276 | Following a Child’s Lead vs. Returning Responsibility: Knowing the Difference

Mar 5, 2025

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In this episode, I answer a question from Sandi in Iowa about how to respond when children ask or tell us to do things in the playroom. Whether it’s a power and control need, learned helplessness, or collaborative play, understanding the why behind the request is essential for responding in a way that aligns with CCPT principles.

I break down when to comply (such as in power and control play), when to return responsibility (especially in cases of learned helplessness), and when it’s appropriate to engage in collaboration without violating CCPT adherence. If you’ve ever wondered whether you should follow a child’s instructions in session or redirect responsibility, this episode provides a clear framework for making those in-the-moment clinical decisions.

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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.