Child-Centered Therapy
Therapy through play is a counseling method used to help children communicate their inner experiences through the use of toys and play. Therapy through play is also called child-centered therapy and/or play therapy and is a non-pathologizing technique based on the belief that children have the internal drive to achieve wellness.
“In play therapy, toys are like the child's words and play is the child's language.” -Gary Landreth
Through play, therapists may help children learn healthier behaviors when there are emotional or social skills deficits. The positive relationship that develops between therapist and child during play therapy sessions can provide emotional experience necessary for healing. Play therapy may also be used to promote cognitive development and provide insight about and resolution of inner conflicts or dysfunctional thinking in the child.
There are two main forms of child-centered therapy:
Non-directive play therapy- the child is guiding the expression through play rather than the therapist)
Directive play therapy- the therapist has a specific agenda for the play and directs the play-often times with pre-determined activities
Although everyone benefits, play therapy is especially appropriate for children ages 3 through 12 years old. Teenagers and adults have also benefited from play techniques and recreational processes. More recently, play therapy interventions have also been applied to infants and toddlers.
