Understanding Play Therapy: Key Differences Explained

Play therapy is an invaluable therapeutic approach tailored specifically for children, helping them express feelings, process experiences, and navigate challenges through play. Although many forms of play therapy exist, understanding their key differences can help parents, caregivers, and clinicians choose the best approach for each child's needs.

Here's a concise overview of some prominent play therapies:

1. Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)

• Approach: Non-directive; the therapist allows the child to lead the play session, fostering self-expression, self-esteem, and emotional regulation.

• Ideal For: Children dealing with anxiety, low self-esteem, trauma, or adjustment difficulties.

• Reference: Landreth, G. L. (2012). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (3rd ed.). Routledge.

2. Cognitive-Behavioral Play Therapy (CBPT)

• Approach: Directive; integrates cognitive-behavioral strategies within play to teach specific coping skills and change maladaptive behaviors or thought patterns.

• Ideal For: Anxiety disorders, mood disturbances, and behavioral issues.

• Reference: Knell, S. M. (1993). Cognitive-Behavioral Play Therapy. Jason Aronson.

3. Adlerian Play Therapy

• Approach: Directive and psychoeducational; emphasizes exploring a child’s lifestyle, family dynamics, and social contexts through guided play interactions.

• Ideal For: Family relationship issues, social skills deficits, and behavioral challenges.

• Reference: Kottman, T., & Meany-Walen, K. K. (2016). Partners in Play: An Adlerian Approach to Play Therapy (3rd ed.). American Counseling Association.

4. Theraplay

• Approach: Highly directive and structured; emphasizes attachment-building activities aimed at enhancing caregiver-child relationships.

• Ideal For: Attachment disorders, adoption/foster care adjustment, and developmental traumas.

• Reference: Booth, P. B., & Jernberg, A. M. (2009). Theraplay: Helping Parents and Children Build Better Relationships Through Attachment-Based Play (3rd ed.). Jossey-Bass.

5. Filial Therapy

• Approach: Family-oriented; therapists train parents or caregivers to conduct structured, child-centered play sessions at home.

• Ideal For: Strengthening parent-child relationships and addressing behavior or emotional difficulties at home.

• Reference: VanFleet, R. (2005). Filial Therapy: Strengthening Parent-Child Relationships Through Play (2nd ed.). Professional Resource Press.

Choosing the Right Play Therapy:

The most effective therapeutic choice will depend on the child's individual needs, the presenting issues, and family dynamics. Consulting with a qualified play therapist can help determine the most suitable intervention, ensuring optimal therapeutic outcomes. At TWINDOM, we have therapists trained in Play Therapy and often use Child-centered Play Therapy (CCPT) to assist our clients, from children to adults.

References:

• Landreth, G. L. (2012). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (3rd ed.). Routledge.

• Knell, S. M. (1993). Cognitive-Behavioral Play Therapy. Jason Aronson.

• Kottman, T., & Meany-Walen, K. K. (2016). Partners in Play: An Adlerian Approach to Play Therapy (3rd ed.). American Counseling Association.

• Booth, P. B., & Jernberg, A. M. (2009). Theraplay: Helping Parents and Children Build Better Relationships Through Attachment-Based Play (3rd ed.). Jossey-Bass.

• VanFleet, R. (2005). Filial Therapy: Strengthening Parent-Child Relationships Through Play (2nd ed.). Professional Resource Press.