Child-Centered Play Therapy is an approach that allows the child to show us their worlds and thoughts through play. Children lack the full ability to verbalize their feelings and needs. Play is natural and effortless to a child and allows the therapist the ability to understand some themes the child may be playing out from his or her life. With a professional understanding, a child's thoughts and feelings can be identified allowing the child to grow in certain areas such as independence, self-control, esteem, and compliance with limits and boundaries.

In much the same as play therapy, art therapy allows the child to show us their worlds and thoughts in a sand tray or through art. It provides a safe modality to process thoughts and feelings projected onto the creations for children and teens. It is useful in treating sensory processing problems, trauma, ADHD, and oppositional defiance. These approaches can be more directive or person/child-centered depending on their needs.