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Latest podcast episodes
274 | Room Wrecking, Risk-Taking, and Sensory-Seeking: What’s Behind the Play?
In this episode, I answer a question from Danielle in Georgia about a six-year-old child processing grief after the loss of his father. His play includes room wrecking, risk-taking, and sensory-seeking behaviors, and Danielle wanted insight into how these might relate...
273 | Keeping CCPT on Track: When a Child Refuses to Stay in the Playroom
In this episode, I answer a question from Hannah in Texas about what to do when a child leaves the playroom mid-session—especially when limits have already been set. This is one of the most common challenges in CCPT, and it brings up important questions about...
272 | Fine Tuning Limit-Setting: Clarifying the “A” in the ACT Framework
In this episode, I clarify the difference between reflecting feelings as a standalone reflective response and reflecting feelings within limit-setting (ACT model). While both serve important functions in CCPT, they operate differently—one builds emotional vocabulary,...
271 | When Limit-Setting Feels Endless & Does Setting Limits in CCPT Feel Coercive? Let’s Clarify
In this episode, I answer two questions from Michal in New York. The first question explores whether setting limits in CCPT could feel manipulative or coercive to a child, particularly when giving ultimate choices. I clarify how proper limit-setting—when done with...
270 | When a Child Falls Asleep in Play Therapy: Trusting the CCPT Process
In this episode, I answer a question from Chris about working with a 14-year-old client who frequently falls asleep during play therapy sessions. This situation raises important considerations about the role of trusting the process in CCPT, recognizing when a child is...
269 | Adulthood Bias: The Barrier to Parents Understanding Children’s Behavior
In this episode, I introduce the concept of adulthood bias—the tendency for adults to forget what it was like to be a child, leading to unrealistic expectations for children's behavior. This bias causes adults to assume that children should think, reason, and...
268 | When You and the Child Don’t Speak the Same Language in CCPT
In this episode, I address a question about the role of verbal communication in CCPT. Research shows that play therapy is effective even when the therapist and child don’t speak the same language, yet verbal interaction is a key part of the process. I explain how both...
267 | Think You’re an Independent Contractor? You Might Not Be. Know the Difference Between Independent Contractor Vs. Employee Categorization
In this episode, I take a break between series for a much-needed "palate cleanse" to address an issue that keeps coming up in conversations with play therapists—understanding the difference between subcontractors and employees in private practice. Many therapists find...
266 | Fighting for CCPT: How to Advocate for Child-Centered Play Therapy in Sexual Abuse Cases and Trauma Work
In this episode, I answer a question from Lisa in Maryland about the role of Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) in cases involving trauma and sexual behavior. Many legal and child protection systems lean toward directive interventions, often dismissing CCPT. However,...
265 | When and How to Use Enlargement in CCPT & Tracking Progress in CCPT (What to Do When Stages Aren’t Clear)
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer two questions from Terry in Ireland. First, I break down the role of enlargement and self-esteem-building responses in CCPT. I explain when and how to use these more advanced skills, emphasizing that enlargement...
264 | Mastering Neutrality: Wrap-up (A Reflection on What It Means to Be CCPT)
In this final episode of the Mastering Neutrality Series on the Play Therapy Podcast, I reflect on the essence of child-centered play therapy (CCPT) through a deeply moving piece written by Lee, a CCPT therapist in the UK. She beautifully captures what it truly means...
263 | Clear Policies + Systems = Happy Clients: Managing Cancellations, No-Shows, and Expectations
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer a fantastic question from Tess in Illinois about balancing boundaries and customer service in private practice. As child-centered play therapists, we want to provide an exceptional experience for families while...
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