380 | From Playing Alone to Playing Together: Understanding the Shift in CCPT

Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy · Mar 10, 2026 · 10m

In this episode, I talk through the differences between independent play and collaborative play in child-centered play therapy sessions, and why understanding the distinction is so important. Early in the therapy process, children often play independently as they are still orienting to the playroom, building trust, and determining whether the relationship feels safe. Independent play is not a problem to solve and does not mean the child is "stuck." In fact, a child may play independently throughout the entire course of therapy and still be doing exactly what they need to do for their own…