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Works from the inside out, through safety and play. Children are offered an environment that is nourishing and soothing to their nervous system. They will engage in activities that will allow them to practice and organize their internal world and build the resources they need to respond differently to their environment.
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Child centered play therapy acknowledges that behavior is communication. When we meet a child with empathy and curiosity, we can begin to understand the needs and feelings underneath the external behavior. From this place of understanding we can appreciate the uniqueness of each child, their individual nervous system, and help them find new ways to regulate and express themselves.
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Child centered play therapy is developmentally appropriate. Children do not yet have the cognitive capacity to link their experiences, internal feelings and body sensations into language. These skills come later in development through integrating all parts of the brain and nervous system. Jumping into cognitive processing too quickly can actually hinder internal growth. Development is an intricate and complex process and each child has their own cadence.​​​​​
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Child-Centered Play Therapy
Parents play a crucial role as partners in child-centered play therapy, offering valuable insights into their child’s behavior, emotions and daily experiences. By actively collaborating with the therapist outside of sessions, parents help reinforce the therapeutic process and gain tools to support their child’s emotional growth. This collaborative approach not only accelerates the child’s progress but also deepens the overall effectiveness of the therapy.
