Our Therapeutic Approaches
Our Therapeutic Approaches for Children
At our center, we do not rely on a single therapeutic approach when working with children. The most appropriate method is determined by the clinician based on the child’s needs, presenting concerns, and individual characteristics.
Child-Centered Play Therapy
Child-centered play therapy is an approach in which children express, explore, and process their emotions through play—their natural language. Rather than directing the child toward a specific topic, a safe and unstructured play environment is provided.
The therapist does not guide or correct the child, but instead accompanies the process with acceptance and attunement. This supportive and non-judgmental environment helps the child feel safe and freely express their inner world.
During sessions, children may communicate fears, anxieties, internal conflicts, and emotional experiences through play rather than direct verbal expression. This process supports emotional awareness, self-regulation, and the development of internal resources.
Child-centered play therapy is often used in cases of anxiety, behavioral difficulties, trauma, family changes, and social challenges. It is particularly effective for children who have difficulty expressing their emotions verbally.
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is a depth-oriented approach that focuses not only on surface-level symptoms but also on the underlying emotional and relational dynamics.
In this approach, early relational experiences, attachment patterns, and unconscious emotional processes are central to the therapeutic work. The connection between past experiences and current difficulties is explored collaboratively.
The therapeutic relationship between the child and the therapist plays a key role in this process. A consistent and secure relationship provides a new relational experience that supports emotional development and healing.
This approach is often preferred in cases such as anxiety, depressive symptoms, relational difficulties, low self-esteem, and repetitive behavioral patterns—especially when difficulties are thought to have deeper emotional roots.
MBT-C (Mentalization-Based Therapy for Children)
MBT-C is a structured therapeutic approach that aims to strengthen the child’s ability to understand both their own and others’ mental states—such as thoughts, feelings, intentions, and needs.
Children may sometimes struggle to recognize their own emotions or make sense of others’ behaviors. These difficulties can lead to relational conflicts, emotional outbursts, and challenges in social adaptation. MBT-C addresses these areas by helping the child better understand and interpret mental states.
The process is carried out through play, storytelling, and everyday experiences. Over time, the child develops a more balanced and meaningful connection with both their own inner world and the perspectives of others.
MBT-C is often used with children who experience difficulties in emotional regulation, anger outbursts, relational challenges, and empathy development.
Filial Therapy
Filial therapy is a play-based approach that aims to strengthen the relationship between the parent and the child. In this model, the therapist works not only with the child but also with the parent, teaching them therapeutic play skills.
Children often express their emotions more through play than through words. Filial therapy helps parents understand this language of play and engage more closely with their child’s emotional world.
With the guidance of the therapist, parents learn how to create regular “special play time,” reflect emotions, and set safe and consistent boundaries. This process supports the child’s ability to express themselves and enhances trust within the parent–child relationship.
Filial therapy is typically used with children aged 3–7 and their parents. It can be especially supportive in cases of anxiety, behavioral difficulties, separation anxiety, self-esteem issues, and periods of family transition.