S3E3 - Parent Companion for Play Therapy: How Child-Centered Play Therapy Works

Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist · Sep 24, 2025 · 15m · transcript

In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I explain how child-centered play therapy (CCPT) actually works — and why it's different from directive play therapy. Parents often assume all play therapy looks the same, but there are big differences. In directive approaches, the therapist sets the agenda and teaches lessons. In CCPT, the child leads the process, and the therapist follows with support, acceptance, and structure.

This difference matters because when children own the process, they feel safe, confident, and invested. They work through struggles in their own way…