Play Therapy Podcast

Dr. Brenna Hicks
undefined
Feb 13, 2025 • 13min

268 | When You and the Child Don’t Speak the Same Language in CCPT

In this episode, I address a question about the role of verbal communication in CCPT. Research shows that play therapy is effective even when the therapist and child don’t speak the same language, yet verbal interaction is a key part of the process. I explain how both can be true by examining the role of the therapeutic relationship and how verbal responses support emotional growth, self-regulation, and self-esteem. I also discuss a therapist’s experience working with a deaf child who communicates using American Sign Language. We explore whether fluency in a child’s language is necessary, the potential impact of using an interpreter, and how to navigate language barriers while maintaining the integrity of the therapeutic relationship. Play Therapy Podcast Meetup - MISSISSIPPI - Feb 21, 2025 at 6:30pm RSVP here: https://playtherapypodcast_ms.eventbrite.com PlayTherapyNow.com is my HUB for everything I do! playtherapynow.com. Sign up for my email newsletter, stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice. If you click one link in these show notes, this is the one to click! 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.
undefined
Feb 11, 2025 • 19min

267 | Think You're an Independent Contractor? You Might Not Be. Know the Difference Between Independent Contractor Vs. Employee Categorization

In this episode, I take a break between series for a much-needed "palate cleanse" to address an issue that keeps coming up in conversations with play therapists—understanding the difference between subcontractors and employees in private practice. Many therapists find themselves in situations where they are labeled as independent contractors but are actually being treated as employees. If you own a practice and employ therapists, or if you're working as a therapist under someone else’s practice, this episode will help you understand your rights and responsibilities. It’s a must-listen for anyone navigating the business side of play therapy! Play Therapy Podcast Meetup - MISSISSIPPI - Feb 21, 2025 at 6:30pm RSVP here: https://playtherapypodcast_ms.eventbrite.com PlayTherapyNow.com is my HUB for everything I do! playtherapynow.com. Sign up for my email newsletter, stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice. If you click one link in these show notes, this is the one to click! 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.
undefined
Feb 10, 2025 • 14min

266 | Fighting for CCPT: How to Advocate for Child-Centered Play Therapy in Sexual Abuse Cases and Trauma Work

In this episode, I answer a question from Lisa in Maryland about the role of Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) in cases involving trauma and sexual behavior. Many legal and child protection systems lean toward directive interventions, often dismissing CCPT. However, research overwhelmingly supports CCPT as an effective, developmentally appropriate approach for helping children process trauma in a safe and natural way. I discuss how we, as play therapists, can advocate for the model, educate stakeholders, and navigate the challenges of working with children who have experienced trauma. I also highlight key research, including Landreth and Homeyer’s work on play behaviors in sexually abused children, and emphasize the importance of trusting the CCPT process. When we create a space where children feel safe, they will process their experiences in their own way and time—without the retraumatization of forced disclosures. If you’ve ever wondered how to defend CCPT in trauma cases or how to recognize post-trauma play in your sessions, this episode is for you. Play Therapy Podcast Meetup - MISSISSIPPI - Feb 21, 2025 at 6:30pm RSVP here: https://playtherapypodcast_ms.eventbrite.com PlayTherapyNow.com is my HUB for everything I do! playtherapynow.com. Sign up for my email newsletter, stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice. If you click one link in these show notes, this is the one to click! 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.
undefined
Feb 5, 2025 • 15min

265 | When and How to Use Enlargement in CCPT & Tracking Progress in CCPT (What to Do When Stages Aren’t Clear)

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer two questions from Terry in Ireland. First, I break down the role of enlargement and self-esteem-building responses in CCPT. I explain when and how to use these more advanced skills, emphasizing that enlargement should come later in the process when a child is ready for deeper work. I also clarify how encouragement and self-esteem-building responses fit into CCPT from the very first session, reinforcing a child’s capacity and confidence. Next, I discuss whether all children move through the four stages of CCPT in a predictable way and how to track progress when movement between phases isn’t obvious. I explain why progress isn’t always linear and how shifts in the therapeutic relationship—such as changes in cleanup behaviors or a child no longer asking permission—are strong indicators of growth. Finally, I share a heartfelt email from a listener about how the podcast has deepened her understanding and confidence in CCPT, reminding us all of the power of simply being present with children in the playroom. Play Therapy Podcast Meetup - MISSISSIPPI - Feb 21, 2025 at 6:30pm RSVP here: https://playtherapypodcast_ms.eventbrite.com PlayTherapyNow.com is my HUB for everything I do! playtherapynow.com. Sign up for my email newsletter, stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice. If you click one link in these show notes, this is the one to click! 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.
undefined
Feb 4, 2025 • 11min

264 | Mastering Neutrality: Wrap-up (A Reflection on What It Means to Be CCPT)

In this final episode of the Mastering Neutrality Series on the Play Therapy Podcast, I reflect on the essence of child-centered play therapy (CCPT) through a deeply moving piece written by Lee, a CCPT therapist in the UK. She beautifully captures what it truly means to embody neutrality, congruence, and acceptance in the playroom. Her words illustrate the heart of our work—being present with children, no matter the mess, the chaos, or the unknown, and holding space for their emotions without judgment. I also share exciting news about my ongoing partnership with Core Wellness, where February will be dedicated entirely to CCPT. With new CEU opportunities and trainings on the horizon, we are continuing to spread the power of CCPT far and wide. As we close this series, I hope this episode reminds you of the profound impact of simply being with children in the playroom. PlayTherapyNow.com is my HUB for everything I do! playtherapynow.com. Sign up for my email newsletter, stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice. If you click one link in these show notes, this is the one to click! 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.
undefined
Jan 30, 2025 • 14min

263 | Clear Policies + Systems = Happy Clients: Managing Cancellations, No-Shows, and Expectations

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer a fantastic question from Tess in Illinois about balancing boundaries and customer service in private practice. As child-centered play therapists, we want to provide an exceptional experience for families while also maintaining clear policies that support our work. I discuss how policies and systems creates clarity and prevents future conflicts. I also share insights on how to deliver customer service excellence while holding strong boundaries, ensuring that parents understand expectations from the very first interaction. From scripting communication to implementing a fair, yet firm, approach to cancellations and no-shows, this episode provides practical strategies for running a smooth and professional private practice. Whether you're new to practice ownership or refining your policies, this episode will help you feel confident in your approach. Friday Jan 31, 2025, 2 PM to 6:15 PM EST - Exploring the Foundations, Principles, and The “Four Pillars” of Child-Centered Play Therapy- EXTENDED 4 CE. Register here: https://corewellceu.com/event/live-child-centered-play-extended1 Play Therapy Podcast Meetup - MISSISSIPPI - Feb 21, 2025 at 6:30pm RSVP here: https://playtherapypodcast_ms.eventbrite.com PlayTherapyNow.com is my HUB for everything I do! playtherapynow.com. Sign up for my email newsletter, stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice. If you click one link in these show notes, this is the one to click! 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.
undefined
Jan 29, 2025 • 11min

262 | House-Tree-Person in CCPT: Why I Use It and How It Helps

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer a great question from Zoe in Texas about why I use the House-Tree-Person (HTP) and Kinetic Family Drawing assessments in my practice. I share how I was first introduced to HTP in graduate school and why I believe it aligns well with the child-centered play therapy (CCPT) model. While assessments aren’t required for CCPT, I explain how these tools provide valuable insight in the first session, helping children ease into the playroom while also offering parents reassurance about the process—especially when early progress isn't immediately visible. I also discuss how these assessments help therapists gain a clearer understanding of a child’s emotional world, including themes of anxiety, self-esteem, power, and control. Plus, I highlight where therapists can find additional resources on implementing these assessments, including inside the CCPT Collective and upcoming CEU opportunities. Friday Jan 31, 2025, 2 PM to 6:15 PM EST - Exploring the Foundations, Principles, and The “Four Pillars” of Child-Centered Play Therapy- EXTENDED 4 CE. Register here: https://corewellceu.com/event/live-child-centered-play-extended1 Play Therapy Podcast Meetup - MISSISSIPPI - Feb 21, 2025 at 6:30pm RSVP here: https://playtherapypodcast_ms.eventbrite.com PlayTherapyNow.com is my HUB for everything I do! playtherapynow.com. Sign up for my email newsletter, stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice. If you click one link in these show notes, this is the one to click! 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.
undefined
Jan 28, 2025 • 20min

261 | Mastering Neutrality: Foundations for Neutrality in Child-Centered Play Therapy

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I continue our neutrality series by exploring what neutrality truly looks like in child-centered play therapy (CCPT). I break down the practical components of neutrality into four key principles: not taking sides, withholding judgment, allowing children to solve their own problems, and embodying deep empathy. I explain how these elements work together to create a safe, judgment-free environment where children can fully engage in their healing process. I also address the challenges of achieving complete neutrality as human beings and why congruence is essential to maintaining authenticity in the playroom. Through personal reflections, examples, and a powerful story from a coaching session, I highlight the importance of therapists doing their own inner work to better support their clients. This episode offers encouragement and actionable insights for therapists striving to master neutrality in CCPT. Play Therapy Podcast Meetup - MISSISSIPPI - Feb 21, 2025 at 6:30pm RSVP here: https://playtherapypodcast_ms.eventbrite.com Friday Jan 31, 2025, 2 PM to 6:15 PM EST - Exploring the Foundations, Principles, and The “Four Pillars” of Child-Centered Play Therapy- EXTENDED 4 CE. Register here: https://corewellceu.com/event/live-child-centered-play-extended1 PlayTherapyNow.com is my HUB for everything I do! playtherapynow.com. Sign up for my email newsletter, stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice. If you click one link in these show notes, this is the one to click! 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.
undefined
Jan 23, 2025 • 20min

260 | Navigating Tough Conversations with Parents in CCPT

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to Michelle from Ireland, who posed three important questions about challenges in child-centered play therapy (CCPT). First, I discuss how to communicate with parents when their responses to their child’s anxiety inadvertently reinforce the behavior they’re trying to address—like avoiding school due to weather-related fears. I share strategies for addressing these conversations with kindness, clarity, and confidence, emphasizing the importance of trust in the therapist-parent relationship. Next, I explore the issue of parents attempting to shield children from all stress or difficulty, such as skipping tests or avoiding challenging situations. I explain how overprotectiveness can hinder a child’s ability to develop resilience and problem-solving skills and stress the importance of educating parents on fostering their child’s independence. Lastly, I address how to handle a client who engages in repetitive room-wrecking play and offer a neutral, limit-setting strategy to help the child process what they may be stuck on while maintaining therapeutic principles. This episode provides practical advice for therapists navigating these common but complex scenarios. Play Therapy Podcast Meetup - MISSISSIPPI - Feb 21, 2025 at 6:30pm RSVP here: https://playtherapypodcast_ms.eventbrite.com PlayTherapyNow.com is my HUB for everything I do! playtherapynow.com. Sign up for my email newsletter, stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice. If you click one link in these show notes, this is the one to click! 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.
undefined
Jan 22, 2025 • 16min

259 | Early Termination, Rewards, and Night Terrors: Q&A Addressing Unique Playroom Challenges

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer three questions from Melissa in Colorado, covering early termination with clients, the use of rewards for desired behaviors, and how to help children experiencing night terrors. I share guidance on managing early terminations, including setting limits and maintaining neutrality when faced with aggression directed at the therapist. I also discuss why rewards for behaviors, like sticker charts or treasure boxes, conflict with the principles of child-centered play therapy, emphasizing the importance of fostering intrinsic motivation instead. Finally, I address night terrors, reassuring listeners that they are a normal part of childhood development, often linked to emotional processing and overstimulation. I explain how to guide parents in responding to night terrors with simple, calming strategies while normalizing the experience for both parents and children. Play Therapy Podcast Meetup - MISSISSIPPI - Feb 21, 2025 at 6:30pm RSVP here: https://playtherapypodcast_ms.eventbrite.com PlayTherapyNow.com is my HUB for everything I do! playtherapynow.com. Sign up for my email newsletter, stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice. If you click one link in these show notes, this is the one to click! 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.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app