Unlocking Parental Resistance: 6 Reasons and Strategies for Overcoming

Feb 13, 2024

In today’s episode, we delve into the topic of engaging resistant parents, a common frustration among child-centered play therapists. From discussions in the Six Figure Play Therapist Coaching and the CCPT Collective that I host, it’s clear that many therapists face the dilemma of parents who express resistance in various forms, such as threatening to withdraw their child from therapy or limiting session attendance. As child-centered play therapists, we find ourselves in a unique situation where we must navigate relationships with both the child, our client, and their parents, who are crucial to the therapeutic process. I share my insights into the top six reasons behind parental resistance and offer strategies to address these challenges effectively.

Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: [email protected]
CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://ccptcollective.com
Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com
Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com
APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com
Follow me on Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor

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. (2002). Play therapy: The art of the relationship (2nd ed.). Brunner-Routledge.
  • Bratton, S. C., Landreth, G. L., Kellam, T., & Blackard, S. R. (2006). Child parent relationship therapy (CPRT) treatment manual: A 10-session filial therapy model for training parents. Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group.
  • Benedict, Helen. Themes in Play Therapy. Used with permission to Heartland Play Therapy Institute.
Listen to the Play Therapy Podcast on Apple Podcasts
Listen to the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast on Spotify

Subscribe to my email newsletter JUST FOR THERAPISTS!

play therapy podcast subscribe
CCPT Collective logo

Join the CCPT Collective Online Community just for Child-Centered Play Therapists!

We bring together aspiring and seasoned child-centered play therapists to support and inspire each other with the shared goal of preserving and advancing the effectiveness of the child-centered model so that we can positively impact children and families worldwide.

Discover The Kid Counselor® Family

Play Therapy Professional Certification
CCPT Collective logo
Play Therapy Now
Play Therapy Parenting

Get Brenna’s Latest Book

Device Detox: A Parent’s Guide To Reducing Usage, Preventing Tantrums, And Raising Happier Kids.

Device Detox Book

“Dr. Brenna Hicks does an excellent job of sketching the problem, but the book shines brightest when Dr. Hicks offers a suite of practical, evidence-based strategies for coping with screen overuse in children. A valuable book that deserves to be read by parents everywhere.”

ADAM ALTER

New York Times bestselling author of IRRESISTIBLE and DRUNK TANK PINK