Current Statistics

Area of Improvement	% of Children Showing Measurable Improvement
Emotional regulation	70–85%
Anxiety reduction	65–80%
Behavioral problems	60–75%
Social skills	55–70%

 

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• Bratton, S. C., Ray, D., Rhine, T., & Jones, L. (2005). The efficacy of play therapy with children: A meta-analytic review of treatment outcomes. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 36(4), 376–390. https://doi.org/10.1037/0735-7028.36.4.376

• Lin, Y.-W., & Bratton, S. C. (2015). A meta-analytic review of child-centered play therapy approaches. Journal of Counseling & Development, 93(1), 45–58. Adult Therapy — Child Therapy Institute

• Parker, M. M., Hunnicutt Hollenbaugh, K. M., & Kelly, C. T. (2021). Exploring the impact of child-centered play therapy for children exhibiting behavioral problems: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Play Therapy, 30(4), 259–271. Adult Therapy — Child Therapy Institute

• Stulmaker, H. L., & Ray, D. C. (2015). Child-Centered Play Therapy with young children who are anxious. Children and Youth Services Review, 57, 127–133. Child-Centered Play Therapy – The California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare