Shows / Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
Your source for centered and focused Play Therapy coaching. A "Master-Class" in Play Therapy. Breaking down the barriers to high-quality Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) education. No paywalls, no ads, no fluff... all content — just expert, accessible training for every play therapist, free of charge.
Episodes
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
385 | How to Talk to Kids About Parent Meetings and Notes in CCPT
In this episode, I answer a question about how to communicate with children regarding two important parts of the play therapy process: meeting with parents and…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
384 | Stop Trying to Figure Out the Play: A Reminder for CCPT Therapists
In this episode, I address a growing trend I've been seeing among therapists—trying to interpret, analyze, and "figure out" what a child's play means. I…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
383 | The Parent Factor in CCPT: Can a Child Fully Heal If the Parent Doesn't Change?
In this episode, I answer a question about how a parent's own anxiety, stress, or perfectionism impacts a child's progress in play therapy. I talk through the…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
382 | "Imposter Syndrome" in Therapy: Why It's Time to Let It Go
In this episode, I challenge the widespread use of the phrase "imposter syndrome" in the therapy field and invite you to reconsider what you're saying—and…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
381 | When Kids Ask Questions in the Playroom: How CCPT Therapists Should Respond
In this episode, I answer a listener question about working with an inquisitive 11-year-old who frequently asks questions during sessions. Many child-centered…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
380 | From Playing Alone to Playing Together: Understanding the Shift in CCPT
In this episode, I talk through the differences between independent play and collaborative play in child-centered play therapy sessions, and why understanding…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
379 | When Children Leave the Playroom and Parents Email Too Much: Two Questions Answered
In this episode, I answer two listener questions that highlight common challenges child-centered play therapists face in session and in communication with…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
378 | Stop Rescuing Children in the Playroom
In this episode, I address something I see far too often in child-centered play therapy: therapists struggling to let children struggle. If it is painful for…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
377 | The Therapist Trust Triad & Parent Partnership Pathway: Frameworks for Parent Engagement and Client Retention
In this episode, I recap the second day of Field of Dreams and focus specifically on what I believe is one of the most crucial — and often overlooked — aspects…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
376 | Q&A Lightning Round #9: Six Questions from Four Listeners Answered
In this lightning round episode, I tackle four listener questions that each highlight common pressure points in CCPT practice. First, I address a question…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
375 | Why Most CCPT Therapists Crumble Under Pressure (And What To Do About It!)
In this episode, I walk you through the Summit Framework — the developmental roadmap for mastery in child-centered play therapy that I presented at the Field…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
374 | What to Do When Children Want to Save What They Built - A CCPT Q&A
In this Q&A episode, I respond to a question from a school-based, mobile play therapist navigating what to do when children want to preserve, hide, or protect…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
373 | Perfectionism, People-Pleasing, and Fear of Vulnerability
In this episode, I respond to a question about a nine-year-old who presents as mature, responsible, and "put together," yet shows strong perfectionistic and…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
372 | Why This Podcast Is Unapologetically Child-Centered: The Purpose of the Play Therapy Podcast
In this episode, I pause and recenter on the why behind this podcast and the work I'm committed to in the play therapy field. With a recent surge of new…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
371 | OCD Behaviors in Children: What We're Really Treating in CCPT
In this episode, I address a topic I've been getting more and more questions about: children who present with obsessive or compulsive behaviors that mirror…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
370 | CCPT Gamechangers: How to Respond When Adults Say Kids Are Rational
In this Game Changers episode, I tackle one of the most common objections we hear from adults: "If children aren't rational or cognitive, how do they learn in…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
369 | Understanding Time and Touch in Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this episode, I answer two questions that touch on both the clinical and relational demands of child-centered play therapy. First, I address why the average…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
368 | CCPT Gamechangers: The Hidden Problem with Battery-Operated Toys
In this episode of the CCPT Game Changers series, I take a close look at battery-operated toys in the playroom and why they require much more intentional…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
367 | Night Terrors, Adoption, and Age-Appropriate Truth
In this episode, I respond to a question about a six-year-old client with a history of early instability who has experienced recurring night terrors. I explain…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
366 | CCPT Gamechangers: Why 'You Wanted Me to Know' Isn't Truly Child-Centered
In this episode of the CCPT Game Changers series, I take a close look at a group of phrases I hear frequently in play sessions, such as "You wanted me to…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
365 | Just Because They're Older Doesn't Mean We Change the Model
In this episode, I answer a thoughtful question about working with tweens and teens—particularly neurodivergent clients—and whether it's ever appropriate to…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
364 | CCPT Gamechangers: How to Handle Children Who Dart Out of the Playroom
In this Game Changers episode, I address one of the most stressful moments for play therapists: children who dart out of the playroom. I explain why "runners"…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
363 | Reducing Attrition by Preparing Parents for Resistance
In this episode, I respond to Elliott's question about children who strongly resist play therapy from the very beginning and parents who eventually give up and…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
362 | CCPT Gamechangers: Why Overanalyzing the Play Becomes a Therapist Trap (Symbolic Play & Themes)
In this Game Changers episode, I address a pattern I've been seeing everywhere: therapists becoming overly focused on identifying, interpreting, and assigning…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
361 | Pricing Your Practice: The Real Math Behind Free Parent Consultations
In this episode, I respond to Sarah's question about how to structure and charge for parent consultations in a child-centered private practice. I explain why…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
360 | CCPT Gamechangers: "Mom Said I'm Supposed To…" What You Do Next Matters
In this Game Changers episode, I tackle a common but tricky moment in the playroom—when a child walks in and says, "Mom said I'm supposed to…" or repeats a…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
359 | Mobile Play Therapy Challenges: Keeping Kids in the Play Space
In this episode, I answer Andrea's question about providing CCPT in a client's home and navigating the challenges that arise when the play space isn't a…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
358 | CCPT Gamechangers: How a Language Shift Changes Everything in Feeling Reflections
In this first episode of the CCPT Game Changers series, I break down one of the smallest—but most transformative—shifts you can make in the playroom: how you…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
357 | No Parents Allowed! - The Ripple Effect of a Parent Entering Session
In this episode, I respond to Dovi's question about an older child whose session became dysregulated when his dad joined the playroom. I explain why parent…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
356 | Attrition: The Hidden Crisis in Play Therapy (Special Episode)
In this special episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I address what I believe is one of the most unrecognized threats to effective play therapy: high attrition…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
355 | Costumes, Playroom Essentials, and First-Person vs. Third-Person
In this episode, I answer two great listener questions from Mikaela in Illinois. First, we dive into costumes in the playroom—what's essential, how to think…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
354 | The Resistance Phase No One Talks About — And Why YOU Must Go Through It
In this episode, I talk honestly about the struggles we all face as child-centered play therapists — not as problems to be avoided, but as essential parts of…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
353 | Selective Mutism and CCPT: Trusting the Process
In this episode, I respond to Erin's question about working with a selectively mute child. I explain that selective mutism isn't a separate diagnosis—it's…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
352 | Power, Control, and Anxiety: Unpacking the Child's Need for Dominance
In this episode, I respond to Heather's question about a client who returned to therapy after a higher level of care. This child's play is dominated by themes…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
351 | Ending Well: How to Structure the Final Session in CCPT
In this episode, I walk through the final phase of Child-Centered Play Therapy—the countdown and last session. Once a child is ready to terminate, our focus…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
350 | Two Common Challenges: Self-Esteem Work and Separation Anxiety
In this episode, I respond to two questions from Megan in D.C.—one about navigating self-esteem work and another about handling separation anxiety in school…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
349 | When to End: Evaluating Client Readiness for Termination
In this episode, I discuss how to determine when a child is truly ready to terminate therapy. While we often focus on the beginning and middle of the CCPT…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
348 | When Families Stop Coming: Understanding Attrition in CCPT
In this episode, I respond to Sally's question about attendance and attrition in Child-Centered Play Therapy. Many therapists are noticing families stop coming…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
347 | Sibling & Group Work in CCPT: Bringing More Than One Child Into the Playroom
In this episode, I explore the dynamics of sibling and group play therapy sessions in Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT). I walk through why and when it makes…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
346 | What to Do When the Child Dictates the Session and Controls the Dialogue
In this episode, I respond to a question from Lungile, a clinician in South Africa working with a 9-year-old girl who engages in highly directive role…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
345 | When a Child Won't Go Back to the Playroom: Navigating the "Lobby" Session with the Child and Parents
In this episode, I walk you through one of the most challenging—but entirely normal—scenarios in child-centered play therapy: when a child refuses to go back…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
344 | Neutral Truth, Big Impact: Communicating with Children and Advocating for Them
In this episode, I answer two questions from Chloe in Georgia. First, I talk about how to navigate physical limitations or health issues—like pregnancy…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
343 | Art of the Session: A Complete Framework for Confident Practice
In this final episode of the Art of the Session series, I walk through a full recap of everything we've covered over the past 16 episodes. This has been one of…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
342 | Answer or Redirect? Preserving Connection Without Shifting the Focus
In this Q&A episode, I answer three questions from Emily. First, I share how I guide parents to respond when a child—or their sibling—asks why they're going to…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
341 | Art of the Session: Role Play in CCPT - Staying Centered When the Child Assigns You a Role
In this episode of the Art of the Session series, I focus on how we engage in role play within child-centered play therapy sessions—and more importantly, how…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
340 | "I Hate This and I Hate You": Trust the Process When Kids Push Back in Play Therapy
In this episode, I respond to a powerful and relatable question from Liba in Pennsylvania about working with a highly anxious, intensely resistant 8-year-old…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
339 | Art of the Session: "I Wonder" and Whisper Techniques
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I explore two valuable techniques that every child-centered play therapist should have in their toolbox: the "I…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
338 | What Parents Really Need to Hear: How to Structure and Deliver Powerful Parent Consultations
In this episode, I answer a question from Juliet in Georgia about how to communicate effectively with parents during the initial parent consultation and…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
337 | Art of the Session: Narrative Commentary in CCPT
In this episode of the Art of the Session series, I introduce a skill I call Narrative Commentary—a powerful tool for those quiet, reflective moments in…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
336 | When a Child "Breaks" Limits: Staying True to the CCPT Model
In this episode, I respond to a question from Jordan in New York about handling repeated limit "testing" in the playroom—especially in the context of children…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
335 | Art of the Session: Play Session Guidelines - Labeling, Following the Metaphor, & Neutrality
In today's episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I continue our Art of the Session series by outlining three key session guidelines that don't fall into the…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
334 | Preparing Parents for What's Coming: Set Expectations Early or Struggle Later
In this episode, I answer two important questions from McKenzie in Illinois—both centered around session frequency and resistance during therapy. I explain why…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
333 | Art of the Session: Encouragement and Esteem Building - Helping Kids Believe They're Capable
In this episode of the Art of the Session series, I explore the final pillar of Child-Centered Play Therapy—Encouragement, with a bonus deep-dive into…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
332 | The Screen-Free Playroom: Holding the Line in a Digital World
In this episode, I respond to a question from Kaylia in Arkansas about how to handle children who want to look something up on a phone during a play session…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
331 | Art of the Session: The ACT of Setting Limits
In this episode of the Art of the Session series, I walk through one of the trickiest and frequently rushed CCPT skills: limit setting. We revisit why going…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
330 | From Over-Attachment to Avoidance: Making Sense of Child Responses in CCPT
In this episode, I respond to a listener question that highlights two very different—but equally important—play therapy dynamics. One child clings to the…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
329 | Art of the Session: Empowerment Through Choice Giving
In this episode of the Art of the Session series, I focus on the second pillar of CCPT: choice giving. While limit-setting often leads to enforcement choices…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
328 | When They Want It Left Just the Way It Was - Permanence Response in CCPT
In this episode, I respond to a listener question about how to handle situations where children want their creations or work in the playroom to remain…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
327 | Art of the Session: Reflecting Feelings with Effectiveness and Precision in CCPT
In this episode of the Art of the Session series, I walk through one of the most important and most underutilized CCPT skills: reflecting feelings. Despite its…
- Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
326 | Setting Up for Success: HTP Assessments and the Glue Dilemma in CCPT
In this Q&A episode, I answer two questions from Mara in North Carolina—one about the House-Tree-Person drawing assessment and one about the use of consumables…