Shows / Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy Excellence
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy Excellence
Join me on Next Level Play Therapy, a podcast for child and adolescent therapists seeking to elevate your play therapy services. Hosted by Cathi Spooner, LCSW, RPT-S, at Renewing Hearts Play Therapy Training.
Each episode delves into the nuances of play therapy, exploring innovative techniques, evidence-based practices, and practical strategies for providing exceptional therapeutic experiences. These engaging discussions cover a wide range of topics, including building rapport with children…
Episodes
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceSecond-guessing? / STOP
Send us Fan Mail Do you feel like a fraud as a play therapist? Imposter syndrome in play therapy is one of the most common struggles for new play therapists…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellencePlay Therapy Not Working? 4 Ways to Get Unstuck
Send us Fan Mail Is play therapy working for your client, or are you stuck in the "I don't know if this is helping" loop? In this free weekly podcast episode…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceFamily Play Therapy: 3 Signs a Parent Is Ready (and 3 Signs They're Not)
Send us Fan Mail In family play therapy, the caregiver's readiness matters as much as the child's. Because the parent-child relationship is the vehicle for…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceFamily Play Therapy: Why Treating Just the Child Limits Outcomes
Send us Fan Mail If you're a play therapist or child therapist meeting with kids weekly while updating parents on the side — this episode is for you…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceCongruence & Co-Regulation in Play Therapy
Send us Fan Mail Congruence & Co-Regulation in Play Therapy: How Nervous System Attunement Heals Kids What does it really mean to use "therapeutic use of self"…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceWindow of Tolerance in Play Therapy: Why Kids "Bail" on Deep Play
Send us Fan Mail You're 20 minutes into a play therapy session. The child is in it — deep in the sandtray, the story, the metaphor. And then, without warning…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceExplosive Emotions in Kids: A Brain-Based Approach for Play Therapists
Send us Fan Mail Free Podcast Training for Play Therapists: How the Brain Constructs "Explosive" Emotions in Kids Join Renewing Hearts Play Therapy Training…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceStop Guessing: 3 Keys to Decode Behavior in Play Therapy
Send us Fan Mail What do you do when your 6-year-old client is kicking things in the lobby or a 7-year-old starts using cursing in a family session? If you've…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceStop Processing Your Hardest Play Therapy Sessions Alone
Send us Fan Mail Have you ever finished a challenging play therapy session, watched the child walk out the door, and then just sat there — processing…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceStop Guessing: 3 Indicators Play Therapy is Working
Send us Fan Mail Tired of feeling like you’re just "playing" without a clear way to track progress in play therapy? As play therapists, we often hear the same…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceHow to Stop Dreading Your Complex Play Therapy Cases
Send us Fan Mail Are you dreading that "challenging" case on your schedule? The client who wreaks your room or doesn’t talk during their play therapy session?…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy Excellence5 Ways Community Improves Play Therapy Results, Especially When Clients Wreck Your Playroom
Send us Fan Mail Stop clinical isolation and help your play therapy clients progress faster. What does that mean? A classic example of working in isolation and…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceThe Dangerous Lie Every Isolated Play Therapist Believes
Send us Fan Mail Do you ever feel like the only play therapist who hasn’t figured it out? You’re not alone—and that thought might be exactly what’s keeping you…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceThe #1 Mistake Play Therapists Make on Parent Calls
Send us Fan Mail Getting frantic phone calls from parents about meltdowns, outbursts, and behavior problems is a stressful reality for play therapists. When a…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceMore Years of Experience Won't Fix What's Actually Making You Doubt Yourself as a Play Therapist
Send us Fan Mail I want to talk about something that a lot of play therapists are silently betting their entire career on — the idea that *more time and more…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy Excellence5 Signs You’re a Play Therapist Struggling with Clinical Isolation
Send us Fan Mail Do you find yourself replaying play therapy sessions on your drive home, wondering if you made the right clinical decision? You aren't alone…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceWhy Play Therapists Shouldn't Work Alone: Overcoming Clinical Isolation
Send us Fan Mail Are you the only play therapist in your agency? Or perhaps you're in private practice and feel like you're navigating complex cases entirely…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceThe Isolated Play Therapist Syndrome: Why You’re Feeling Burned Out
Send us Fan Mail If you're a play therapist — especially in your first few years — and you're the only one in your agency or you're in private practice…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceJungian Play Therapy 101: Symbols, Archetypes & Clinical Ideas
Send us Fan Mail What is Jungian Analytic Play Therapy, and how does it actually work in the playroom? In this podcast, we dive deep into the symbolic world of…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceThe Trauma Roadmap: Using Neuroscience & Attachment in Play Therapy
Send us Fan Mail Are you tired of leaving your play therapy sessions wondering if you’re actually helping or just "playing"? You’ve invested in the play…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceIs Trauma Really Stored in the Body? New Science for Play Therapists
Send us Fan Mail Is trauma actually "stored" in our organs, or have we been looking at it all wrong? For years, play therapists have repeated the mantra that…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceBeyond Labeling: Why Emotional Granularity is the Key to Resilience in Play Therapy
Send us Fan Mail Helping children and teens identify and label their emotions is a core therapeutic goal in play therapy, but simply naming a feeling isn't…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceThe Missing Piece: How to Include Parents in Play Therapy for Children with Trauma
Send us Fan Mail Using play therapy with traumatized children and teens is complex, and many play therapists find themselves asking: "Where do the parents fit…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellencePlay Therapy Case Conceptualization: Trauma, Attachment & Behavior
Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever left a play therapy session thinking… “I see the behaviors—but what’s actually driving them?” You’re not alone. And more…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellencePolyvagal Theory Is Being Challenged… What Play Therapists Need to Know
Send us Fan Mail Is Polyvagal Theory still valid? And what does the latest scientific debate mean for your play therapy practice? Polyvagal Theory (PVT)…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceSand Tray Therapy: Should You Interpret a Child’s Play? (3 Things to Consider)
Send us Fan Mail You just know what your client’s sand tray means… but should you say it? In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest clinical dilemmas in…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceVirtual Play Therapy Explained: Tools, Tips & Platforms for Play Therapists
Send us Fan Mail Virtual play therapy isn’t the future anymore… it’s already here. But let’s be real for a second— Most platforms weren’t built for play…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceSand Tray Therapy: How to Identify Themes in a Play Therapy Session
Send us Fan Mail How do you identify themes in sand tray therapy sessions? One of the most important skills for play therapists is learning how to recognize…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellencePlay Therapy Assessment Explained: How to Know If Your Play Therapy Sessions Are Working
Send us Fan Mail You can have the most beautiful playroom… the best toys… even strong rapport… But if you’re not assessing what’s actually happening beneath…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceCase Conceptualization in Play Therapy: Why You Feel Stuck (and How to Fix It)
Send us Fan Mail Are you feeling stuck in your play therapy sessions… unsure what to do next or why your play therapy interventions aren’t working? You might…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceHow to Use Attachment-Based Sand Tray Therapy with Teens
Send us Fan Mail What do you do after you’ve identified the symptoms in a struggling teen? Failing grades. Emotional withdrawal. “I don’t care.” High-conflict…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellencePlay Therapy with Adolescents: Why Teen Symptoms Are Easy to Misread
Send us Fan Mail What do you do when a 16-year-old walks into your office, shrugs, and says, “I don’t care”? Low motivation. Failing grades. Emotional…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceSand Tray Therapy with Teens: How to Use It Effectively in Play Therapy
Send us Fan Mail Can you really use sand tray therapy with adolescents? Absolutely—and when you understand how to adapt it developmentally, sand tray becomes…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceHow to Use Poetry with Teens in Play Therapy for Self-Expression
Send us Fan Mail This week I’m sharing one of my favorite ways to help teens access the therapeutic powers of play using poetry. Yes - poetry! If you’re…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceBest Strategies to Use Play Therapy with Teens
Send us Fan Mail Play therapy isn’t for adolescents. It’s just for little kids. There’s a misbelief in the mental health community that play therapy is only…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceCan Play Therapy Work with Teens?
Send us Fan Mail Ever sit across from a teen in session, clock ticking, silence screaming… and your nervous system quietly panicking? Yeah. This episode is for…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceWhat’s the Difference Between Play Therapy and Using Play in Therapy?
Send us Fan Mail Happy International Play Therapy Week! 🎉 What is play therapy—and how is it different from simply using games and activities in therapy…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceHow to Increase Play Therapy Impact & Reduce Burnout
Send us Fan Mail More Impact. Less Burnout. isn’t a cute slogan. It’s a line in the sand. Because here’s the truth most play therapists won’t say out loud…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceHow to Get Better Results in Play Therapy Without Doing More
Send us Fan Mail What if better results in play therapy didn’t come from more play therapy activities, more games, or more play therapy training — but from…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceHow Does Consultation Improve Play Therapist Growth?
Send us Fan Mail If you’re a mental health professional, including play therapy, we’ve all heard this said and probably even said it ourselves: consultation is…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceIf Being a Play Therapist Feels Lonely, This Is for You
Send us Fan Mail A New Year Is a Chance to Stop Doing Play Therapy Alone. A new year begins… and for many play therapists, your caseloads are already full…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceHow to Use AutPlay Therapy with Neurodivergent Kids
Send us Fan Mail Helping Neurodivergent Kids Thrive in the Playroom: A Conversation with Dr. Robert Jason Grant Every month inside Play Therapy Academy and the…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceWhat is Case Conceptualization in Play Therapy?
Send us Fan Mail 🎁 Pulled from the Vault: An Oldie but Goodie I’m officially taking a break this holiday season — slowing down, soaking up family time, and…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceWhat Are Best Practices in Play Therapy for Clinical Decision-Making?
Send us Fan Mail Happy holidays!! I’ve decided to take two weeks off to spend the holiday season focusing on my family. So – I went back into my livestream…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceMusic Therapy for Healing Trauma & Grief in Play Therapy
Send us Fan Mail 🎶 This Week’s Podcast: How Music Helps Kids Heal — A Heartfelt Conversation with Crystal Luk-Worrall If you’ve ever watched a child hum softly…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceBasic Skills Using Sand Tray Effectively in Play Therapy
Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever wondered how to set up a sand tray during play therapy sessions in a way that feels intentional, grounded, and supportive of…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceHow to Write Meaningful Play Therapy Treatment Plans
Send us Fan Mail If I say play therapy treatment plans, what’s the first thing that pops into your brain? “Aaaaagh! I hate writing treatment plans! They’re…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceHow Does the Sand Tray Help Clients in Play Therapy?
Send us Fan Mail When kids can’t find the words, the sand tray speaks for them in play therapy sessions. In this week’s podcast episode, we’ll look at how sand…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceHow to Use Sand Tray in Play Therapy
Send us Fan Mail Sand Tray Therapy vs. Sandplay Therapy: What’s the Difference—And Why It Matters for Play Therapists Ever find yourself wondering, “Wait… am I…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy Excellence4 Sand Tray Activities for Family Play Therapy Sessions
Send us Fan Mail I love love love using sand tray therapy in family play therapy sessions! Watching how families approach and complete the activities provides…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceHow to Use Sand Tray in Family Play Therapy Sessions?
Send us Fan Mail 🌪️ Family Play Therapy + Sand Tray = Chaos or Connection? Ever had a family play therapy session turn into a sand-flinging circus? 🙃 One…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy Excellence3 Common Mistakes Using Family Play Therapy (And What to Do Instead)
Send us Fan Mail 3 Hidden Mistakes Sabotaging Your Family Play Therapy Sessions “Let’s invite the parents in…” Sounds simple, right? But if you’ve ever had a…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceWhy Parent Updates Alone Can’t Fix Stalled Play Therapy Progress
Send us Fan Mail 🚨 The Big Miss in Traditional Play Therapy (And Why It’s Holding Back Progress) We talk a lot about helping kids heal using play therapy… But…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellencePlay Therapy with Parents | 5 Essential Tips for Family Play Therapy Sessions
Send us Fan Mail 🚨 5 Signs You Might Be Accidentally Sabotaging Your Play Therapy Progress (and What to Do Instead) If you’re a play therapist who’s tired of…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceIs Individual Play Therapy Better Than Family Play Therapy?
Send us Fan Mail The norm in play therapy, and the mental health profession in general, is to meet with a child or teen every week for individual counseling…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceWhat to Do If Play Therapy Progress is Stalled
Send us Fan Mail If you’re a play therapist – either a newbie, got some experience under your belt, or full on seasoned play therapist – this is bound to…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceShould Parents Participate in Play Therapy Sessions?
Send us Fan Mail How many of you have had this happen with play therapy clients (raise your virtual hand in the Comments) – You greet your client in the…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceHow Do Play Therapists Decide When to Include Parents in Play Therapy Sessions?
Send us Fan Mail Have you ever had this happen with a play therapy client? You greet your young client in the lobby and your client asks – “Can my mom/dad come…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceWhat Are the Top Mistakes Play Therapists Make Working with Parents?
Send us Fan Mail Raise your virtual hand and shout YES! if you never make mistakes and you are the perfect play therapist who does everything right all the…
Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceHow to Conceptualize the Role of Parents in Play Therapy
Send us Fan Mail What’s one of the biggest struggles play therapists say causes them to feel anxious, incompetent, frustrated, and generally overwhelmed on a…