Podcast Episodes
Mastering In-Session Note-taking in Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to Ethan from Virginia, who asked about writing in-session notes during child-centered play therapy (CCPT). Ethan wants to know what kinds of things to document and how to categorize them effectively. I explain my...
Sending Birthday Cards: Balancing Customer Service and Confidentiality
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to Brianna from Texas, who asks about the process of sending birthday cards to clients while maintaining confidentiality. I explain the benefits of sending birthday cards and how it strengthens the relationship...
Session Savvy: Eliminating “Fluff” Words in Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this Session Savvy episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I discuss a common deviation in child-centered play therapy (CCPT)—using phrases like "you feel," "you must be," or "you seem" when reflecting a child’s feelings. These phrases, often used as buffers, can...
Environment and Expectation Changes in a Child-Centered Play Therapy Playroom
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to Nneka from England, a returning listener who recently transitioned from being a mobile therapist to setting up a permanent play therapy space. Nneka asks about how to handle the shift in dynamics when children...
Understanding “Storytelling” in the Playroom: A Child-Centered Play Therapy Approach
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer a question from Sweeney in India about how to handle a 12-year-old client who frequently makes up elaborate stories in the playroom. Sweeney is concerned that the child’s storytelling might be problematic,...
House-Tree-Person Assessment: When and How to Use It in Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to a question from Christina in Vermont regarding the first session with a child in the playroom and how to incorporate an intake assessment without deviating from the child-centered play therapy (CCPT) model....
Session Savvy: Breaking the Habit of Saying ‘OK’ in the Child-Centered Play Therapy Playroom
In this Session Savvy episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I talk about the subtle impact of saying "OK" in the playroom. While it seems harmless in everyday conversation, in child-centered play therapy (CCPT), "OK" can unintentionally convey permission or agreement...
Setting Clear Expectations: How to Get Parents to Commit to Weekly Sessions
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I address a question from Sarah in Missouri about encouraging parents to commit to weekly play therapy sessions. Sarah has noticed that some families are scheduling sessions every other week or missing several weeks in...
Why Saying “Good Choice” and “Bad Choice” Is Not Really A Choice
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to a great question from Vicky in Canada about the language we use with children, particularly the phrases "good choice" or "bad choice." Vicky expressed concerns about hearing these terms frequently, especially...
Preventative Power: The Lasting Impact of Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I address a question from Jonathan in Ohio, who is curious about how child-centered play therapy (CCPT) can be preventative in nature. Jonathan asks about how the skills learned in CCPT serve children long-term,...
Session Savvy: Avoiding Value-Laden Words in Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this Session Savvy episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I explore the subtle but significant impact of using value-laden words in child-centered play therapy (CCPT). While many therapists avoid praise statements, there are still value judgments that can slip into...
How to Let the Child Lead in Game Play: Child-Centered Examples and Guidance
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer a question from Theodore in the UK, who is preparing his playroom and wondering about incorporating games like Jenga and card games into child-centered play therapy. Theodore asks how to balance allowing children...
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...