Child/Play
Therapy
Why Play Therapy
Is Necessary for Children
Children are not cognitively capable of engaging verbally with adults in the way traditional psychotherapy requires. Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) is an evidence-based approach for children ages 3–12 who are facing social, emotional, behavioral, or relational challenges. Using play, the natural language of children, CCPT provides a safe, supportive environment where children experience acceptance, empathy, and understanding, allowing them to express and process thoughts and feelings through play and symbolic expression.
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Research shows CCPT is highly effective in helping children build emotional regulation, social skills, resilience, and coping strategies. It is particularly beneficial for children experiencing:
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Trauma and grief
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Anxiety and depression
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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
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Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
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Behavioral or social challenges
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Life transitions, including divorce
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Cognitive or learning differences
By meeting children developmentally where they are, CCPT offers a nurturing, research-supported path for growth, healing, and self-expression.
Progress in Child-Centered Play Therapy typically moves through seven stages, each reflecting the child’s growing comfort, self-expression, and emotional processing. For more information on what to expect during appointments, what progress looks like, and how parents and caregivers can support positive change, please see Olympia Therapy's article on CCPT here.
What to expect
