In this episode of the Art of the Session series, I walk through one of the trickiest and frequently rushed CCPT skills: limit setting. We revisit why going back to the basics is so important—because true mastery lives there. I explain the ACT formula (Acknowledge, Communicate, Target Alternatives) in depth and emphasize how each part functions, especially why the choices we offer must tie back to the child’s original need, desire, or intention. Limit setting isn’t a skill we use with every child or in every session, but when it’s needed, it must be done precisely. I share why it requires practice outside of the playroom to avoid fumbling in the moment and how getting it right reinforces the autonomy, safety, and therapeutic value of the CCPT experience. I also touch on ultimate limit setting and how even that can be framed as a child’s empowered choice. This is a must-listen if limit setting still feels challenging—or if it’s become automatic but you want to make sure it’s still adherent. PlayTherapyNow.com is my HUB for everything I do! playtherapynow.com. Sign up for my email newsletter, stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice. If you click one link in these show notes, this is the one to click! Topical Playlists! All of the podcasts are now grouped into topical playlists now on YouTube. Please go to https://www.youtube.com/@kidcounselorbrenna/playlists to view them. If you would like to ask me questions directly, check out www.ccptcollective.com, where I host two weekly Zoom calls filled with advanced CCPT case studies and session reviews, as well as member Q&A. You can take advantage of the two-week free trial to see if the CCPT Collective is right for you. Ask Me Questions: Call (813) 812-5525, or email:
[email protected] Brenna's CCPT Hub: https://www.playtherapynow.com CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://www.ccptcollective.com Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/playtherapypodcast Common References: Cochran, N., Nordling, W., & Cochran, J. (2010). Child-Centered Play Therapy (1st ed.). Wiley. VanFleet, R., Sywulak, A. E., & Sniscak, C. C. (2010). Child-centered play therapy. Guilford Press. Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge. Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315537948 Benedict, Helen. Themes in Play Therapy. Used with permission to Heartland Play Therapy Institute.
Ireland