192 | The Indescribable Moments in Child-Centered Play Therapy

In this final episode of the Summer School Series on the Play Therapy Podcast, I delve into the profound insights from Garry Landreth’s The Art of the Relationship. As we wrap up this series, I explore Landreth’s reflections on the dynamic nature of child-centered play therapy (CCPT), emphasizing the importance of presenting our authentic selves to truly connect with and understand the child. I discuss how CCPT allows therapists to experience the child's world while receiving the delicate and subtle messages that reveal the uniqueness of each child's personality.

I also highlight Landreth's perspective on the complexity of the therapeutic relationship and how the experiences shared between therapist and child during play therapy are indescribable and can only be fully understood within the context of that relationship. This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty and depth of CCPT, as well as the privilege we have as therapists to engage in this work.

Episode Reference: Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge.

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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.