347 | Sibling & Group Work in CCPT: Bringing More Than One Child Into the Playroom

Oct 21, 2025

In this episode, I explore the dynamics of sibling and group play therapy sessions in Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT). I walk through why and when it makes sense to pair siblings together in the playroom—especially when there’s a shared experience like divorce or trauma, or a relational issue like constant conflict. I also share considerations for pairing unrelated children in group sessions, including ideal age ranges, complementary personalities, and shared goals.

You’ll hear about practical strategies for managing the extra complexity in these sessions, including the importance of using children’s names consistently, documenting carefully, and maintaining attunement to each child as well as their relationship. I also talk about how group dynamics naturally encourage kids toward emotional balance and regulation. Whether you’ve been hesitant to try sibling or group sessions, or you’re already offering them and want to be more intentional, this episode offers insights to help you feel more confident and prepared.

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If you would like to ask me questions directly, check out www.ccptcollective.com, where I host two weekly Zoom calls filled with advanced CCPT case studies and session reviews, as well as member Q&A. You can take advantage of the two-week free trial to see if the CCPT Collective is right for you.

Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: [email protected]
Brenna’s CCPT Hub: https://www.playtherapynow.com
CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://www.ccptcollective.com
Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com
APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com
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Common References:

Cochran, N., Nordling, W., & Cochran, J. (2010). Child-Centered Play Therapy (1st ed.). Wiley.
VanFleet, R., Sywulak, A. E., & Sniscak, C. C. (2010). Child-centered play therapy. Guilford Press.
Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge.
Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315537948
Benedict, Helen. Themes in Play Therapy. Used with permission to Heartland Play Therapy Institute.

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