191 | Beyond the Diagnosis: How Child-Centered Play Therapy Supports Children with Various Conditions and Diagnoses

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to a question from Bailey in Texas about the effectiveness of child-centered play therapy (CCPT) for children with NF1, a genetic condition. Bailey is working with a six-year-old client whose symptoms resemble ADHD, and she’s curious about the realistic expectations for therapy outcomes.

I broaden the discussion to address how CCPT can benefit children with various disorders or diagnoses, emphasizing that while play therapy may not change the underlying condition, it significantly improves a child's ability to cope, build resilience, and develop crucial emotional and relational skills.

I also discuss the importance of shifting the focus away from the condition itself and instead highlighting how play therapy fosters self-trust, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. By reframing the conversation with parents, we can help them understand that the true power of CCPT lies in equipping children to navigate their challenges with confidence and competence, regardless of the condition they face.

If you would like to ask me questions directly, check out www.ccptcollective.com, where I host two weekly Zoom calls filled with advanced CCPT case studies and session reviews, as well as member Q&A. You can take advantage of the two-week free trial to see if the CCPT Collective is right for you.

Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com Brenna's CCPT Hub: https://www.playtherapynow.com CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://www.ccptcollective.com Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor Facebook: https://facebook.com/playtherapypodcast

Common References: Cochran, N., Nordling, W., & Cochran, J. (2010). Child-Centered Play Therapy (1st ed.). Wiley. VanFleet, R., Sywulak, A. E., & Sniscak, C. C. (2010). Child-centered play therapy. Guilford Press. Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge. Bratton, S. C., Landreth, G. L., Kellam, T., & Blackard, S. R. (2006). Child parent relationship therapy (CPRT) treatment manual: A 10-session filial therapy model for training parents. Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group. Benedict, Helen. Themes in Play Therapy. Used with permission to Heartland Play Therapy Institute.