“I’m In Charge, and I Want You To Choose!” – What To Do When Kids Try To Make You Choose (Ninja Trick!)

Sep 13, 2024

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I address a question from Linae in Colorado, who is working with a child that refuses to make choices during sessions. This is a common issue, as children often struggle with power and control, anxiety, or both, which can lead to resistance in making decisions. I explore how to identify the root cause of this behavior and offer strategies for reflecting feelings, narrating the situation, and using a subtle technique to return responsibility to the child without directly forcing a choice.

I also discuss the importance of reflecting on the underlying reasons for the child’s discomfort with decision-making. Whether it’s due to a lack of practice in making choices or an attempt to avoid the consequences that come with decision-making, understanding these motives can guide us in supporting the child through this process. This episode is packed with practical tips and a helpful “ninja trick” for therapists when navigating similar scenarios in their play therapy sessions.

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.

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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. (2002). Play therapy: The art of the relationship (2nd ed.). Brunner-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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