Therapy approach
Child-Centred Play Therapy
An approach in which children express their feelings and experiences through play, their natural language, within a safe therapeutic relationship.
- Children aged roughly 3–12
- In the playroom, led by the child
- Regular parent meetings
Why play?
While adults talk about what they are going through, children often do so through play. Toys are a child's words, and play is their language. In child-centred play therapy, the child plays in their own chosen way in a safe room with carefully selected toys.
What happens in sessions?
Rather than directing the child, the therapist follows them attentively, reflects their feelings and accepts them. Within this accepting relationship, the child experiences expressing difficult feelings such as anger, fear, jealousy or sadness safely, regulating themselves and taking responsibility for their choices. When needed, limits are set gently and consistently.
The family's role
There are regular meetings with the parents throughout the process. In these meetings we talk about the child's development, approaches at home and the changes observed. To protect the child's sense of trust, the content of their play is shared in terms of general themes rather than in detail.
When is it used?
- Anxiety, fears and adjustment difficulties
- Temper outbursts and behavioural difficulties
- Life changes such as the birth of a sibling, a move, divorce or a loss
- Issues with an emotional component, such as bedwetting
Frequently asked questions
Will my child just be playing? How does that help?
In play therapy, play takes place within a therapeutic relationship. The child expresses feelings through play, the therapist helps make sense of them and supports the child's ability to regulate themselves.
This page was written by Zeynep Hilal Çelik and last reviewed on 27 October 2026.
