Play Therapy Podcast

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I address a question from Jess in Florida about how to handle a child who refuses to leave the playroom after being asked to return a toy. Jess shares her experience with a seven-year-old client who initially resisted putting back a Lego treasure chest and then curled up on the floor, refusing to leave. I discuss how to set limits effectively within the child-centered play therapy (CCPT) model, emphasizing the importance of reflecting feelings, maintaining patience, and creating choices that empower the child to self-regulate. I also provide strategies for situations where the session runs over time due to these challenges and how to manage communication with waiting parents and clients. This episode offers practical advice on limit setting and highlights the value of sticking to CCPT principles, even in difficult moments. Play Therapy Podcast Livestream!  Jan. 3rd @ 2pm EST Register here (100 attendee limit): https://playtherapypodcast.com/livestream Sign up for my exclusive newsletter at playtherapynow.com. Stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice! 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 Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor 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. Bratton, S. C., Landreth, G. L., Kellam, T., & Blackard, S. R. (2006). Child parent relationship therapy (CPRT) treatment manual: A 10-session filial therapy model for training parents. Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group. Benedict, Helen. Themes in Play Therapy. Used with permission to Heartland Play Therapy Institute.

In this Session Savvy "wrap-up" episode, I end the series by emphasizing the importance of preserving the classical child-centered play therapy (CCPT) model. Reflecting on Louise Guerney’s powerful foreword from the book Child-Centered Play Therapy by VanFleet, I discuss the dangers of modifying CCPT to make clinical “improvements” and why staying adherent to the original principles is vital for the model’s integrity and effectiveness. I also share insights from my recent trip to Australia, where I tackled the theme of innovation in CCPT. I explain why innovation should focus on delivery of the service of therapy rather than altering the model itself. Much like the timeless utility of a nail, CCPT doesn’t need improvement—it works as it is. However, how we deliver, communicate, and share CCPT can and should evolve to ensure it continues to thrive across generations. Episode Reference: VanFleet, R., Sywulak, A. E., & Sniscak, C. C. (2010). Child-centered play therapy. Play Therapy Podcast Livestream!  Jan. 3rd @ 2pm EST Register here (100 attendee limit): https://playtherapypodcast.com/livestream Sign up for my exclusive newsletter at playtherapynow.com. Stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice! 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 Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor 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. Bratton, S. C., Landreth, G. L., Kellam, T., & Blackard, S. R. (2006). Child parent relationship therapy (CPRT) treatment manual: A 10-session filial therapy model for training parents. Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group. Benedict, Helen. Themes in Play Therapy. Used with permission to Heartland Play Therapy Institute.

In this Session Savvy episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I discuss the potential impact of using the word "silly" in the playroom and why it’s essential to choose language carefully in child-centered play therapy (CCPT). Words like "silly," while often used with positive intent, can carry unintended connotations based on the child’s prior experiences. I explain how such words might be interpreted as negative, depending on the child’s history with adults using that term in critical or dismissive ways. To ensure clarity and neutrality, I recommend replacing evaluative language like "silly" with narrative commentary or tracking behavior. For example, instead of saying, "You’re being silly," describe the behavior directly: "You’re giggling" or "You’re running around with your arms in the air." This approach reduces the risk of misinterpretation and keeps the focus on the child’s actions, supporting the therapeutic relationship. Sign up for my exclusive newsletter at playtherapynow.com. Stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice! 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 Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor 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. Bratton, S. C., Landreth, G. L., Kellam, T., & Blackard, S. R. (2006). Child parent relationship therapy (CPRT) treatment manual: A 10-session filial therapy model for training parents. Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group. Benedict, Helen. Themes in Play Therapy. Used with permission to Heartland Play Therapy Institute.

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer a question from Mary Clare in Illinois, who is working with a 10-year-old client and feeling unsure if child-centered play therapy (CCPT) is the right approach for him. I address her concerns about the child’s resistance, performative play, social challenges, and low self-esteem. I explain how these behaviors align perfectly with what CCPT is designed to address, particularly for children struggling with anxiety and emotional avoidance. I also discuss the healing power of CCPT, emphasizing that “just playing” allows children to self-actualize and work through their issues in ways they might not consciously realize. By continuing to provide the right relationship, environment, tools, and time, Mary Clare is giving her client exactly what he needs to grow. This episode serves as a reminder that CCPT is the right approach for any child under 14, as long as we stay consistent and trust the process. Sign up for my exclusive newsletter at playtherapynow.com. Stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice! 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 Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor 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. Bratton, S. C., Landreth, G. L., Kellam, T., & Blackard, S. R. (2006). Child parent relationship therapy (CPRT) treatment manual: A 10-session filial therapy model for training parents. Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group. Benedict, Helen. Themes in Play Therapy. Used with permission to Heartland Play Therapy Institute.