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Latest podcast episodes
Overcoming Separation Challenges: A Child-Centered Approach
Helping a Child with Separation Anxiety in Play Therapy In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer a question from Jemima in England about working with a nine-year-old boy struggling with severe separation anxiety. Jemima has had two sessions with the child...
Mastering the Art of Limit-Setting: The Power of the “Pause” in Offering Perfectly Aligned Choices
In this episode, we get into the fine details of limit setting in play therapy sessions. I emphasize the importance of the "limit setting pause" – a crucial moment where we take a beat to understand the child's underlying emotions, needs, and motivations before...
The Inside Track on CCPT Supervision: Why Theoretical Alignment Matters – Part 2 of My Chat with Dr. Jodi Mullen
In today's episode, I got to sit down with Dr. Jodi Mullen and talk about CCPT supervision. Dr. Mullen is an RPT-S and CCPT-Master and brings decades of experience to this conversation. I know you hear this from me often, but I wanted you to hear the message from...
Special Interview Episode: Dr. Jodi Mullen – Talking Child-Centered Play Therapy and Child Trauma (part 1 of 2)
In today's episode, I got to sit down with Dr. Jodi Mullen and talk about CCPT supervision. Dr. Mullen is an RPT-S and CCPT-Master. I hope you enjoy this special episode as much as I enjoyed making it. It was a pleasure to "talk shop" with Dr. Mullen and share stories...
Understanding and Managing Bathroom Accidents in Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this episode, we tackle a sensitive but common issue faced in child-centered play therapy: managing enuresis and encopresis among young clients. I answer a question from Juliette in Georgia, addressing how therapists can maintain a child-centered approach while...
Mastering Limit Setting in Child-Centered Play Therapy: A Deep Dive
In this episode, we take a pause from my planned curriculum to address a crucial skill that many therapists find challenging: limit setting in child-centered play therapy. Over the next two weeks, we will explore this topic in depth, aiming to refine and enhance your...
Silence in the Playroom: Navigating Child-Centered Play Therapy with a Selectively Mute Child
In this episode, I tackle a nuanced situation shared by Nell from Maryland, a play therapist working with an 11-year-old client who does not speak during therapy sessions. Despite not being diagnosed as selectively mute, the child exhibits behaviors akin to selective...
Reverse Pandora’s Box: Understanding Progress and Regression in Child-Centered Play Therapy
In today's episode, I start the first episode in a new series on advanced CCPT concepts. Today I'm discussing a metaphor/story that I tell parents during consultations that I refer to as the Reverse Pandora's Box. This idea is crucial for understanding the natural...
Exploring the Therapeutic Use of Board Games in a Child-Centered Playroom
In today's episode, I answer a question from Summer in Illinois. She asked about the use of board games in the playroom. As a tool in child-centered play therapy, board games serve as a conduit for emotional growth, problem-solving, and social interaction. This...
6 Takeaways from “Filial Therapy Using Child Parent Relationship Therapy”
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I continue the discussion into the child-centered filial approach within play therapy. I recently conducted a filial CEU course, and I want to share the insights I learned from participant feedback. I identified six key...
Navigating the First Session: Achieving the “Touchstone Story” Goals with a Child-Centered Approach
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I address a question from Marian in Ireland regarding the Touchstone story, a method sometimes used in initial therapy sessions. While acknowledging the intention behind the Touchstone story, I delve into why it doesn't...
Filial Therapy: Understanding Goals for Parents, Children, and Therapists
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I cover the goals of filial therapy. I'm focusing primarily on the Child-Parent Relationship Training (CPRT) model. Facilitators need to understand the importance of these goals, not only for parents but also for children...
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