319 | Art of the Session: Empowerment on the Way to the Playroom

Episode summary

In this episode of the Art of the Session series, I walk you through a phase of the play therapy process that's often overlooked—what happens on the way to the playroom. This moment may feel small, but it holds tremendous power to reinforce the child's sense of autonomy, predictability, and safety. I share how empowerment choices—offered consistently and predictably during the walk back—set the tone for the session and become a ritual that communicates "You are in control here."

I offer real-life examples of how to work these choices into your routine, even if you're in a school, office building, or don't have a sink nearby. Whether it's picking a hallway, choosing which sanitizer to use, or deciding how to travel to the playroom (hopping, skipping, or sliding in socks), these micro-moments become powerful anchors of trust and consistency. This episode helps you refine the seemingly simple transitions into meaningful therapeutic opportunities.