With this approach, children are encouraged to work towards their own solutions to problems through play. The therapist operates primarily as a bystander as the child is allowed to direct the play and express their thoughts and feelings naturally.

This form of therapeutic play involves more structure and guidance from the therapist, although the goal remains the same (to help the child work through emotional and behavioural issues).

At our clinic, therapeutic play is generally directive and follows a child-friendly cognitive behavioural approach.

The therapist often plays with the child and may suggest new ideas for play that encourage the child to address their presenting issue. Stories read by the therapist during play have an underlying purpose and when games are played, they are generally selected by the therapist. The child is still able to engage in free expression but it is a more structured form of therapeutic play that is guided by the therapist.   

Child-friendly cognitive behavioural therapeutic play can be particularly beneficial when used with very young children (e.g., ages 2 to 6 years old) who have not developed the cognitive ability required for straight cognitive therapy alone. While playing, toys like stuffed dolls and puppets can be used to demonstrate cognitive strategies that can improve coping abilities and help children develop problem solving skills.