Know developmental norms.

Children between the ages of four and 11 are naturally curious about their bodies, their identity, and who they were made to be. Curiosities and comments about physical anatomy, and normal development, are common and should be welcomed as our children grow to understand their world.

Sometimes, adults will attach a sexualized meaning to a child’s curiosity and play. It is important to remember that children play out what they have experienced, or what they are working through just as adults talk through their cognitive processes.

A CCPT therapist stays neutral and accepting as the child leads the play.

In the playroom, an adherent CCPT therapist would not change in their direction from one child whose parents are in favor of a tolerant, accepting gender identity to a child whose parents are clearly opposed to any identity, other than what the biological anatomy represents. This therapist would not hold any labeling or judgment, but continue in full acceptance of what is happening in the present in the play session.

For example, if a boy chooses to dress up in skirts, scarves, jewelry, the therapist might reflect, “You’re choosing to wear something shiny or soft or floaty.” The therapist would not say, “You’re choosing to dress up like a girl” or “You’re not sure if you are a girl or a boy”. Those are both leading and evaluative statements.

Parents process support with their CCPT therapist.

However, when the therapist is addressing a parent in a private parent consultation, a therapist may bring up the broad statement of noticing how the child is curious and interested in normal gender differences. Perhaps a child is playing out and working through something they have encountered in their world.  But, most often these issues sort themselves out when a child is given the time, tools, and opportunities in play therapy.