Podcast Episodes
Not Everything is a Theme! Landreth Sets the Story Straight
Today I'm beginning my "Summer School" Series where we are going to go back to the classical texts of child-centered play therapy. In this episode, I dive into the challenges of truly understanding the meaning behind children's play, and the importance of grounding...
Navigating Play Therapy with Siblings: Practical Tips for Child-Centered Play Therapists
In this episode, I answer a listener question about working with siblings in play therapy. I share that joint sessions can be beneficial if siblings experienced the same stressful event, but recommend having individual sessions first to build rapport. If a therapist...
The “I Wonder” Blunder: Avoid Directive Questioning and Master “I Wonder” Statements and Whispers in Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this episode, I dive into the proper use of "I wonder" statements and the whisper technique in child-centered play therapy. I've noticed these skills are sometimes being misused or overused, so I wanted to provide some clarification. I discuss how "I wonder"...
Safe Play: What It Means When a Child Picks the Same Toys Every Time
In this episode, I address a great question from Katie in Florida about what to do when kids seem unsure of what to play with in later play therapy sessions and gravitate toward the same activities each time. First, I discuss how this pattern could indicate the child...
Making the Transition: How to Shift from Directive to a Child-Centered Play Therapy Approach
In this episode, I discuss how to transition from a directive or eclectic play therapy approach to a fully child-centered play therapy model. I share tips for communicating this change to both parents and the child in a direct, transparent way. When making this...
How Child-Centered Principles Transformed My Art Classroom: Gabby’s Transformation Story
In this episode, I shared an inspiring email from Gabby, an art teacher in South Africa who has been applying child-centered play therapy principles in her classroom. Gabby stumbled upon my podcast "by accident" and found that the CCPT approach deeply resonated with...
The Moment It All Clicked: Unexpected Paths to a Career in CCPT
In this episode, I share some fascinating unofficial data I collected from my email subscribers about their journeys to finding child-centered play therapy (CCPT). I was curious to learn more after noticing a pattern of people mentioning they came to CCPT as a second...
Q&A Lightning Round #5: Nine Questions From Listeners Answered
Episode Summary: In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, Dr. Brenna Hicks addresses several questions from listeners on various topics related to child-centered play therapy. How to Schedule Parent Consultations? Madison in Iowa asks: "I'm wondering how you...
Special Interview: Dr. Brandy Schumann, Creator of the 2nd Most Important Toy in the Playroom… the “BoA” (AKA “Bobo”)
Dr. Schumann wanted to offer a discount to the Play Therapy Podcast audience. Use Promo Code "PTP10" for $10 off your Bag of Air purchase at https://bagofair.com/ Dr. Brandy Schumann Interview: The Story Behind the BoA "Bobo" and Child-Centered Play Therapy In this...
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...