Emotion Coaching & Play Therapy

Emotion Coaching and Child-Centred Play Therapy: A Compassionate Approach to Supporting Your Child's Emotions

As parents and educators, we know that children experience a wide range of emotions—sometimes all in a single day! Helping children navigate these emotions in a healthy way is crucial for their emotional development. Two approaches that provide valuable tools for supporting children's emotional wellbeing are Emotion Coaching and Child-Centred Play Therapy. Both are grounded in compassion, empathy, and understanding, offering parents and educators powerful strategies to guide children through their feelings.

What is Emotion Coaching?

Emotion Coaching, pioneered by Dr. John Gottman, is a parenting style that helps children understand and regulate their emotions. Rather than dismissing or minimising emotions, parents and caregivers act as "emotion coaches" by acknowledging and validating the child's feelings. This method encourages open conversations about emotions, teaching children that their feelings are valid, no matter how big or small.

According to research, children who experience Emotion Coaching tend to have stronger emotional intelligence, better problem-solving skills, and more positive relationships (Gottman, Katz, & Hooven, 1997). These are lifelong benefits that stem from a foundation of emotional awareness and empathy.

Similarities to Child-Centred Play Therapy

Emotion Coaching shares many similarities with Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT), an approach that emphasises the importance of a safe, nurturing environment where children can explore their feelings through play. CCPT is based on the work of experts such as Dr. Garry Landreth, Dr. Sue Bratton, and Dr. Dee C. Ray, who emphasise the power of unconditional positive regard, empathy, and acceptance (Landreth & Bratton, 2006).

Like Emotion Coaching, CCPT allows children to express themselves freely without judgment. Therapists guide children to understand their emotions through play, a natural language for children. This non-directive approach supports children in making sense of their internal world, helping them build emotional resilience and self-regulation (Ray, 2011).

Key Principles for Parents and Educators

Validate Your Child’s Feelings: Whether you're using Emotion Coaching or engaging in therapeutic play, validating a child’s feelings is essential. Avoid statements like "You're fine" or "There's nothing to be upset about." Instead, try "I see you're feeling upset right now, and that's okay."

Encourage Emotional Expression: Allow your child to express their emotions without fear of being judged. In both Emotion Coaching and CCPT, the goal is to help children feel safe to explore their feelings, whether through conversation or play.

Be Present and Engaged: Children need to feel heard and understood. In both approaches, being fully present with your child—whether in play or during emotional discussions—helps build trust and connection.

Model Healthy Emotional Responses: As parents and educators, our actions speak volumes. Show your child how to handle difficult emotions by modelling calm, compassionate responses, even when things get tough. This helps your child learn that it's okay to have big feelings and that they can manage them.

Reach Out for Support: Parenting can be challenging, and it's okay to ask for help. Whether you're struggling with how to support your child emotionally or feel that they could benefit from professional guidance, therapy can be a valuable resource. At Inspiring Play: Child and Family Play Therapy Sunshine Coast, we provide a safe and nurturing space for children to process their emotions through play.

Emotion Coaching and Child-Centred Play Therapy both offer compassionate, empathetic approaches to supporting your child’s emotional development. By validating your child’s emotions, encouraging expression, and providing a safe space for exploration, you empower them to better understand themselves and the world around them. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you ever feel unsure or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional support—you're not alone in this journey.

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References:

• Gottman, J. M., Katz, L. F., & Hooven, C. (1997). Meta-emotion: How families communicate emotionally. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

• Landreth, G. L., & Bratton, S. C. (2006). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): A 10-session filial therapy model. Routledge.

• Ray, D. C. (2011). Advanced play therapy: Essential conditions, knowledge, and skills for child practice. Routledge.