Play Therapy for Conduct Disorder | Cadabam’s Child Development Center
If your child’s defiance, outbursts, or aggression are making daily life stressful, you are not alone. Play therapy for conduct disorder is an evidence-based approach that turns a child’s natural language—play—into a powerful tool for change. At Cadabams CDC, our child psychologists use structured play sessions to help children learn self-control, empathy, and healthy social habits while guiding parents every step of the way.
Why Choose Play Therapy for Conduct Disorder?
Proven Effect on Behavioral Problems
Dozens of peer-reviewed studies show that play therapy can:
- Cut disruptive behaviors by up to 60% within 16–20 sessions
- Improve parent–child relationships and school cooperation
- Lower the risk of later delinquency or academic failure
CBPT vs Traditional Play Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy (CBPT): Therapist leads goal-focused games that teach problem-solving, impulse control, and perspective-taking.
- Traditional child-centered play therapy: Child chooses the activities while the therapist reflects feelings and builds trust.
At Cadabams CDC, we blend both styles to fit your child’s age and severity of symptoms.
Ideal Age Range and Early Signs
- Best window: 3–12 years, while the brain is most plastic.
- Red flags parents often notice:
- Frequent tantrums beyond the toddler years
- Harming pets, siblings, or classmates
- Persistent lying or rule-breaking at school
How Our Play Therapy Works
Step 1: Comprehensive Assessment
A senior child psychologist meets you and your child for a 60-minute session covering:
- Standardized questionnaires (e.g., Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory)
- School and medical history review
- Play-based observation to see triggers in real time
Step 2: Personalized Treatment Plan
We set 2–3 measurable goals, such as “Reduce physical aggression to zero incidents at school within 8 weeks,” and choose the right mix of CBPT and CCPT strategies.
Step 3: Structured Play Sessions
- Sessions last 45 minutes, once or twice a week.
- One-way mirror lets parents watch live or recorded clips.
- Activities range from role-play with puppets to cooperative board games.
Step 4: Progress Monitoring & Parent Guidance
- Weekly email updates with graphs of target behaviors.
- Fortnightly parent coaching to practice new discipline scripts at home.
- Optional parent-child joint sessions to generalize skills.
Types of Play Therapy We Offer
Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy (CBPT)
Therapist introduces stories or toys that mirror real-life conflicts, then guides the child to rehearse positive choices. Highly effective for impulsivity and rule-breaking.
Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)
Child leads; therapist tracks emotions and sets gentle limits. Ideal for children who shut down or feel blamed.
Directive vs Non-Directive Approaches
- Directive: Therapist chooses toys and prompts specific skills (e.g., taking turns).
- Non-directive: Child chooses; therapist follows.
We decide the ratio based on clinical need and your child’s comfort level.
Expected Outcomes
Reduced Aggression and Defiance
Parents report fewer arguments, hitting, or property destruction after 6–8 sessions.
Improved Social Skills
Children learn how to join games, read facial expressions, and resolve conflicts without adult intervention.
Stronger Emotional Regulation
By naming feelings through play, kids gain an emotional vocabulary and use calming strategies like deep breathing or “stop-think-act” scripts.
Meet Our Play Therapists
Qualifications & Certifications
- MPhil or MSc in Clinical Psychology or Child Development
- Registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI)
- Additional certification in CBPT from the Association for Play Therapy (India)
Specialization in Conduct Disorder
Every therapist at Cadabams CDC dedicates at least 30% of their caseload to disruptive behavior disorders, ensuring deep expertise.
Multilingual & Culturally Sensitive Care
Sessions available in English, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu, with toys and stories that reflect Indian family values.