Podcast Episodes
When Kids Don’t Play: Screen Time or Something Else?
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer a question from Kira in Texas about children who come into the playroom and do not play. Kira wonders if this behavior could be related to excessive screen use, a topic that resonates deeply with me. While screen...
Aggressive Play in the Playroom & Transitioning Kids to CCPT: Three Questions Answered
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to three insightful questions from Texie in Michigan. She asks about managing aggressive play where a child consistently "kills" her in the playroom, handling what to do when the therapist is "dead," and...
Aggression Isn’t Always Anger: Decoding Aggressive Play in Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this Session Savvy episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I explore a common misinterpretation in child-centered play therapy: assuming that aggression in a child’s play is rooted in anger. While aggression may appear linked to anger, it’s essential not to make that...
From Faith to First Sessions to Flags: Answering Three Child-Centered Play Therapy Questions
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer three insightful questions from Grace in California, covering topics from book recommendations for counselors who are Christian to navigating the first session with a new client. I share two of my favorite books,...
Bad Guys Play: Healthy Expression or Cause for Concern?
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to a question from Nada in Texas about working with a six-year-old boy who is fascinated with "Bad Guys" behavior in his play. The child often portrays himself as a bully or a criminal in both his drawings and...
Telehealth for Child-Centered Play Therapy: Does It Work?
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer a question from Laura in Washington about whether child-centered play therapy (CCPT) can be effectively conducted via telehealth. As telehealth becomes more common, this question has surfaced repeatedly, especially...
Free Play Resistance: Structure-Seeking Kids in Child-Centered Play Therapy
First things first... If you are planning on going to the Oct. 2024 APT Conference in Atlanta, GA, and would like to attend the Play Therapy Podcast meetup, please click the link: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com/meetup. I need to know how many are coming so I can...
Session Savvy: Why We Don’t Say ‘Thank You’ in Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this Session Savvy episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I discuss a common habit in the playroom: saying "thank you" to children. While it might seem polite and appropriate in everyday conversations, thanking a child during a child-centered play therapy session can...
“I’m In Charge, and I Want You To Choose!” – What To Do When Kids Try To Make You Choose (Ninja Trick!)
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...
Mobile Child-Centered Play Therapy: Tips for Success Outside the Playroom
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer questions from Falon in Pennsylvania and Rudi in Colorado, who are both mobile child-centered play therapists. They are navigating the challenges of conducting CCPT in various settings like homes, libraries, and...
Separation Anxiety in Play Therapy: When Children Want Parents in the Playroom
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I address a question from Shannon in Iowa regarding managing separation anxiety when children want to bring a parent into the playroom. This is a common challenge in child-centered play therapy (CCPT), and I provide...
Session Savvy (Avoiding Detours from the Child-Centered Model): Avoiding Third-Person in the Child-Centered Playroom
Avoiding Third-Person in the Child-Centered Playroom In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I kick off our new Session Savvy series, designed to help play therapists refine their approach and avoid subtle deviations from the child-centered play therapy (CCPT)...
Why Children Don’t Clean Up the Playroom in Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer another insightful question from Danielle in Georgia about managing cleanup in child-centered play therapy (CCPT). Danielle shared that she typically gives children the choice of whether or not to clean up, but...
Welcoming Back Clients: Handling Returns to Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to a question from Danielle in Georgia about handling a client’s return to child-centered play therapy (CCPT) after a year-long hiatus. Danielle's client has spent time reminiscing about previous therapy...
The Indescribable Moments in Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this final episode of the Summer School Series on the Play Therapy Podcast, I delve into the profound insights from Garry Landreth’s The Art of the Relationship. As we wrap up this series, I explore Landreth’s reflections on the dynamic nature of child-centered...