202 | Bad Guys Play: Healthy Expression or Cause for Concern?

Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy · Sep 20, 2024 · 12m

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to a question from Nada in Texas about working with a six-year-old boy who is fascinated with "Bad Guys" behavior in his play. The child often portrays himself as a bully or a criminal in both his drawings and role play, which has raised concerns for his parents about the social implications and his future behavior. Nada asked whether it's appropriate to encourage this type of play or whether it should be redirected, as well as whether introducing themed toys, like police or criminal kits, would be helpful.

I explain that playing out…