Child Centered Play Therapy & ADHD: A Parent Fact Page

Dawn M. Vinson,

Play Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor & Certified School Counselor, K-12

Child Centered Play Therapy & ADHD: A Parent Fact Page

As a play therapist, one of the questions I hear most from parents is, “How does play therapy actually help my child’s ADHD?” usually right after they have Googled it, spent hours on ChatGPT for advice, and then asked a friend if they know of a good therapist. It is a fair question and one that parents truly want to know before they invest their time and money into what might first look like the most expensive playdate ever. The good news? Research and data have the answers parents are looking for! 

How does Child Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) help children with ADHD?

Child Centered Play Therapy supports children with ADHD by strengthening emotional regulation, impulse control, executive functioning, and self-esteem in a developmentally appropriate way. Rather than relying on talk alone, play therapy uses play, which is the child’s natural language, to help children express emotions, process frustration, and build internal regulation skills. Research shows that CCPT, a relationship-focused intervention, is particularly effective for children whose brains are still developing the capacity for verbal reflection and self-control.

Why play therapy instead of traditional talk therapy?

Young children often lack the cognitive and emotional development needed to fully express themselves through words. Play therapy meets children where they are. As play therapy pioneer Gary Landreth explains, “Toys are the child’s words, and play is their language.”  In the playroom, children communicate through play, allowing therapeutic work to occur without pressure, shame, or over-correction.

How does play therapy support common ADHD challenges?

Emotional Regulation

Children with ADHD experience emotions intensely. Play therapy provides a safe space to experience, express, and regulate feelings with the support of an attuned therapist, strengthening the child’s nervous system over time.

Impulsivity & Behavioral Dysregulation

Through consistent, calm limits focused on safety, children learn self-control in a relational way that is not punitive. This supports the development of internal regulation rather than compliance-based behavior. (In other words, children can learn to regulate naturally on their own rather than because they have no choice to, which is a life skill promoting emotional maturity).

Executive Functioning

Child-led play naturally supports planning, decision-making, flexibility, and problem-solving, all key executive functioning skills, through lived experience rather than instruction.

Self-Esteem

Many children with ADHD internalize frequent negative feedback. Play therapy offers acceptance, trust, and emotional safety, helping children build confidence and a more positive sense of self.

Social Skills

Through play, children practice relational skills such as cooperation, turn-taking, and managing frustration, helping improve peer interactions over time.

How does play therapy support the parent - child relationship?

Parents of children with ADHD often feel stuck in cycles of correction, emotional escalation, and school-related stress. CCPT includes collaboration with parents through psychoeducation, support, and occasional sessions together. This helps parents better understand their child’s behavior, respond with confidence, and reduce power struggles, thus strengthening connection and trust within the family. Play therapy empowers both the child and the parent, helping children experience appropriate control and parents feel supported rather than blamed.

Why does this matter long-term?

Play therapy does not aim to “fix” ADHD. Instead, it supports emotional development, nervous system regulation, and relational security. These are foundational skills that influence long-term functioning at home, school, and in relationships.

When children feel safe, understood, and regulated, the entire family system benefits.

Research & Professional Support

Child Centered Play Therapy is supported by a growing body of research demonstrating its effectiveness with children experiencing ADHD-related challenges, emotional dysregulation, and behavioral concerns.

For more information about how Play Therapy supports your child and your family with ADHD challenges, please contact Dawn Vinson at Hope Harbor.

© 2026 Dawn M. Vinson. All rights reserved. 

*Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational purposes only and not meant to take the place of your licensed mental healthcare provider or your physician. Please enjoy these Free Tips for ADHD Support for Kids.

Hope Harbor Counseling & Family Therapy, PLLC  

4917 Golden Triangle Blvd. 

Suite 411 

Fort Worth, TX 76244 

(817) 201-2444 Call or Text 

FREE Resources at www.HopefulHarbor.com 

Email: Info@HopefulHarbor.com

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Selected References:

• Landreth, G. L. (2012). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship.

• Bratton, S. C., Ray, D., Rhine, T., & Jones, L. (2005). The efficacy of play therapy with children: A       meta-analytic review.

• Ray, D. C., et al. (2009). Child-centered play therapy research: Evidence-based outcomes.

• Schore, A. N. (2012). The Science of the Art of Psychotherapy.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ADHD and child development resources.