ABSTRACT

This chapter describes how play therapy works by discussing the elements necessary to facilitate effective change. It provides a new awareness of the fit between work with children and person-centered theory. The chapter then presents two cases of child development in the context of the 19 propositions that will hopefully exemplify the use of the theory in everyday conceptualization of practice. The 19 propositions provide a roadmap for conceptualization of child development and accompanying constructs, behaviors, and emotions. The person-centered philosophy that serves as the basis for child-centered play therapy (CCPT) is marked by its trust in the innate tendency present in all individuals for growth enhancing self-structure, emotions, and behaviors. By far, CCPT is recognized as the most popular approach to play therapy in the United States and enjoys a strong international reputation. Although identified as the second most cited play therapy approach among play therapists, cognitive-behavioral play therapy is perhaps the least explicated in play therapy literature.