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Latest podcast episodes
Navigating Child and Adult Therapy Coexistence in a Group Practice: Expectations, Communication, and the ‘Why’
In this episode, I address a question from an anonymous listener who called in. This listener works in a multi-disciplinary practice where child-centered play therapy coexists with adult therapy. The practice owner is considering implementing restrictive rules for...
Mastering the 5 Goals of Child-Centered Play Therapy Sessions: From Theory to Practice
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I continue our summer school series by diving into "A Practical Handbook for Building the Play Therapy Relationship" by Giordano, Landreth, and Jones. I explore the five key goals of play therapy sessions and discuss how...
The Addiction We’re Ignoring: Screen Time and Child Mental Health
In this episode, I dive deep into a concerning trend in child and adolescent psychotherapy: the use of video games in therapy. I address an email from Carolyn in Vermont, who asks about therapists using video games to engage "difficult" clients, often using...
The Power of You: Why Your Personality Matters in Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I continue our summer school series by diving into the eighth and final principle from Gary Landreth's "Innovations in Play Therapy." This principle focuses on establishing therapeutic limits that help children accept...
Freedom to Be Loud: The Significance of Loud Play in Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this episode... First of all, I'm thrilled to celebrate a major milestone with you all - the Play Therapy Podcast has reached 300,000 downloads! I'm deeply grateful for your continued support and dedication to child-centered play therapy. Your commitment to...
The Art of Following: Why Letting Children Lead is Key to Being an Effective Child-Centered Play Therapist
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I continue our summer school series, diving deep into the principles of effective play therapists as outlined in Landreth's "Innovations in play therapy: Issues, process, and special populations." book. We explore the...
Q&A Lightning Round #7: Five Questions From Three Listeners Answered
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I dive into a mini lightning round, answering five questions from three different listeners. Before getting into the Q&A, I share a heartwarming email from Tammy in Ireland, who recounts her early experiences with...
Trusting the Child’s Innate Wisdom: Two More Core Principles of Effective Child-Centered Play Therapists
In this episode, I continue our summer school series on essential principles for effective play therapists. We explore two key principles from Garry Landreth's "Innovations in Play Therapy": 1. Being sensitive to the child's feelings and reflecting them to foster...
Play Therapy Challenges: From Credentials to Limit-Setting
In this episode, I answer questions from Sarah, a school therapist in Florida. Sarah's role as an in-school therapist for a therapeutic unit presents unique challenges, and I'm excited to address her questions about play therapy. I start by reassuring therapists that...
Beyond Techniques: Cultivating the Therapist’s Personality for CCPT Success
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I continue our summer school series on the essential personality characteristics of effective play therapists. We dive into the second and third principles: unconditional acceptance and creating safety and permissiveness in...
Resistance or Control? Responding to ‘Don’t Talk to Me’ Moments in Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this episode, I answer a question from Julia in New York about handling situations where a child tells us to "leave them alone" or "don't talk to me" during play therapy sessions. I explore two possible reasons for this behavior: resistance or power and control...
The Therapist’s Self: Unpacking Landreth’s Essential Qualities of Effective Child-Centered Play Therapists
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I dive into the essential personality characteristics of effective play therapists. Drawing from Garry Landreth's book "Innovations in Play Therapy," I discuss the first of Virginia Axline's eight basic principles that...
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