Child-Centred Play Therapy
The most natural way for children to show us what’s on their minds, is through play
Kinds offers child-centred play therapy (CCPT). Child Centred Play Therapy is a form of child counselling and a non- directive and child- led form of therapy, which means that Manon follows your child’s pace and play.
What is Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT)
The most natural way for children to show us what’s on their minds, is through play. Play helps children to express and process what they are thinking and feeling and toys are like children’s words. Play helps children process their feelings when words are not readily available. It supports children with making sense of the world around them and learn skills through play in a developmentally appropriate way. Play therapy is suitable form of therapy for children of all kinds.
Child Centred Play Therapy is a form of child counselling and a non- directive and child- led form of therapy, which means that Manon follows your child’s pace and play. During this gentle process, children develop a positive relationship of trust and acceptance with Manon which allows them to express and process their emotions and experiences.
What can play therapy help with?
Play therapy can help with fostering the development of a variety of social and emotional skills. It can help with developing self esteem and problem solving skills and it provides children with a safe place to explore and practice social skills. Play therapy fosters children's imagination and creativity and through play therapy, children are better able to understand their experiences, emotions and behaviours and find their own resources for healing and growth.
How it all works
Our initial contact will be via phone or email, and together we will establish if play therapy may be the right support for your child. The prescribed CCPT duration is 16 sessions, however, this may vary based on the individual needs of your child. Manon will discuss her clinical recommendations with you as your child progresses through their therapy.
Process and duration
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The first session is the intake session. This session focuses on gathering information about your child, talk about your concerns and discuss what you would like your child to gain from play therapy. This will be an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have. After our initial meeting we organise a time for you and your child to have a 20-minute look in the playroom. The intake session and look in the playroom combined take 90 minutes and happen face to face.
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The child play therapy sessions happen weekly, at the same day and time. The playroom is equipped with a variety of toys and activities, such as nurturing, creative, constructive, sensory, pretend-play toys and materials. Your child chooses the activities or play that they want to do. Some children prefer for their caregiver to stay with them during the first couple of play therapy sessions, and that is ok. Manon asks parents/caregivers to stay in the building during the child’s sessions as some children choose to finish their session early. Each child therapy session takes 50 minutes and happens face to face.
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Parent review sessions happen after each fifth or sixth play therapy session. This is a planned time to update you on your child’s progress in therapy, to answer your questions and talk about how your child is doing at home and at school. If you have any questions or concerns in between parent review sessions, Manon encourages you to be in touch via phone or email to discuss these. A parent review session takes 50 minutes and happens face to face, or via Zoom.
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After your child finishes their play therapy sessions, Manon can provide you with a letter of completion and recommendations if you wish.
