Child-Centered Play Therapy: A Creative Approach to Culturally Competent Counseling

Abstract

Child-centered play therapy (CCPT) can be a valuable creative method to gain understanding of children’s life, culture, and needs. This approach allows children to play out life problems in an accepting environment through the experiential and cultural components inherent in creative interventions such as CCPT. This manuscript will share insights and examples in the use of CCPT to provide culturally competent services to a diverse population of child clients.

KEYWORDS:

• play therapy
• multicultural competence
• creativity in counseling
• child-centered play therapy

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Eric S. Davis

Eric S. Davis, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology and Behavioral Studies at Argosy University, Tampa, Florida.

Jennifer K. Pereira

Jennifer K. Pereira, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling Education at Argosy University, Tampa, Florida.