Child-Centered Group Play Therapy: Therapeutic Power of Relationship

Child-Centered Group Play Therapy: Therapeutic Power of Relationship

Child-centered group play therapy (CCGPT) is an intervention that combines the power of peer relationships with the philosophy of child-centered play therapy. CCGPT provides an opportunity for children who struggle with socialemotional competencies to work toward effective interpersonal skills and nurturing relationships. Yet, group play intervention may be complicated for therapists to conceptualize and implement in the reality of working with multiple children simultaneously. The purpose of the current article is to provide a discussion of the philosophy and principles of CCGPT that support practice while offering specific verbal and nonverbal skills that facilitate therapeutic progress.