Podcast Episodes
They Promised No Court—Then Sent a Subpoena: What Now? – Court and Legal Policy in CCPT
In this episode, I respond to a question from Lujaina in Texas about what to do when you've clearly communicated that you won’t participate in court proceedings—only to be served a subpoena anyway. I walk through how to handle the ethical, professional, and relational...
CCPT Purism: The Child Knows the Way—A Call to Re-Center
In this final episode of the CCPT Purism series, I wrap up our 11-episode journey with a reflection on what it truly means to live and practice Child-Centered Play Therapy with integrity. I walk through the full arc of the series—from Rogers’ foundational truths to...
Responding to Suicidal Statements in CCPT Sessions
In this episode, I respond to powerful questions from Angelica and Mikayla about how to approach suicidal statements made by children in CCPT sessions. These statements—like “I want to die” or “I wish I was never born”—can be deeply unsettling. But they don’t always...
Confidentiality, Character Toys, and Religious Topics in CCPT
In this episode, I answer a thoughtful series of questions from Mikayla in Illinois that touch on several important topics in CCPT practice: confidentiality when sharing success stories, using neutral versus character-based toys, the use of books and bibliotherapy,...
CCPT Purism: Practicing CCPT in a Directive World
In this episode of the CCPT Purism series, I talk about the reality of practicing child-centered play therapy in a world that doesn’t understand it. From insurance documentation and school interventions to parent expectations and supervisor pushback, we’re constantly...
CCPT Purism: Why Non-Directivity Works
In this episode of the CCPT Purism series, I take a deep dive into one of the most foundational—and often misunderstood—truths of our model: non-directivity works. I respond to common questions and doubts, like “But what if the child needs to learn something?” or “How...
When It Feels Like “Nothing” Is Happening in Session—How to Add Variety Without Losing the Model
In this episode, I respond to a question from Melissa in Colorado about how to handle sessions where children aren't showing much emotion or verbalizing content—especially when they spend multiple sessions simply coloring. Melissa shared that she often feels stuck...
When Kids Assign You Roles: Staying Adherent to the CCPT Model During Role-Play Scenarios
In this episode, I answer a question from Amanda in Wisconsin about how to respond when a child assigns us a role in play and expects us to make choices—like picking a color or drawing freely—within that role. While the child offers “freedom,” the session still feels...
CCPT Purism: Small Drifts and Deviations That Undermine the Model
In this episode of the CCPT Purism series, I talk about a critical but often overlooked common drift points that shift us from pure CCPT practice. These are small, often unconscious shifts we make in session—like redirecting, interpreting play, or using reflective...
CCPT Purism: The Paradox of Non-Directive but Highly Structured
In this episode of the CCPT Purism series, I unpack one of the most misunderstood truths about Child-Centered Play Therapy: that while it’s non-directive, it is also deeply structured and intentional. I walk through the intentional ways structure shows up in CCPT—not...
Making Sense of “Baby Talk” in a CCPT Playroom: What It Means and How to Respond
In this episode, I answer a question from Kelli in Washington about how to respond when children use baby talk in the playroom. While it may seem like a small thing, baby talk always carries meaning in a session. I walk through three common reasons it shows...
“You Be the Baby!” — What to Do When Kids Assign You Roles — Staying Child-Centered During Dramatic Play
In this episode, I answer a question from Laura, a grad student in Canada who’s navigating how to stay fully adherent to the CCPT model during dramatic play—especially when a child assigns her a role and expects her to act it out. I walk through how we maintain a...
CCPT Purism: How Garry Landreth Established and Preserved the Integrity of the Child-Centered Play Therapy Model
In this episode of the CCPT Purism series, I focus on Garry Landreth and the essential role he played in shaping modern Child-Centered Play Therapy. While Rogers, Axline, and the Guerneys laid the philosophical and practical groundwork, Landreth gave the model a clear...
Q&A Lightning Round #8: Four Questions From Three Listeners Answered
In this episode, I answer four questions from three different listeners in another Q&A Lightning Round. I talk with Megan in Pennsylvania about how to present CCPT case conceptualizations in group supervision meetings when others don't understand or support the...
CCPT Purism: How The Guerneys and Filial Therapy Extended the CCPT Model
In this episode of the CCPT Purism series, I explore the work of Bernard and Louise Guerney, who extended the principles of child-centered play therapy beyond the playroom through the development of filial therapy. Their innovation marked a major turning point in the...