How Child Centered Play Therapy Actually Works
I know what you’re thinking: So my kid plays with puppets and suddenly they do their homework? Well… kind of! Here’s how the magic happens:
- Kids Test Power & Control: If a child feels powerless, they might start power struggles at home. In play therapy, they get to take control in a safe way—think setting up a pretend jail or turning their therapist into the “bad guy.”
- They Process Emotions Through Play: A child acting out a battle between superheroes might actually be working through their own fears or struggles with authority.
- They Learn Emotional Regulation: The therapist models emotional reflection, setting limits, and problem-solving skills so kids start applying them in real life.
Over time, kids naturally self-correct their behaviors because they’re learning emotional intelligence from the inside out—not just following rules to avoid consequences.
What Parents Can Do at Home
You don’t have to be a therapist to use some of these game-changing techniques at home. Here are two simple, powerful strategies you can start today:
1. The 30-Second Burst of Attention
When your child says, “Mom! Look at this!” instead of saying, “Hang on,” try stopping for just 30 seconds, getting on their level, and giving them undivided attention. It communicates that they are important—and when kids feel heard, they need less attention-seeking behavior later.
2. Swap Praise for Encouragement
Instead of saying, “Good job!” or “You’re so smart!” try saying, “You worked really hard on that!” or “You didn’t give up!” This helps kids develop an internal sense of accomplishment instead of relying on external validation.
When to Consider Child Centered Play Therapy for Your Child
Not every child needs therapy, but some signs indicate it could be helpful:
- Emotional outbursts are interfering with daily life (e.g., meltdowns that disrupt school or family time)
- A major life change or trauma (e.g., divorce, loss, big transitions)
- Your relationship with your child feels strained (e.g., frequent power struggles, disconnection)
If you’re unsure, a consultation with a therapist trained in Child Centered Play Therapy can help you determine the best path forward.
Get More Expert Parenting Support
I know that parenting can feel overwhelming sometimes, but you don’t have to do it alone. If today’s insights resonated with you, I have something special that can help! The Happy Families Collection is a free resource on my website filled with all of my blog posts and podcast episodes with expert-backed strategies to help you raise emotionally healthy, resilient kids. It’s packed with simple, practical tips that you can start using right away.
If you feel like you could use more personalized support, I’d love to connect. You can book a free consultation to explore therapy or coaching options designed specifically for your family’s needs. And if you’re looking for more daily parenting insights, come join me on Instagram where I share practical tips and encouragement. Also, don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube for more in-depth discussions on parenting, relationships, and personal growth.
You’ve got this, and I’m here to help!
Xoxo
Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
P.S. If this article made you think of a friend who could use this advice, go ahead and share it with them. Parenting is a challenging job! It’s always nice to know we’re supported.
Resources:
Landreth, G. L. (1993). Child-centered play therapy. Elementary School Guidance & Counseling, 28(1), 17-29. https://www.jstor.org/stable/42869126
Guerney, L. (2001). Child-centered play therapy. International journal of play therapy, 10(2), 13. https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2002-10102-002.html
Cheng, Y. J., & Ray, D. C. (2016). Child-centered group play therapy: Impact on social-emotional assets of kindergarten children. The Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 41(3), 209-237. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01933922.2016.1197350
