Child-Centred Play Therapy helps children aged 3–10 make sense of big feelings through play, their natural language. Offered at Saga Psychology in Reservoir, Melbourne.
Child-Centred Play Therapy helps children aged 3–14 make sense of big feelings through play, their natural language. Offered at Saga Psychology in Reservoir, Melbourne.
Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT) is an evidence-based, play-based therapy for children aged about 3 to 14. It is designed to match how young children think, feel and develop. It supports children who are experiencing social, emotional, behavioural or relationship difficulties.
Young children often can’t put big feelings or experiences into words. Adults usually talk through problems, but children make sense of their world through play. In CCPT, toys become children’s words and play becomes their language. This gives them a way to express themselves that feels natural, familiar and safe.
Parents and carers often seek play therapy when their child is:
- Feeling anxious, worried or fearful
- Having frequent tantrums, big emotions or angry outbursts
- Withdrawn, sad or struggling with low mood
- Adjusting to changes such as separation, a new sibling, moving house or starting school
- Coping with grief, loss or difficult early experiences
- Finding friendships or social situations hard
- Having difficulties at kindergarten or school
CCPT can also be adapted to suit neurodivergent children, including autistic children and children with ADHD. It meets them where they are and respects their individual way of engaging with the world.
CCPT takes place in a specially set-up playroom with a carefully chosen range of toys and materials, such as art supplies, sand, figurines, dolls, puppets and imaginative play items. These give children many different ways to express their thoughts and feelings.
The playroom is a safe, predictable space where children lead the play at their own pace. There is no pressure to talk, perform or “get it right”. Children choose what to play with and how, and the therapist follows their lead.
The therapeutic relationship is at the heart of CCPT. The therapist offers warmth, acceptance and understanding without directing or judging the play. The therapist reflects what the child is doing and feeling, and sets gentle, consistent limits when needed so the space stays safe. In this consistent relationship, children can begin to:
- Understand and express their feelings
- Build confidence and a sense of self-worth
- Develop self-control and responsibility for their choices
- Try out new ways of solving problems and relating to others
What to expect:
Sessions are usually held weekly for 50 minutes. Consistency matters, because regular sessions help children feel secure in the relationship. Before therapy begins, we meet with parents to understand your child’s history and your concerns. Parents are involved throughout with regular parent consultations, so you can see your child’s progress and learn ways to support them at home.
CCPT is grounded in person-centred principles. It is based on the belief that every child has an inner capacity to grow and heal. With the right support and relationship, children can develop healthier ways of coping, relating to others and understanding themselves.
Unlike approaches that focus mainly on managing behaviour, CCPT looks at what may be driving a child’s behaviour, such as their feelings, experiences and relationships. This helps change come from within the child, so it is more likely to last.
CCPT is one of the most researched forms of play therapy. Studies, including several meta-analyses that combine results across many controlled studies, suggest that children who take part in CCPT can show fewer difficult behaviours and improvements in their overall day-to-day functioning. Research also highlights the value of involving parents in their child’s therapy, which is a key part of how we work.
Play therapy in Melbourne’s northern suburbs
Saga Psychology offers Child-Centred Play Therapy from our practice in Reservoir, supporting children and families across Melbourne’s northern suburbs. We aim to keep our services accessible to families. Rebates may be available through Medicare (with a GP referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan), and some private health funds. We also support NDIS participants. Please contact us to discuss your situation.