189 | The Power of Boundaries in Child-Centered Play Therapy: Managing Separation Anxiety
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Episode summary
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I address a question from Jonathan, whos client wanted to leave the playroom to see her grandmother in the second session. I explore the challenges of handling this situation using the child-centered protocol.
We discuss the importance of setting clear boundaries within the session, maintaining the child's time in the playroom, and offering appropriate choices that keep the child engaged in therapy without letting them avoid the emotional work they need to do. This episode also emphasizes the need to reframe our perspective—recognizing that even when children become upset, we're not hurting them but helping them build resilience and emotional tools that will serve them long-term.