The child-centered therapy, or child-centered play therapy (CCPT) model offers a non-judgmental and emotionally supportive therapeutic atmosphere. However, it has clear boundaries to ensure psychological safety in which the child can practice behavioural and emotional self-regulation.

Child-Centered Therapy has been shown to be effective in helping children to overcome traumatic experiences and to develop the freedom to express themselves creatively. By building healthy self-esteem, children become more mature, and develop pro-social behaviours.

The child-centered therapist will accept the client fully, including all his or her actions, feelings and characteristics. The therapist won't judge the child, offer advice or interrupt. By creating this non-judgmental, non-threatening context, the child will feel free to explore his or her feelings and thoughts without a fear of judgment or rejection.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers child-centered therapy, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Similar in some ways and based on the Emotion-Focused Therapy model from Greenberg and colleagues, EFFT is an evidence-based family therapy approach in which the therapist offers support to caregivers/parents.  This equips caregivers/parents with skills, tasks, and emotion basics in order to better support their loved ones who may be struggling with mental health.