Child Centered Group Play therapy
(CCGPT)
Child-Centered Group Play Therapy (CCGPT) is a play-based mental health intervention tailored for young children aged 3 to 12 who experience social, emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges. This approach utilizes play, which is the natural way children express themselves, alongside a strong therapeutic relationship to create a safe and consistent space where children feel fully accepted, understood, and empathized with by the therapist. In this nurturing environment, children are able to explore and express their internal experiences and emotions through play and symbolic activities.
CCGPT facilitates social engagement by allowing children to interact with 2-3 peers, helping them develop and practice essential social and coping skills. This method is especially helpful for children facing difficulties in peer or sibling relationships, as well as those dealing with emotional or behavioral issues. Grounded in person-centered therapy principles,
CCGPT emphasizes the therapeutic relationship as the primary means for fostering meaningful, long-term change. The therapy aims to empower children to build healthy relationships and adopt positive behaviors, ultimately leading to a reduction in problematic behaviors.
At the Play Therapy Centre in Dubai, we utilize an Integrative, Child-Centered Play Therapy approach, placing our clients at the heart of our care. Our Play Therapy rooms are equipped with toys and resources that adhere to standards set by Play Therapy International and are guided by Axline's principles. Axline's principles emphasize creating a safe, accepting environment where children feel free to express themselves without judgment. This approach allows children to explore their feelings and experiences at their own pace, fostering self-awareness, emotional growth, and resilience.
Play Therapy can help treat:
- Anxiety and depression
- Trauma, grief, and loss
- Behavioral issues (e.g., aggression, hyperactivity, defiance)
- Social skills difficulties (e.g., shyness, difficulty making friends)
- Family changes (e.g., divorce, separation, relocation)
- Experiences of abuse or neglect
- Low self-esteem and confidence issues
- Emotional regulation challenges (e.g., frequent tantrums, mood swings)
- Difficulties with attachment and bonding
- School-related problems (e.g., academic stress, bullying)
- Phobias and fears (e.g., fear of the dark, separation anxiety)
If you are looking for a Child Therapist who utilises a child centred Play therapy approach please contact us at hello@playtherapycentre.ae
