Child-Centered Play Therapy is a treatment approach particularly suitable for children to handle their emotional, social and behavioral problems. It is first developed by Axline (1969), an American psychologist. Its philosophy is based on Carl Rogers' (1959) "Person-centered theory", stressing that therapists provide an atmosphere with acceptance, empathy and security.

When children experience emotional problems, or when things begin to bother them, they don't have the vocabulary or the insights of adults to talk about them. It is often manifested as different behavioral or social problems, or even physical discomfort.

Therapy for children therefore is held in a playroom where children can demonstrate their problems to the therapist. Children can freely use toys selected by play therapist, to play out their thoughts and feelings. When children experience being understood, being accepted and feeling secured, they are more likely to fully express and explore their feelings, thoughts experiences and behaviors, for optimal growth and development.

Child-centered Play Therapy is a non-directive treatment approach, meaning therapist will not direct the child how to play. It is believed that every child has the tendency to have self-actualization, if provided with appropriate atmosphere. It allows children to

• Develop a more positive self-concept.
• Assume greater self-responsibility.
• Become more self-directing.
• Become more self-accepting.
• Become more self-reliant.
• Engage in self-determined decision making.
• Experience a feeling of control.
• Become sensitive to the process of coping.
• Develop an internal source of evaluation.
• Become more trusting of himself.

Dr. Landreth, an internationally known pioneer in play therapy, recommended play therapists to finish at least master-level play therapy training and supervised clinical practicum, to ensure treatment effectiveness.

Our play therapist has received professional training in play therapy and counselling, and was awarded Master of Social Sciences (Counselling) at the University of Hong Kong. During her study, she received 1-year intensive play therapy training and supervised practicum. She was familiar in children's psychological, emotional, behavioral and social development. In particular, she was experienced in working with children with developmental problems and children with family problems.

Out center's play therapist also holds a speech therapy degree, she has been working in the field of child development for years. With double professional knowledge, it is hoped that it will be more effective in helping children and their parents.