A FREE Master-Class Education in Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)
Listen to the latest episode
Subscribe to my email newsletter JUST FOR THERAPISTS!
Latest podcast episodes
228 | Session Savvy: Staying Neutral and Avoiding “Body” Commentary in CCPT
In this Session Savvy episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I talk about the importance of avoiding commentary on a child’s body or physical actions in the playroom, such as saying, “Your body is telling you it needs to move.” While well-intentioned, these types of...
227 | Revisiting SMART Goals with CCPT for School Settings
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer a question from Sandy in Iowa about creating SMART Goals, referencing the four universal outcomes in child-centered play therapy (CCPT). Sandy wanted guidance on how to document data to share with parents and...
226 | When Therapy Approaches Collide: Supporting Siblings with Different Therapists
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I address a question from Sarah Beth in North Carolina about handling a tricky situation with two siblings in therapy. Sarah Beth’s client feels jealous because his brother, who sees a different therapist with a more...
225 | Session Savvy: Avoiding Value-Laden Language & Reflecting Without Owning
In this Session Savvy episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I discuss the importance of staying neutral and avoiding value-laden language when a child disagrees with us in the playroom. Often, therapists may respond with phrases like "I made a mistake" or "I got that...
224 | CCPT and Autism: Child-Centered Play Therapy with Children on the Spectrum
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer a question from Michelle in Texas regarding how child-centered play therapy (CCPT) aligns with the needs of children on the autism spectrum. Michelle asked about potential differences in themes, stages, and...
223 | Preparing Children for Therapist Absences: Maternity Leave and Vacation
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I address a question from Melissa in Colorado about how to communicate upcoming absences to children and their parents. Melissa specifically asked about handling maternity leave and vacations that require taking time away...
222 | The Universal Efficacy of CCPT: How to Address Doubters
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to a question from Nicole in Indiana about finding research that compares child-centered play therapy (CCPT) with other types of therapy. Nicole, whose manager is skeptical of CCPT’s broad applicability,...
221 | Staying True to the Model: Encouraging New Therapists to Trust CCPT
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to a question from Deidra in Virginia, a first-year supervised therapist whose supervisor isn’t child-centered and often suggests teaching coping skills to young clients in play therapy sessions. I share my...
220 | Repetitive Play and/or Self-Soothing in Early Sessions
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I address a question from Suzanne in Maryland, who has been working with a six-year-old child that engages in repetitive dressing and undressing of Barbie dolls in each session. Suzanne wonders how to interpret this...
219 | Session Savvy: Reflecting Content Without Assuming Emotion
In this Session Savvy episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I discuss an important topic: not assuming that content is emotionally connected in child-centered play therapy (CCPT). I explain that therapists often make the mistake of reacting to play scenarios based on...
218 | Mastering In-Session Note-taking in Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to Ethan from Virginia, who asked about writing in-session notes during child-centered play therapy (CCPT). Ethan wants to know what kinds of things to document and how to categorize them effectively. I explain my...
217 | Sending Birthday Cards: Balancing Customer Service and Confidentiality
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to Brianna from Texas, who asks about the process of sending birthday cards to clients while maintaining confidentiality. I explain the benefits of sending birthday cards and how it strengthens the relationship...
Get Brenna’s Latest Book
Device Detox: A Parent’s Guide To Reducing Usage, Preventing Tantrums, And Raising Happier Kids.
“Dr. Brenna Hicks does an excellent job of sketching the problem, but the book shines brightest when Dr. Hicks offers a suite of practical, evidence-based strategies for coping with screen overuse in children. A valuable book that deserves to be read by parents everywhere.”