Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)
Kia Ora, I'm Lucy Robins. BA, BEd, ChildPlayWorks Child-Centered Play Therapist Intern.
I am a qualified and registered Teacher, member of the Teachers Council of Aotearoa New Zealand and Student member of the Aotearoa New Zealand Association for Play Therapy. I am also a Mother. From my curated, therapeutic play space in Albert Town, I help and support families by enabling positive growth through Child-Centered Play Therapy
What is CCPT?
Child-Centered Play therapy is a unique and effective form of counseling for children aged 2-12 whereby the child is able to work through their experiences in the safety of a specially designed environment alongside a trained therapist.
The thoroughly researched and proven CCPT model allows children to develop self-understanding, self-control, confidence, creativity and positive self-image.
How Play Therapy Works
When a child experiences change, trauma, loss or grief, is worried about something, or is struggling at school, they are often unable to express their thoughts and feelings verbally. Child-Centered Play Therapy’s evidence-based model has proven effectiveness in developing a child’s understanding of and resolving psychological and psychosocial challenges.
The Theraputic Process
The therapist is trained to enter the child’s world of play and follow their lead building a relationship of trust and a place of safety. Children are not directed or asked questions – the toys of the playroom become vehicles for their words.
Each session is 45 minutes long and a 16 session minimum is suggested. This framework allows the child to work through the 4 stages of Play Therapy: warm up, creative/expressive, regressive, and mastery.
About Me
My teaching career of over 15 years in both Early Childhood and Primary settings has taught me that children learn and grow most effectively in an environment that promotes positive and caring relationships.
I have found that this translates to all areas of life and believe that whatever our age and stage, well-being is a blend of mental, emotional and physical health - something that is often easier said than achieved!
Through my teaching career I often saw the need for more emotional support for both children and their families - and so embarked on a new journey, training as a Child Centered Play Therapist with ChildPlayWorks. I wholeheartedly believe in the modality of CCPT as a gentle, positive, and effective way to support and grow our children through difficult and unsettling times.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Each session is 45 minutes long.
For younger children the sessions may be shorter.
I ask that you stay on site for the duration of the session.
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Just as in adult therapy, the child’s sessions are confidential and I will not share what the child says and does, but we will have regular feedback meetings where I can talk about the general themes that your child is bringing, the therapeutic stage that they are in, and where we talk through the goals we have set. You can of course bring any questions or concerns at any time .
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We recommend a minimum of 16 weeks to complete the therapeutic process working through each of the therapeutic stages. This will be explained in greater detail at our intake meeting.
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We will discuss this more fully in our initial consultation but generally it is good to explain to your child that you have noticed that it would be good to get some extra help and support for what they are experiencing.
It can be useful to explain that adults can go to see Counselors and Therapists when they are needing extra support with things too and that Play Therapy is a version for children.
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ANZAPT is the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Play Therapy. Find out more here https://anzapt.nz/
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Play Therapy Otago incorporates the four Play Therapists that work in the Wanaka Area. We are Lucy Robins, Frankie Dean, Natalie Astin and Clemmentine Hastings You can find out more about us here http://www.playtherapyotago.nz/
“Lucy has been working with my daughter, who has battled since she was quite small to remain happy and emotionally balanced. Having Play Therapy has made a huge positive impact on my daughter.
Being part of this journey with my children has been a huge light-bulb moment for me. I recommend every child should have the opportunity as it gives the parents a chance to grow as well.”
Get in touch
To discuss if Child-Centered Play Therapy could be right for your whānau get in touch for a consultation to see the playroom and talk through any questions you might have.