Therapy, we understand that childhood is a unique journey filled with joy, curiosity, and sometimes, challenges. Children often experience a range of emotions—like frustration, fear, and excitement—that they may not yet have the words to express. When these feelings are left unspoken, they can affect a child's confidence, behaviour, and relationships. That’s where Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT) comes in. We believe every child deserves to feel understood, safe, and supported, and through the transformative power of play, CCPT empowers children to navigate their emotions, unlocking emotional resilience and fostering lasting personal growth
‘Play is a child’s language and toys are their words’
(Garry Landreth)
What is Child Centred Play Therapy?
Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT) is a therapeutic approach that uses play—children’s natural form of communication—to help them express their feelings, thoughts, and experiences. Unlike adults, who rely on words to communicate, children use play as their language. In CCPT, the therapist enters the child’s world, following their lead in play to help them process emotions, make sense of their experiences, and work through challenges in a way that feels natural and safe for them.
Play is much more than just fun for children; it’s how they express what they can’t put into words. Toys become tools for them to show what they’ve been through, how they feel, and what they need. Sometimes, children use play to act out things they’re too afraid or uncomfortable to talk about, or even things they don’t consciously remember but are stored in their unconscious mind. These can be emotions or memories they haven’t fully processed yet.
In CCPT, the therapist provides a safe, accepting space for children to explore their emotions through play. This allows them to release feelings they might otherwise hold inside and communicate in a way that feels right to them. As they play, they begin to heal, grow, and develop a better understanding of themselves. This process respects that children experience the world differently from adults. They need movement, creativity, and play to make sense of their world and express their feelings.
Rather than expecting children to communicate like adults, CCPT honours each child’s unique way of expressing themselves. It creates a therapeutic environment where they feel understood, supported, and free to work through emotions and experiences on their own terms. Through this process, children develop emotional resilience and a stronger sense of self, helping them thrive.
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What to Expect for Your Child in CCPT
What Parents/Carers Can Expect
How Long Does the CCPT Process Take?
The Benefits of Play Therapy
Does Play Therapy Work?
What to Expect for Your Child in
Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT)
In Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT), your child will be met with warmth, understanding, and unconditional acceptance, creating a safe space for them to express themselves. Since children naturally communicate through play, the one-on-one therapy sessions are designed to meet them where they are at and at their level. In a typical session, your child will enter a room filled with carefully chosen toys and materials that are meant to represent different aspects of their world and emotions.
The therapist will let your child take the lead, following their choices and actions without directing or pushing them. This freedom is essential, as it allows children to play out their feelings and experiences in a way that is comfortable and natural to them. Sometimes, play might look fun and light-hearted, while other times, it may seem more intense, reflecting the child’s attempts to process difficult emotions.
VIDEO LINK Introduction to Play Therapy for Children
What Parents/Carers Can Expect
Sessions are preferably booked on the same day and time each week to provide continuity and consistency for your child. Each sessions typically last 45 minutes, with an additional 15 minutes allocated for the therapist to take notes and reflect on the session. While your child is in CCPT, we encourage parents / carers to wait in the waiting room or nearby to give the child the space and privacy they need to fully engage in the process.
At Happy Hearts Play Therapy, we understand that the support of parents and carers is essential to a child’s progress. That’s why we schedule regular check-ins every 4-6 weeks to discuss your child’s development, address any concerns, and offer strategies for continuing the progress at home. Your involvement strengthens the positive changes your child is making and deepens your connection with them.
VIDEO LINK Introduction to Play Therapy for Parents
Expression and Emotional Processing Through Play
Parents/Carers can expect their child to use play to express emotions they may not yet have words for. They might use dolls or action figures to act out conflicts or build structures that represent a safe or chaotic world. Through their play, children work through fears, worries, confusion, and other big feelings. For example, children who feel overwhelmed by anger or sadness might express these emotions by knocking down a block tower or using aggressive play. This might feel uncomfortable to see, but it’s actually a healthy and necessary way for them to release and understand their emotions.
The Role of the Therapeutic Relationship in Fostering Growth
Garry Landreth, a leading pioneer in Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT), emphasised that the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and child is fundamental to healing and creating lasting change. In CCPT, your child experiences profound understanding and acceptance, regardless of what they choose to play or express. This is especially crucial for children who may have felt judged, misunderstood, or pressured to conform in other environments.
As the therapist demonstrates unconditional acceptance, children begin to feel secure, valued, and capable. This supportive dynamic not only fosters emotional growth but also empowers children to enhance their own skills as they explore their feelings and experiences without fear. Research by experts in the field shows that a strong therapeutic relationship is vital for effective change, as it encourages children to develop resilience, confidence, and a greater sense of self-worth.
Through this nurturing connection, children are better equipped to navigate their challenges, build healthier relationships, and develop adaptive coping strategies that promote long-term growth and change. Ultimately, this foundation of safety and trust enables children to thrive not only during therapy but throughout their lives, leading to a more fulfilling and empowered future.
How Long Does the CCPT Process Take?
The length of therapy varies based on each child’s unique needs. To truly benefit from CCPT, it’s recommended that your child attends at least 20 weeks of sessions. This allows time to build a trusting relationship with the therapist and create an environment where your child feels comfortable expressing themselves.
For some children, the therapy process may extend up to 50 sessions, depending on the complexity of their emotional or behavioural needs. Our goal is to support your child for as long as they need, ensuring they feel equipped to manage their emotions and challenges.
The Benefits of Play Therapy
Play Therapy brings a range of emotional, social, and cognitive benefits for children, making a lasting impact on their lives:
Emotional Well-being: Play Therapy provides a safe space for children to explore and release emotions such as anger, anxiety, sadness, or confusion. It helps them make sense of these feelings and manage them in healthier ways.
Building Resilience: By experimenting with different roles and outcomes through play, children learn to navigate challenges, develop problem-solving skills, and recognise their own inner strengths.
Enhancing Self-Esteem: Children feel empowered when they’re in control of their play. This empowerment translates into increased confidence, a greater sense of self, and a feeling of competence in facing life’s challenges.
Improving Problem-Solving Skills: As children encounter various scenarios during their play, they practice decision-making and learn to make choices that positively impact their lives. These skills translate to real-life situations.
Strengthening Family Connections: As children become more in tune with their emotions and behaviours, they also become better equipped to connect with parents, siblings, and peers. This leads to stronger family bonds and improved communication within the family unit.
