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...
In this episode, I answer a question from Hope in Kentucky about incorporating parents into the CCPT process. Her case involved a foster mom participating in session—and the outcome revealed why that’s not aligned with the CCPT model. I explain how parent presence in...
In this episode, I respond to a thoughtful question from Cassie in North Carolina about integrative play therapy and the belief that there’s no “one size fits all” approach. As a CCPT purist, I explain why I believe in full adherence to a single theoretical model and...
In this episode of the Art of the Session summer series, I talk about one of the most overlooked parts of the CCPT process—our relationship with parents. While we spend most of our time and training focusing on the therapeutic relationship with the child, we often...
In this first episode of the Art of the Session summer series, I walk through one of the most essential components of effective CCPT work: the playroom itself. I share the practical, intentional choices that make a playroom therapeutic—including size, layout, toy...
In this final episode of the CCPT Mindset series, I wrap up with one of the most foundational shifts we must make as child-centered play therapists: moving from doing to being. I explore how the pressure to “do it right” in session—say the right thing, follow the...
In this episode, I answer two great questions from Joy in Maryland. First, we talk about kids who spend most of their session playing with slime. I explain why that kind of repetitive play often falls into the competence theme and why it’s important not to jump to...
In this episode, I respond to a question from Mara in North Carolina—and a handful of other listeners—about working with very young children in Child-Centered Play Therapy, specifically those under the age of five. I share what you can expect when seeing toddlers and...
In this episode, I continue the CCPT Mindset series with a deep dive into something we all wrestle with at some point: progress anxiety. As child-centered play therapists, it’s easy to slip into the trap of wanting sessions to “go somewhere”—especially when outside...
In this episode, I respond to a question from Rachel in Missouri about a 5½-year-old client who refuses to poop in the toilet and insists on using a pull-up. We explore how this long-standing habit is likely a reflection of control and vulnerability, and how...
In this episode, I respond to a question from Sarah in California about how to explain the difference between bribery and choice giving in CCPT—specifically after a parent watched the Cookies, Choices, and Kids video and thought it sounded like a bribe. I walk through...
In this episode of the CCPT Mindset series, I unpack the “myth of the therapeutic agenda” and how even well-intentioned goals can lead us away from true child-centeredness. It’s easy to think we’re being helpful when we hope for insight, change, or breakthroughs—but...
In this episode, I answer a question from Jill in Pennsylvania about how to handle playrooms that share a wall with a waiting area—and the issues that come with that setup. From parents commenting on sessions to kids reacting to sounds from the lobby, these scenarios...
In this episode, I respond to a question from Tess in Illinois about coaching parents with personality disorders—specifically borderline and narcissism—within the CPRT (Child-Parent Relationship Therapy) framework. This is a tough but important topic because it forces...
In this episode, I kick off a new CCPT Mindset Series focused on the hidden beliefs and unconscious language that quietly pull us away from full adherence to the CCPT model. I begin with one of the most common and seemingly innocent phrases I hear from therapists: “I...
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...
In this episode, I talk about how to use narrative summary and narrative commentary in Child-Centered Play Therapy sessions—especially when you're working with a child who is quiet, repetitive, or nonverbal in their play. I explain why relying only on tracking...
In this special 300th episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, and on a special day (the podcast launched three years ago today!), I share the full audio from our recent livestream celebration—a live Zoom event joined by listeners from all over the world. This episode is...
In this episode, I offer encouragement and clarity for those of you who feel like you're not where you “should” be in your CCPT journey. If you’ve ever felt behind, inadequate, or unsure if you’re doing it right—you’re not alone. You’re not behind… you’re becoming. I...
In this episode, I respond to a question from Lujaina in Texas about what to do when you've clearly communicated that you won’t participate in court proceedings—only to be served a subpoena anyway. I walk through how to handle the ethical, professional, and relational...
In this final episode of the CCPT Purism series, I wrap up our 11-episode journey with a reflection on what it truly means to live and practice Child-Centered Play Therapy with integrity. I walk through the full arc of the series—from Rogers’ foundational truths to...