Stages of Play Therapy

Navigating the Journey of Child-Centred Play Therapy: A Guide for Parents

Welcome to Inspiring Play: Child and Family Play Therapy Sunshine Coast! If you’re a parent of young children, you’ve likely heard about play therapy. But what exactly is child-centred play therapy, and how can it benefit your child? Let’s explore the stages of this transformative approach together, aiming to give you an understanding of what to expect.

Understanding Child-Centred Play Therapy

Child-centred play therapy is a specialised form of therapy where play is used as a medium for children to express their feelings, thoughts, and experiences. This type of therapy is grounded in the belief that children have an innate ability to heal and thrive given the right environment and support. Through the stages of play therapy, children gradually unlock their potential, overcoming emotional and behavioural challenges.

The Stages of Child-Centred Play Therapy

Building a Therapeutic Relationship: The first stage is all about creating a safe and trusting environment for your child. The therapist focuses on developing a strong rapport with your child, allowing them to feel comfortable and secure. This stage is crucial as it lays the foundation for all future work. According to research, a strong therapeutic alliance significantly enhances the effectiveness of therapy (Landreth, 2012).

Exploration and Expression: Once trust is established, children begin to explore their thoughts and emotions through play. This stage allows them to express their feelings in a non-verbal manner, which is particularly important for young children who might not yet have the words to articulate their experiences. Play therapy encourages children to communicate at their own pace and in their own way (Axline, 1947).

Insight and Integration: As children engage in play, they start to gain insights into their feelings and behaviours. The therapist helps them make sense of their experiences and integrate these insights into their daily lives. This process fosters self-awareness and emotional regulation, helping children to manage their emotions more effectively (Ray, 2011).

Empowerment and Mastery: In this stage, children begin to develop a sense of mastery over their challenges. They learn new coping skills and build resilience, empowering them to handle future difficulties with confidence. The therapist supports and encourages these developments, reinforcing the child’s growing sense of self-efficacy (Bratton et al., 2005).

Closure and Transition: The final stage involves preparing for the end of therapy. The therapist works with the child and their family to ensure a smooth transition, celebrating the child’s progress and providing strategies to maintain these gains. Ongoing support and occasional check-ins might be recommended to ensure continued success (Cochran, Nordling, & Cochran, 2010).

Key Takeaways for Families

• Trust the Process: Each child progresses at their own pace. Trust that the therapeutic relationship and play will guide your child towards healing.

• Stay Involved: Regular communication with your child’s therapist can help you understand their progress and how to support them at home.

• Celebrate Small Wins: Recognise and celebrate the small steps your child takes. Every bit of progress is a victory.

• Create a Safe Space: At home, provide a safe and supportive environment where your child feels free to express themselves.

• Seek Support: If you have concerns or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Inspiring Play: Child and Family Play Therapy Sunshine Coast. We’re here to support you and your child every step of the way.

At Inspiring Play, we believe every child has the potential to thrive. If you have any questions or need further support, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Together, we can help your child navigate their emotional world and build a brighter future.

Sunshine Coast Play Therapy - Inspiring Play Early Intervention Service

References

• Axline, V. M. (1947). Play Therapy. Ballantine Books.

• Bratton, S. C., Ray, D., Rhine, T., & Jones, L. (2005). The efficacy of play therapy with children: A meta-analytic review of treatment outcomes. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 36(4), 376.

• Cochran, N., Nordling, W., & Cochran, J. (2010). Child-Centered Play Therapy: A Practical Guide to Developing Therapeutic Relationships with Children. Wiley.

• Landreth, G. L. (2012). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship. Routledge.

• Ray, D. C. (2011). Advanced Play Therapy: Essential Conditions, Knowledge, and Skills for Child Practice. Routledge.

Reach out today to Inspiring Play discuss how Child-Centred Play Therapy may be able to support your child.