Bringing CCPT Into Schools: Group Sessions, Teacher Buy-In, and Special Education Support

May 22, 2025

In this episode, I answer a question from Robin in New York, a school-based counselor who’s navigating how to implement Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) in an academic setting. From managing large caseloads and working in group formats to responding to teacher perceptions and supporting special education students, Robin’s questions reflect the real-world tension between clinical best practices and the demands of the school environment.

I share how CCPT can be delivered effectively in small groups, how to build relationships with faculty and leadership to gain trust and buy-in, and why setting expectations early is key to avoiding misinterpretation of the model. I also discuss how CCPT aligns beautifully with the needs of children in special education—because it’s not about cognitive ability, it’s about relationship, regulation, and unconditional acceptance. This episode is encouragement and practical guidance for anyone working to bring CCPT into schools with confidence and clarity.

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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]
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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.

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