Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy

In this episode, I delved into another control and safety theme—the "failure to fix" theme. It's a counterpart to the "fixing play" theme we explored last time. Understanding these play themes is vital for effective therapy. Failure to fix happens when a child actively tries to repair something but eventually gives up, acknowledging it cannot be fixed. I provided examples, like a pretend town bein...

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I delve into the crucial topic of managing messy play within the therapeutic setting, especially when dealing with limited resources (if you don't have an office manager to help you clean between sessions). I stress the importance of making strategic choices when it comes to selecting materials for the playroom aligning them with your own tolerance for...

Today, we're diving into the "fixing play" theme in child-centered play therapy. This theme often follows "broken play" and is closely tied to control and safety themes. In essence, it's about a child or character working to mend something broken through actions like gluing, taping, or providing medical care.   So, why is fixing play significant for a child? Firstly, it can symbolize their underst...

In this episode of The Play Therapy Podcast, I address the critical topic of working with children who have experienced sexual abuse or exhibit sexualized behaviors. Combining questions from listeners Monica and Anna, I delve into three key aspects: acknowledging and accepting your own discomfort, defining personal boundaries, and setting appropriate limits in the therapeutic setting. I discuss th...

In this episode, we delve into the "Broken Play Theme" in child-centered play therapy's category of safety and control themes.   Exploring Broken Play Theme: Children depict brokenness in their play through two lenses: a broken self or a broken object. This theme delves into hurt, sickness, and damage, whether internal or external.   Healing and Insights: Broken play offers a unique healing potent...

In this episode, we're delving into the intriguing burying or drowning theme, a part of our ongoing exploration of control and safety themes.   Burying involves hiding characters or objects under sand, toys, or even clothes, symbolizing various intentions. It can represent secrecy, offering a sense of power through possessing hidden knowledge. Alternatively, it might signal safety, as characters h...

When you've trained directly with Dr. Garry Landreth, you gain vast knowledge and helpful perspective on the child-centered play therapy model. Join me for an insightful chat with my mentor, Dr. Jennifer Baggerly, a specialist directly trained by the renowned Dr. Garry Landreth in child-centered play therapy. Listen in as Dr. Baggerly sheds light on key aspects of this approach.   Dr. Jennifer Bag...

Today, we're entering the realm of control and safety themes, marking a transition from our previous categories. Specifically, we're exploring the intriguing concept of fire play. Children engage in fire play with remarkable diversity, expressing it through a spectrum of scenarios. Whether it's something catching ablaze, flames engulfing, or even extinguishing a fire, this theme is unmistakably ev...

Listener, Yanna, emailed me with a scenario... she is seeing a child that acts like a puppy all session and she was wondering how I would handle that. I actually have a client right now that is doing that! So this was a timely question.   In this episode, I discuss the following topics:   How to respond, staying true to CCPT principles Identifying the "why" for the behavior How to elicit feedback...

In this concluding episode of the Nurturing & Caregiving category, we delve into the intriguing realm of the Adult Activity Theme. This distinctive theme revolves around activities that distinctly mimic adult behaviors. Join me as we explore the nuances of this theme within children's play, unraveling its significance and the deeper layers of meaning it holds.   Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapy...

A listener from the UK emailed me with questions about a client on the autism spectrum. She is feeling "stuck" and was looking for some advice.    In this episode, I talk about the following topics:   Progress with ASD kids takes longer The proper use of "I wonder" statements Play with kids on the spectrum looks different Feeling "pressure" to get results Staying true to the child-centered model (...

In this episode, I cover the Store and Shopping Theme. This theme falls under the Nurturing Theme category of themes in play therapy.  In addition to discussing this theme in play sessions and its meanings, I discuss "parallel tracks" with other themes, such as the Power and Control theme.   Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com Ema...

Ethan from VA emailed me a question asking what play therapy theme board game play falls under. Secondly, Ethan asked what theme it is if the child makes up a game.  The answer is not as simple as board game play falls under a specific theme.  In this episode, I'll tell you what you should look at instead.   Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playt...

In this episode, I dive into Neglect, Abuse, or Punishment of Self Themes in Play Therapy. I discuss examples of how this theme manifests in play, the differences between similar themes, and how to differentiate between them.   My Podcast Partner, Gabb Wireless: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/gabb/ Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playthera...

Listener Yanna, in MA, emailed me asking about a client who has severe anxiety related to germs, possibly related to the pandemic. I've posted her email below.   "I am hoping you could provide some child-centered strategies and feedback on how to best support my client. I have been working with a 7-year female since February for anxiety. The presenting problems consist of fear of vomit, germs, mol...

Failed Nurturing, essentially, is any time a child uses nurturing activities but they are negative towards the person being nurtured.  This can manifest in withholding nurturing or neglecting the person.  In this episode, I discuss different meanings of the failed nurturing theme.   Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com Email me: br...

Listener Cheryl emailed me with the following question: "How does a child with Oppositional Defiance Disorder heal through CCPT? I have one child I'm seeing that seems to have these symptoms, and so I have recently started CCPT with him, and it seems he is expressing more anger in his play each time (battles with ninja guys). He was very tentative at first, and now he can use the word dead."   In...

In this episode, I talk about the distinction between nurturing and self-nurturing themes. I also discuss the following topics related to self-nurturing play:   The child uses infantile baby toys to comfort themselves The child needs nurturing but don't believe or trust that someone can provide it Uses self-nurturing to comfort after deep, difficult play Missing healthy attachment   Podcast HQ: ht...

Brooke in Utah & Cheryl in California both emailed me with questions that overlap in content, so I'm doing a double Q&A this episode! Brooke asked what goals and objectives I document and what wording I use that reflects CCPT tenants. Cheryl asked how I go about diagnosing children for reimbursement. Thank you so much for these questions!   Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Thera...

In this episode I cover another in the Family & Nurturing category of play therapy themes... The Nurturing Theme. This is generally one of the later themes to emerge in a child's play over a complete treatment cycle, and it is very significant to notice when it does. Nurturing Theme is sometimes referred to as the Caregiving Theme.   Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Trai...

Listener Pam emailed me about a child she is currently conducting play sessions with.  The child has a history of emotional and physical abuse, and has started playing it out in the play sessions.  Pam wanted some insight and I'm going to share my thoughts in this episode.   Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com Email me: brenna@the...

In this episode I cover Separation, and also Reunion Themes in play therapy.  These are both in the Family and Nurturing Category of Play Therapy Themes.   Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com Email me: brenna@thekidcounselor.com Follow me on Twitter: @thekidcounselor   https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor     References: Cochran, N...

Listener Beth from Wales emailed me with questions about a specific situation regarding caregivers prematurely terminating therapy because the child started showing increased aggression outside of the playroom. The social worker supported the decision to terminate, and Beth was frustrated and wanted to know how to address situations like this in the future.   In this episode, I discuss the followi...

We're finally moving into family and nurturing themes, starting with Constancy Theme, also known as Permanence Theme.   Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com Email me: brenna@thekidcounselor.com Follow me on Twitter: @thekidcounselor   https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor     References: Cochran, N., Nordling, W., & Cochran, J. (2010...

Listeners Clay and Joss from Australia emailed me a question for guidance on staying child-centered when a child invites you into their play.   Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com Email me: brenna@thekidcounselor.com Follow me on Twitter: @thekidcounselor   https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor     References: Cochran, N., Nordling,...