Proposal for Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)

Introduction

• Presenter: Jonathan
• Focus: Use of play therapy as communication for children

Background

• Developer: Dr. Garrett Landreth
  • Created in the 1970s
  • Authored "Play Therapy, the Art of the Relationship" (1991)
  • Established CCPT as a non-directive approach

Key Elements of CCPT

• Assumption: Play is the natural language of children; toys are their words.
• Environment: Safe and accepting for emotional expression and processing.
• Therapist's Role:
  • Reflect child's feelings
  • Track behaviors
  • Set boundaries for safety

Principles of CCPT

1. Non-directive Approach: Child leads sessions.
2. Therapist's Responsibilities:
   • Reflect child's feelings
   • Track behaviors
   • Ensure safety
3. Goals:
   • Emotional regulation
   • Enhance problem-solving skills
   • Strengthen self-esteem

Implementing a Therapeutic Playroom

• Budget: $300
• Toys Categories:
  • Expressive (e.g., art supplies)
  • Fantasy (e.g., puppets, figurines)
  • Real-life (e.g., dolls, kitchen sets)
  • Sensory (e.g., sand trays, stress balls)
• Design:
  • Safety, accessibility, creativity
  • Essentials: Sand tray, sensory items, puppet theater
  • Furniture: Small tables, rugs, mats, beanbags
  • Organization: Bookshelves for materials

CCPT Interventions

• Focus: Emotional exploration, symbolic trauma processing, coping strategies
• Stages of Treatment:
  1. Building rapport and trust
  2. Observing play for insights
  3. Reflecting feelings and behaviors
  4. Encouraging self-directed problem solving
• Core Interventions:
  • Reflective listening
  • Symbolic play
  • ACT Model for setting limits

Cultural Sensitivity

• Inclusivity in toy selection (e.g., multicultural dolls)
• Adaptations for neurodivergent and physically challenged children
• Collaboration with caregivers

Legal and Ethical Considerations

• Maintain confidentiality
• Obtain informed consent from guardians
• Mandatory abuse reporting
• Set professional boundaries

Challenges in Virtual Settings

• Limited access to physical toys
• Use of virtual tools (e.g., online sand trays)
• Collaborate with caregivers for home-based play kits

Evidence-Based Support

• Substantial research supports CCPT
  • Improves emotional regulation and reduces anxiety
  • Dr. Gary Landreth (2012) and others highlight effectiveness

Conclusion

• CCPT is cost-effective and evidence-based
• Adaptable for in-person and telehealth
• Positions facility as a leader in child and family therapy
• Encourages community empowerment

Closing

• Invitation to consider CCPT for the company
• Emphasis on benefits and transformative potential