Who Benefits from Child Centered Play Therapy and What Can Families Expect?

By Antoinette Peterson

Who is Child Centered Play Therapy Suitable for? 

To fully understand who benefits from Child-Centered Play therapy, it is helpful to first look at the myriad of issues CCPT helps with. This form of therapy can support kids in Highland Michigan and surrounding areas  who are in a transitional period in their life – such as divorce, death, environment change, or who have recently welcomed a new member to their family. Additionally, it is a suitable form of therapy for children who have difficulty managing their emotions. This may show up as behavioral issues or socialization problems at school. CCPT can also support children involved in bullying — whether they be the victim or the perpetrator. Children who witness domestic abuse in their day-to-day lives, or who have been abused themselves may also be good candidates for CCPT. Additionally, if a major event is approaching in your child’s life -such as a major surgery– they could benefit from CCPT. Finally, those with speech disorders, developmental disorders, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can all benefit substantially from play therapy. 

How do I Know if my Child is Experiencing these Difficulties? 

Your child may not directly communicate to you that they are experiencing some of the difficulties mentioned above. Therefore, it is critical that you are aware of the many signs that indicate a child’s struggle with some of the aforementioned issues. For example, a child who is experiencing social or behavioral issues may throw temper tantrums at school or at home. A child who is frequently bullied may have a hard time falling asleep or lack the desire to eat. A child who is being abused or has witnessed abuse may appear socially withdrawn. 

Is Child Centered Play Therapy Effective for Children of All Ages? 

Child -Centered Play Therapy is most commonly used for children ages 3-10. This is because at this age, children primarily express their emotions and understand their world through play. Oftentimes, it can be difficult for a child of this age to recognize and name their only feelings, therefore, Not only does play serve as a way to have fun, it also acts as a therapeutic approach that can assist the child in navigating mixed emotions and unpleasant events. Because of this, CCPT is one of the most developmentally appropriate ways to help children communicate their feelings with their therapist.

What are Some Emotional and Behavioral Outcomes of Child Centered Play Therapy?

Studies have shown CCPT to be highly effective. In a study that investigated the effects of play therapy on the emotional and relational skills of preschool-aged children, CCPT significantly enhanced their socio-emotional skills including self awareness, adaptability, empathy, self-regulation, and creativity. 

Other research has been geared more toward the relationship between play therapy and problematic behaviors. In a study exploring the effect of play therapy on children with ADHD , students who engaged in CCPT saw a significant reduction in disobedience.  Another area of interest that has been studied is the impact of play therapy on children who are undergoing a major operation. One study researched the stressors that arise in children who have undergone a liver transplant. It was found that play therapy interventions allowed them to cope with their illness and hospitalization more effectively — helping them develop better self esteem, deal with emotional stress, and overcome their fears around surgery and recovery. 

Along similar lines of using play therapy for children who are experiencing health issues, the impact of play therapy was studied on children who have chronic illness, in one particular study, children who have Type 1 Diabetes. The intervention had a positive impact, with a decrease in overall behavioral issues and improved adaptation to their diabetes. 

Overall, it can be summarized that play therapy can help children: 

• Learn new social and relations skills.
• Develop creative solutions to problems.
• Become more behaviorally responsible.
• Better express their emotions and feelings.
• Develop self efficacy, self esteem, and self-reliance.
• Learn better empathy and respect toward others.  

How does Play Therapy Benefit the Entire Family? 

As evidenced in the research above, play therapy undoubtedly impacts a child in numerous positive ways. From improving relational skills, to decreasing behavioral problems,  the benefits are vast and varied. Additionally, studies show that play therapy is more effective with parents’ intervention and cooperation. Family support throughout CCPT intervention is critical- as it empowers families to more fully understand their child’s needs and behaviors. Armed with this knowledge, they can continue to create a home environment that best supports their child and improves overall family dynamics. 

How do I know if Child Centered Play Therapy is Working?

There are several indicators of progress when it comes to evaluating whether CCPT is effective, the first being improved emotional expression and regulation. Your child may begin to better identify their feelings and demonstrate better coping mechanisms. Secondly, they will show more adept relational skills. This could look like getting along better with other kids, siblings, or even expressing greater empathy toward those around them more generally. 

As we stated earlier, CCPT will lead to increased self esteem. This could show up in your child as having a greater willingness to try new things, act more independently, participate in activities fully, and express their thoughts and feelings more confidently.  A child’s formerly problematic behavior and outbursts may also become less frequent — or even disappear entirely. Finally, as a parent, you may notice positive changes in your family dynamic. Since CCPT benefits your child’s communication and problem solving skills, communication and harmony within the family may improve. 

How Can New Perspective Counseling Help?

At New Perspective, our therapist Dana Malmquist specializes in Child Centered Play Therapy and is available to answer questions you may have. Before meeting your child Dana schedules a meeting with the parent(s) so she can get a better understanding of your concerns and goals for your child. 

Dana Malmquist, MSW, LLMSW is a Licensed Clinical Therapist Specializing in Child-Centered Play Therapy and Counseling for Children, Teens, and Young Adults In Highland, Michigan/ Dana holds a Master’s in Social Work from Western Michigan University and is certified in school social work. Her background as an elementary school social worker gave her firsthand experience supporting children with IEPs, collaborating with educators, and advocating for students in both academic and emotional settings. 

If you’re a parent in the Highland, Michigan area and your child is struggling with anxiety, behavior issues, or emotional regulation, CCPT can help them express their feelings, build self-confidence, and strengthen family relationships. Contact us to make your first appointment.