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

In this episode, I delve into a question from Batsheva about how to distinguish between play that stems from a child's imagination versus play influenced by screen time. As someone who authored the book "Device Detox," I'm deeply passionate about reducing children's screen time due to its harmful effects. While it's true that screen-influenced play can disrupt the purity of imaginative play, it's crucial to trust the child's process regardless of what they bring into the playroom. Whether it's reenacting video games or sharing experiences from outside the therapy session, every aspect of a child's play holds significance. Additionally, it's essential to recognize the difference in play patterns between neurotypical and neurodivergent children. While screen-influenced play is more typical for neurodivergent kids, it can signal excessive screen time for neurotypical children. Addressing this issue with parents is vital, even if it means having difficult conversations about monitoring and regulating screen use. Ultimately, our goal is always to advocate for the child's well-being and provide them with the support they need to thrive. Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://ccptcollective.com Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com Follow me on Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor 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. (2002). Play therapy: The art of the relationship (2nd ed.). Brunner-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.

In this episode of The Play Therapy Podcast, I tackle a critical issue: how to communicate with parents while keeping confidentiality intact. Drawing from my experiences at my center and insights from my coaching program, I dive into the delicate balance between transparency and confidentiality in our conversations with parents. I share what information is appropriate to share with parents, such as themes, observations, and progress updates while stressing the importance of safeguarding confidentiality. Using real-life examples and practical tips, I shed light on strategies for navigating these discussions effectively, ensuring that parents feel informed without compromising the child's trust. From setting clear expectations to emphasizing the rationale behind our approach, we can maintain confidentiality while fostering open communication with parents. Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://ccptcollective.com Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com Follow me on Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor 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. (2002). Play therapy: The art of the relationship (2nd ed.). Brunner-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.

In this episode, I address a question from Margaret in Indiana regarding credentialing for play therapy. Margaret, like many others, expressed concern about her lack of formal training in child development and whether it's necessary to become a Registered Play Therapist (RPT). I reassure Margaret and our listeners that there's nothing proprietary about the title "play therapist," and individuals can use it to describe themselves if they provide play therapy, regardless of their degree or license. I emphasize the importance of child-centered training and suggest focusing investments on exclusive child-centered programs rather than pursuing costly programs that aren't focused on your theoretical model. Ultimately, I encourage listeners to prioritize honing their child-centered skills, as this is what truly makes an effective play therapist. Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://ccptcollective.com Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Coaching HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I look into the intricacies of helping parents navigate problematic behaviors exhibited by their children. I provide insights from three different angles: addressing parental concerns during the initial consultation, equipping parents with tools and skills during subsequent consultations, and addressing behaviors exhibited in various environments outside the therapy room. I emphasize the importance of helping parents understand the underlying reasons behind their children's behaviors, offering practical guidance on reframing, normalizing, and connecting behaviors to real-world experiences. Finally, I underscore the significance of effective communication with parents, highlighting its pivotal role in ensuring successful outcomes in child-centered play therapy. Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://ccptcollective.com Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com Follow me on Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor 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. (2002). Play therapy: The art of the relationship (2nd ed.). Brunner-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.

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I address a question from Alexa in Texas about case conceptualization. Alexa, soon to be an RPT, seeks guidance on how case conceptualization fits into the Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) model and how to document it. I emphasize that while case conceptualization is standard practice in the field and often tied to insurance, it's not necessarily clinically necessary, especially in private pay settings like at my center. However, for those required to do it, I provide insights into how to align it with CCPT principles, focusing on assessing the child's stage, phase, and timeline in therapy, identifying emerging themes in play, monitoring progress and shifts in themes, observing evidence of the four universal outcomes, tracking reduction in presenting issues, and documenting stability in the child's behavior. I also discuss the importance of effectively communicating findings with parents. Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://ccptcollective.com Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com Follow me on Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor 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. (2002). Play therapy: The art of the relationship (2nd ed.). Brunner-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.

In today's episode, we delve into the topic of engaging resistant parents, a common frustration among child-centered play therapists. From discussions in the Six Figure Play Therapist Coaching and the CCPT Collective that I host, it's clear that many therapists face the dilemma of parents who express resistance in various forms, such as threatening to withdraw their child from therapy or limiting session attendance. As child-centered play therapists, we find ourselves in a unique situation where we must navigate relationships with both the child, our client, and their parents, who are crucial to the therapeutic process. I share my insights into the top six reasons behind parental resistance and offer strategies to address these challenges effectively. Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://ccptcollective.com Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com Follow me on Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor 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. (2002). Play therapy: The art of the relationship (2nd ed.). Brunner-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.

Lightning Round Q&A #3! - Four listeners contacted me with 5 topics of questions, so here we go with Lightning Round #3. Thank you to Jess for calling into the new call-in number, (813) 812-5525. I'm so grateful to you and your investment in child-centered play therapy. You are why I do this podcast. Thank you for your emails and phone calls. Question Topics: ABA Theraplay Sleeping arrangements w/ parents Follow-up to Toy-Takers episode - Less than 10 words rule exceptions Bossy child client If you want to talk to me LIVE, I encourage you to join the CCPT Collective (www.ccptcollective.com) where I host a Friday Zoom call with all members. I also interact every day with CCPT Collective members in the discussion forums. I hope to see you there! Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://ccptcollective.com Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com Follow me on Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor

In this episode, I discuss the importance of setting up structured meetings with parents in child-centered play therapy. A best practice that we have established and perfected at my practice includes parent consultations following a five-week schedule, providing the right balance between keeping parents informed and not overwhelming them with constant updates. It's crucial to conduct these meetings in person, as virtual meetings tend to be less effective due to distractions. By establishing clear expectations for communication and prioritizing the child's relationship with the therapist, we can ensure that both parents and children benefit from the therapeutic process. Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com CCPT Collective: https://ccptcollective.com Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com Follow me on Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor 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. (2002). Play therapy: The art of the relationship (2nd ed.). Brunner-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.

Lightning Round Q&A #2! - I've gotten emails saying you like the lightning round format, and the downloads support that opinion, so here we go with Lightning Round #2. Don't forget that I now have a call-in number that you can ask questions as well. (813) 812-5525. I'm so grateful to you and your investment in child-centered play therapy. You are why I do this podcast. Thank you for your emails and phone calls. In this episode, I answer the following listener's questions: Emily - Note taking Courtney - Articulating the child-centered process to parents and caregivers Amanda - Throwing cards scenario Christine - Case regarding trauma and sexual inappropriateness Jennie - Child with OCD behaviors, how to advise parents Christien - Questions about role playing Katie - Time constraints to working with a child Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com Follow me on Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor 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. (2002). Play therapy: The art of the relationship (2nd ed.). Brunner-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.

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I discuss the importance of involving parents in the child-centered play therapy process. While parental engagement isn't a prerequisite for a child's progress, it undeniably influences overall outcomes. I can't stress enough the significance of an initial parent consultation, where therapists should help parents understand the therapeutic process, the expected progress, and normalize what might occur. I also stresses the value of subsequent parent consultations, where therapists provide updates, share observations from play sessions, and educate parents on child-centered play therapy techniques. By communicating clearly and equipping parents with knowledge and skills, therapists can enhance parental buy-in and support the child's healing journey. Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com Email me: brenna@thekidcounselor.com Follow me on Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor 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. (2002). Play therapy: The art of the relationship (2nd ed.). Brunner-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.