Families

Child-Centred

Play

Therapy

What is Child-Centred Play Therapy?

Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT) is widely recognised as best practice for supporting children under the age of 8. At this stage of development, play is their most natural form of communication and expression.

Through play, children can safely explore their inner world, express thoughts and feelings, and make sense of their experiences without needing to rely on words alone.

Within the therapeutic relationship, the play therapist provides a consistent and supportive environment where children can:

  • ・Develop emotional regulation and resilience

  • ・Strengthen self-esteem and confidence

  • ・Process difficult life events and experiences

  • ・Build social and problem-solving skills

The therapist follows the child’s lead, using play as the medium to foster growth, healing, and positive change.

Extensive research supports CCPT as an evidence-based intervention for young children, offering effective support for emotional, behavioural, and developmental challenges.

What is

Filial

Therapy

Filial Therapy is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy that helps children experiencing social, emotional, or behavioural challenges by actively involving their parents or carers in the therapeutic process. Unlike traditional play therapy, where the therapist works directly with the child, Filial Therapy empowers parents to conduct therapeutic play sessions themselves, under the training and supervision of a qualified play therapist (VanFleet, 2005).

Originally developed in the 1950s by Dr Bernard Guerney, with contributions from Dr Louise Guerney, Filial Therapy was designed to strengthen the parent–child relationship while supporting children’s emotional development (Guerney & Ryan, 2012).

In this approach, parents or carers learn specific play skills that foster trust, empathy, and communication. These skills not only enhance the therapeutic bond between parent and child but also equip families with long-term tools to address challenges beyond the therapy room.

At its core, Filial Therapy is grounded in values of respect, empowerment, empathy, and collaboration. Research shows it to be a powerful way of building stronger family connections while supporting children in developing resilience and emotional wellbeing.

Learn to

Program

Play

The Learn to Play Program (LTP) is a therapeutic approach designed to support children who experience difficulties with imaginative play, social interaction, or self-regulation. Grounded in Axline’s client-centred theory and Vygotsky’s social cognitive development theory, LTP meets children at their developmental stage and uses repetitive, yet varied, activities to build engagement.

Over a typical 10-week period, LTP focuses on strengthening pretend play, sequencing actions, and using object substitution, while fostering role-play and play scripts. These sessions promote language development, social competence, and emotional expression through play.

Participation in LTP enhances social skills, problem-solving, self-regulation, and confidence, while also encouraging creativity and cognitive growth. It is especially beneficial for children with rigid play patterns or low self-esteem, supporting their overall development and well-being.

All references and further reading
can be found here…

Bratton, S., Ray, D., Rhine, T., & Jones, L. (2005). The efficacy of play therapy with children: A meta-analytic review of treatment outcomes. *Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 36*(4), 376-390.

Clark, A. (2006). Therapeutic play: Developing a model for helping children. *British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 34*(1), 57-72.

Cochran, N., Nordling, W., & Cochran, J. (2022). *Child-Centered Play Therapy: A Practical Guide to Developing Therapeutic Relationships with Children*. Wiley.

Drewes, A. A., & Schaefer, C. E. (2014). *The therapeutic powers of play: 20 core agents of change*. Wiley.

Guerney, L. (2003). The Histories, Principles, and Empirical Basis of Filial Therapy, pp. 1-20, in R. VanFleet., & L. Guerney (eds.), *Casebook of Filial Therapy*. Boiling Springs: Play Therapy Press.

Guerney, L. F., & Ryan, V. (2012). *Group Filial Therapy: The Complete Guide to Teaching Parents to Play Therapeutically with Their Children*. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Hughes, C., & Leekham, S. (2004). What are the links between theory of mind and social relations? Review, reflections and new directions for studies of typical and atypical development. *Social Development, 13*(4), 590-619.

Landreth, G. L. (2012). *Play therapy: The art of the relationship*. Routledge.

Lin, Y., & Bratton, S. C. (2013). A meta-analytic review of child-centered play therapy approaches. *Journal of Counseling & Development, 91*(4), 423-438.

Lodato, M. A., & Arlotta, P. (2015). Generating neuronal diversity in the mammalian cerebral cortex. *Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology, 31*, 699-720.

Quinn, S., & Kidd, E. (2019). The role of pretend play in children's cognitive development. *Psychological Bulletin, 145*(8), 735-759.

Rakoczy, H. (2008). Pretend play and the development of collective intentionality. *Cognitive Systems Research, 9*(1-2), 29-42.

Ray, D. C. (2011). *Advanced play therapy: Essential conditions, knowledge, and skills for child practice*. Routledge.

Siegel, D. J., & Bryson, T. P. (2012). *The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind*. Bantam.

Stagnitti, K. (2020). *Learn to Play Program*. Melbourne: Co-ordinates.

Stagnitti, K., O’Connor, C., & Sheppard, L. (2012). Impact of the Learn to Play Program on play, language, and social competence in young children. *Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 59*(5), 386-393.

VanFleet, R. (2005). *Filial Therapy: Strengthening Parent-Child Relationships Through Play* (2nd ed.). Sarasota: Professional Resource Press.

VanFleet, R., & Guerney, L. F. (2015). *Casebook of Filial Therapy*. Play Therapy Press.

Wadley, C., & Stagnitti, K. (2023). *Play and Child Development: Theory and Practice*. Routledge.

Yasenik, L., & Gardner, K. (2012). *The Play Therapy Dimensions Model: A Decision-Making Guide for Integrative Play Therapists*. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Everything You Want to Know About Play Therapy

  • Play Therapy is a developmentally appropriate way of supporting children through play—their natural form of expression. Using toys, creative materials, and storytelling, children can explore feelings, process experiences, and learn new skills in a safe and supportive environment. Play Therapy is an evidence-based practice, particularly effective for children under 8, and is facilitated by trained professionals who understand both child development and the therapeutic powers of play.

  • Play Therapy can be helpful if your child:

    • Struggles with big emotions such as anxiety, anger, or sadness

    • Has experienced a difficult life event (e.g., parental separation, grief, trauma, illness)

    • Shows challenges in social skills, confidence, or self-esteem

    • Finds it hard to express themselves with words

    • Demonstrates behaviour that impacts home, school, or friendships

    If you notice these signs, Play Therapy may give your child the tools and support they need.

  • Each session is led by the child. They choose from a range of toys and play materials designed to help them express themselves—such as art, role-play, sand tray, or games. The therapist carefully observes and joins the child in play, supporting emotional expression, building coping skills, and strengthening resilience. Sessions are confidential and provide a safe, consistent space for children to work through their challenges.

  • Sessions generally run for 50 minutes. This gives children enough time to settle into play, explore, and finish in a calm and contained way.

  • Consistency is important for therapy to be effective. Most children benefit from weekly sessions, especially at the beginning, so they can build trust and security with the therapist. As progress is made, sessions may be reduced depending on your child’s needs and goals.

Choosing the right support for your child can be overwhelming. Here, we answer common questions about Play Therapy—how it works, what to expect, and how to get started.

Still have questions?

Feel free to reach out — we’re here to help you and your child every step of the way.