🧸 Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)
Helping Children Heal Through Play
At Mara’s Lighthouse, we understand that children often express their thoughts and emotions not through words — but through play. Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) is a developmentally appropriate, evidence-informed approach designed for children ages 3–10 who are experiencing social, emotional, behavioral, or relational challenges.
Through play, children can explore their world, process complex feelings, and learn to better manage emotions — all within the safety of a nurturing therapeutic relationship.
🌈 What Is Child-Centered Play Therapy?
CCPT is a one-on-one therapeutic intervention that uses play as the child’s natural language and the therapist as a supportive, responsive partner in the healing process. Sessions take place in a specially designed playroom, equipped with carefully selected toys and materials that help children express themselves freely.
Rather than directing the child, the therapist follows the child’s lead — allowing play to unfold naturally, while offering empathy, reflection, and support. This process gives children the freedom to express feelings, experiment with solutions, and build confidence in their ability to handle life’s challenges.
💬 The Heart of the Approach: The Therapeutic Relationship
At the core of CCPT is the relationship between the child and the therapist. This connection creates a sense of trust, safety, and acceptance — essential elements for growth and healing.
During each session, the therapist follows eight key child-centered principles:
Develop a warm, friendly relationship with the child.
Accept the child unconditionally.
Create a sense of safety and permissiveness in the space.
Recognize and reflect the child’s feelings.
Trust the child’s innate ability to solve problems.
Avoid directing the child’s play or conversation.
Respect the gradual nature of the therapeutic process.
Set only those limits necessary to maintain safety and respect.
These principles ensure that every child feels seen, valued, and free to explore at their own pace.
🎨 The Power of the Playroom
The CCPT playroom is thoughtfully designed to encourage expression and exploration. Each item serves a purpose, helping children symbolically process emotions and experiences.
Five key categories of toys are used to promote self-expression and growth:
Family/Nurturing Toys: Dolls, baby bottles, and kitchens to explore family roles and caregiving.
Scary Toys: Dinosaurs, monsters, or medical kits to act out fear and anxiety.
Aggressive Toys: Toy soldiers, swords, or punching bags to safely express anger or frustration.
Expressive Toys: Art supplies, sand trays, and musical instruments to foster creativity and emotional release.
Pretend/Fantasy Toys: Costumes, puppets, and miniatures that allow imaginative role-play and problem-solving.
Each play session gives the child a chance to work through feelings, try new ways of relating, and strengthen emotional regulation — all in a supportive, structured environment.
🧩 Collaboration with Parents and Schools
While the therapeutic relationship remains between the child and therapist, parent and school collaboration may also play an important role. With consent, the therapist may consult with caregivers, teachers, or other professionals to ensure the child’s progress continues across environments.
This team-based approach helps families understand their child’s emotional world and supports consistency between therapy, home, and school.
🌿 Benefits of Child-Centered Play Therapy
Research supports CCPT as a promising and effective practice for helping children improve emotional and behavioral functioning. Benefits may include:
Reduced anxiety, aggression, or withdrawal.
Improved communication and social skills.
Healthier emotional expression and self-regulation.
Increased confidence and problem-solving ability.
Strengthened relationships with parents, caregivers, and peers.
💖 A Safe Space for Healing and Growth
At Mara’s Lighthouse, we believe every child has the capacity to heal and grow when given the right environment and support. Child-Centered Play Therapy honors each child’s individuality, creativity, and inner wisdom — helping them build a stronger sense of self and emotional resilience.
Whether your child is struggling with transitions, trauma, behavioral challenges, or simply needs extra emotional support, CCPT can help them find their light — one play session at a time.
👉 Schedule a consultation today to learn more about how play therapy can support your child’s journey.