1. Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)

Originating from the Person-Centered adult approach of Carl Rogers, CCPT has the longest evidence base. CCPT is founded on the belief that children have an innate ability to solve their problems when provided with an accepting, empathic relationship based on unconditional positive regard. In this setting:

• Therapists provide a range of toys that allow children to express themselves more fully than they normally could.

• Therapists enable children to direct their own play, and they are specially trained to observe and participate in the play using specific strategies to develop a child's social emotional skills and shift behavior.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy (CBPT)

Contrary to CCPT, there are several more directive forms of play therapy that are more structured and guided by therapists. Play Therapists using a more directive approach introduce specific activities or games to address particular issues or teach certain skill-based lessons. Incorporating principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), CBPT is structured and goal-oriented. This approach can be beneficial for:

• Children who might need more structure.

• Targeting specific behaviors or challenges.

3. Filial Therapy

This approach involves parents or primary caregivers in the therapeutic process. Typically:

• Therapists teach parents techniques to engage in therapeutic play with their children.

• The aim is to strengthen the parent-child bond and empower parents to support their child’s emotional well-being.

4. Synergetic Play Therapy

Synergetic Play Therapy is an innovative therapeutic approach that combines play therapy techniques with neuroscience and the theory of attachment to support children's emotional and psychological well-being. This approach recognizes the importance of the therapist's authentic presence and sharing the therapist's experience with the child to facilitate awareness and heal interpersonal trauma.

5. Theraplay

Theraplay is a structured play therapy approach that focuses on enhancing the attachment relationship between the child and their caregiver. Theraplay aims to strengthen the bond between the child and caregiver by utilizing play to promote warmth, engagement, and nurturance. By engaging in specific interactive play activities with the therapist as a guide, the caregiver learns to respond to the child's needs and cues, creating a secure and supportive environment and improving the parent-child attachment relationship.

6. TraumaPlay

Rooted in the principles of Adlerian psychology, this approach:

• Focuses on concepts like inferiority feelings, lifestyle, and social connectedness.

• Aims to explore the child's life style, helping them gain insights and foster behavioral changes.

7. Theraplay

Designed to enhance attachment and self-esteem, Theraplay is:

• Highly interactive and directive.

• Often used for children with attachment issues, it mimics parent-child interactions to build trust and understanding.

8. Integrative Play Therapy

As the name suggests, this approach integrates various methods and techniques from different play therapy models, tailored to suit the individual child's needs.

9. Group Play Therapy

Conducted with groups of children, this therapy:

• Utilizes dynamics of group interactions to foster social skills, empathy, and cooperation.

• Helps children learn from their peers and feel less isolated in their experiences.

10. Animal-Assisted Play Therapy

Using animals, often dogs or horses, this therapy:

• Provides a therapeutic alliance between the child and the animal.

• Leverages the natural bond between humans and animals to foster healing and emotional growth.