The best therapists are those who truly listen to their clients and let their needs naturally come to light. Non-directive play therapy is based on this principle, assuming that children carry inherent wisdom and know what they need to heal. This is one of the methods that child and adolescent therapists at Summer Counseling employ with children and their families in Oakdale, Minnesota. We’re here to tell you how it works!
Instead of directing the child’s play or guiding conversations, your therapist will create a supportive environment where the young patient leads the way—choosing how they want to play, what materials to use, and what stories to tell. Non-directive play therapists will often utilize Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), which draws upon Person-Centered Therapy, a well-established treatment method used for adults.
How Does It Work?
Developed from the work of Carl Rogers and Virginia Axline, the non-directive approach offers children access to a playroom with a wide variety of toys. The goal is to allow the child to express their emotions and experiences through developmentally appropriate play. There’s no pressure or expectations to choose certain activities or play in a certain way—the therapist’s role is simply to observe, infer, and at times, clarify with questions. The non-directive approach ensures a foundation of safety and trust, setting healthy boundaries while allowing the child to express themselves in ways that they are not able to access verbally due to developmental limitations.
Who Benefits From Non-Directive Play Therapy?
Children who are experiencing anxiety, behavioral issues, challenges with peers, or sadness and grief will benefit from non-directive play therapy. It’s also useful in cases of trauma and for neurodivergent children, including those with ADHD or autism, who may benefit from less structured, more sensory-aware therapeutic settings. By using toys, games, art, and imaginative play, children can safely externalize their inner world, developing problem-solving and coping skills along the way. Potential benefits include:
- Improved Emotional Regulation – Children learn to recognize and express their emotions in a healthy, non-destructive way.
- Building Trust and Safety – The child is in control, which fosters confidence and a sense of emotional security during treatment.
- Self-Understanding – Play becomes a medium for exploring identity, fears, family dynamics, and life events.
- Healing from Trauma – Without having to retell traumatic experiences, children can process and release difficult emotions.
- Stronger Parent-Child Relationships – Therapists may involve caregivers in the process to help reinforce connection and understanding at home.
This type of therapy is particularly effective for children who struggle to verbalize their feelings or who have been overwhelmed to the point that it’s hard to talk. Summer Counseling’s non-directive therapists are trained in Child-Centered, Experiential, and Somatic Play Therapy and will tailor therapeutic approaches to the needs of your child.
Resources for Parents and Guardians
Ensuring that our patients are fully informed is always part of our process, regardless of the type of therapy we’re discussing. Parents and guardians who are interested in non-directive play therapy are encouraged to visit the University of North Texas’s website to learn more about this approach: https://cpt.unt.edu/what-is-play-therapy
The following video from the Association for Play Therapy is also strongly encouraged: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reJpo-GaopM
Getting Started With Play Therapy in Oakdale
At Summer Counseling, our child therapists are trained in non-directive play therapy and work from a trauma-informed, identity-affirming lens. Our Oakdale office includes multiple play therapy rooms thoughtfully designed to help children feel safe, supported, and free to express themselves on their own terms. Providers who offer non-directed play therapy are:
If your child is struggling and needs a space to be seen, heard, and understood—non-directive play therapy may be the right path forward. Schedule a consultation today and let’s support your child’s emotional growth, one play session at a time.