209 | Preventative Power: The Lasting Impact of Child-Centered Play Therapy

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I address a question from Jonathan in Ohio, who is curious about how child-centered play therapy (CCPT) can be preventative in nature. Jonathan asks about how the skills learned in CCPT serve children long-term, particularly in preventing issues like substance abuse, domestic violence, anxiety, and depression. I discuss how CCPT helps children develop an internal locus of control, self-regulation, and emotional intelligence, which serve them throughout their lives.

I also discuss how society tends to favor quick fixes, but CCPT provides lasting, deep-rooted change. Through the four universal outcomes of CCPT—increased regulation, self-esteem, emotional vocabulary, and worldview—children are equipped to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and confidence. Even if their circumstances never improve, the skills they gain through CCPT ensure that they will be able to handle their world more effectively and with greater emotional stability.

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.