Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy for Children and Teens
Children and teens experiencing mental, emotional, or behavioral challenges often struggle to express what they feel. Traditional talk therapy may not be enough—especially for younger children who haven’t yet developed the vocabulary to explain their thoughts or experiences. That’s where cognitive behavioral play therapy (CBPT) can make a difference.
CBPT blends proven cognitive behavioral therapy strategies with the power of play to help children process emotions, change harmful thinking patterns, and build better coping skills. At NJCMO, we help connect families to mental health professionals who use child-centered approaches like CBPT to support healing and growth.
What Is Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy?
Cognitive behavioral play therapy is an evidence-based approach that combines core principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with developmentally appropriate play activities. Children explore emotions and practice coping strategies through role play, games, storytelling, art, and other guided play techniques.
In CBPT, play becomes the language through which therapists engage children. As the child participates, the therapist gently helps them identify negative thoughts, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and reshape their behavior in healthier ways.
CBPT is particularly effective for children ages 3–12, but adaptations also support pre-teens and teens.
Purpose of Play Therapy and Who It Helps
The purpose of play therapy is to help children express what they may not be able to say in words. Through play, they can safely process trauma, explore emotions, build self-esteem, and learn new behavioral skills.
Which group is play therapy often used to treat?
CBPT is commonly used to support:
- Children and teens with ADHD
- Those managing anxiety or depression
- Children dealing with grief or trauma
- Youth with behavioral challenges at home or school
- Children affected by divorce or family conflict
For families looking to explore traditional CBT approaches, our CBT for Children and Teens page explains how CBT can help youth better manage mental health challenges.
How Does Play Therapy Work?
While it may look like fun and games, every activity is carefully chosen to help a child reach specific therapeutic goals. Here’s how a typical session might unfold:
- Engagement – The therapist builds rapport using toys or activities that interest the child.
- Observation – Through play, the therapist observes patterns in the child’s thoughts, emotions, or behaviors.
- Intervention – Using cognitive behavioral play therapy techniques, the therapist introduces tools like emotion cards, storytelling, or role play to help the child recognize triggers and reframe thoughts.
- Skill Building – The child practices coping skills like deep breathing, problem-solving, or assertive communication in a low-stress, play-based setting.
These experiences reinforce positive thinking and provide a safe space for children to process real-life struggles.
Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy Techniques and Examples
CBPT techniques include:
- Therapeutic storytelling to reframe negative thoughts
- Puppet role play to act out scenarios and explore emotions
- Art and drawing to help children illustrate fears or solutions
- Board games with a twist—where children answer coping questions or discuss challenges as part of the game
Examples of CBPT in action:
- A child with anxiety might draw a comic strip showing a time they were brave.
- A teen with ADHD may use a feelings chart during a card game to identify what triggers impulsive behavior.
For more targeted support, check out our pages on CBT for ADHD and CBT for Anxiety.
CBPT and ADHD: A Helpful Combination
Cognitive behavioral play therapy and ADHD go hand-in-hand. Children with ADHD often benefit from structured, engaging environments where they can learn emotional regulation and focus. CBPT helps by:
- Using hands-on play to keep attention
- Teaching impulse control through fun role-play
- Practicing social skills in non-threatening, playful contexts
If your child shows signs of hyperactivity, distractibility, or impulsivity, visit our youth mental health services page to explore broader support options.
Is Play Therapy Evidence-Based?
Yes. Is play therapy evidence-based? Research supports CBPT as an effective intervention for many childhood mental health issues. It is recognized by mental health professionals and organizations, including the Association for Play Therapy (APT), as a developmentally appropriate, clinically sound approach for working with children.
Is Play Therapy Covered by Insurance?
Is play therapy covered by insurance? In many cases, yes. While coverage depends on your specific provider and plan, most insurers cover play therapy when it’s part of a treatment plan for a diagnosable condition (like anxiety, ADHD, or trauma-related disorders). NJCMO helps families understand what services are eligible and can guide you through the referral process.
How to Explain Play Therapy to a Child
If your child is nervous about attending, here’s a way to frame it: “You’ll meet someone who wants to help you feel better, and you’ll get to play games, do art, and talk about things that matter to you.”
Still not sure how to start the conversation? Visit our page on Anxiety and Depression in Teens to learn how to recognize signs of distress and start healthy mental health discussions.
How NJCMO Can Help
At NJCMO, we work with families across New Jersey to connect them to mental health providers, including those who specialize in cognitive behavioral play therapy. We understand that every child is different, and our care managers take the time to match families with resources that meet their child’s emotional and behavioral needs.If your child is struggling, don’t wait. Explore our mental health services to get started.
CBT FAQs
What is cognitive behavioral play therapy?
It’s a form of therapy that combines CBT with play to help children express emotions and change harmful thinking patterns through age-appropriate activities.
How does play therapy work for teens?
Teens benefit from more structured, goal-oriented play activities like storytelling, art, or board games that encourage emotional awareness and coping skills.
Which group is play therapy often used to treat?
Children and teens with anxiety, ADHD, depression, trauma, or behavioral challenges commonly benefit from CBPT.
Is play therapy covered by insurance?
Often, yes—especially if it’s part of a treatment plan for a diagnosable condition. NJCMO can help you determine coverage and next steps.