S3E26 - Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Understanding Anxiety in Child-Centered Play Therapy

Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist · Jan 15, 2026 · 17m · transcript

In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I focus on anxiety — one of the most common reasons parents seek child-centered play therapy for their children. I explain how anxiety usually isn't something that suddenly appears, but instead reflects an underlying predisposition that has been present for a long time. Often, a single event brings that anxiety to the surface, and from there, children begin fearing the fear itself. As anxiety increases, so does a child's need for control, which is why anxiety and power struggles so often show up together.

I walk through what…