Play Therapy 

Center, licensed mental health professionals therapeutically use play to help their clients, most often children ages 3-12 years old. We utilize Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) when working with our clients. We believe play allows children to better express themselves and resolve their problems. Play in therapy works best when a safe relationship is created between the therapist and client, in which the child may freely and naturally express what pleases and bothers them. 

What is the Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)?

CCPT focuses on the relationship between the therapist and the child as a foundation for change. At The Collective Therapy Center, Elizabeth has created a space where she provides developmentally appropriate materials to facilitate play in a meaningful way. the therapist provides a space for the child to feel seen, heard, cared for, and understood. As the therapist, Elizabeth's role is to provide congruence, unconditional positive regard, and empathic understanding. This will look like a lot of reflecting and listening during sessions. By reflecting on emotions and behavior, as well as empathizing, children learn to trust their inner direction, increase their self-understanding, and build self-esteem.

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express ourselves. Therefore, it explains why play offers children a safe and known medium for expressing themselves. 

What does Play in therapy look like?

Play in therapy refers to a large number of treatment methods, all applying the therapeutic benefits of play. Play in therapy helps children to address and resolve their own problems and builds on the natural way that children learn about themselves and their relationships in the world around them. Play in therapy can involve a child playing with puppets, blocks, stepping stones, balls, a sand tray, or a dollhouse. 

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What does Play in therapy help?

Play in therapy helps children struggling with:

• Behavioral problems include anger management, grief and loss, divorce and abandonment, crisis, trauma, and abuse.

• Behavioral disorders, such as anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), academic and social developmental, physical and learning disabilities, and conduct disorders.

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How does Play in therapy help my child?

​Play in therapy helps children to:

• Become more responsible for their behaviors and develop more successful strategies

• Develop new and creative solutions to problems

• Develop respect and acceptance of self and others

• Learn to experience and express emotion

• Cultivate empathy and respect for the thoughts and feelings of others

• Learn new social skills and relational skills with family

• Develop self-efficacy and a better assuredness about their abilities

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Play in therapy aims to help a child’s growth and development. At The Collective Therapy Center, we utilize the TraumaPlay Model. Elizabeth is certified in TraumaPlay Therapy which requires extensive, specialized education, training, and experience. At The Collective Therapy Center, we are confident that together can set your child up for success.