

Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
Dr. Brenna Hicks
Your source for centered and focused Play Therapy coaching. A "Master-Class" in Play Therapy. Breaking down the barriers to high-quality Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) education. No paywalls, no ads, no fluff... all content — just expert, accessible training for every play therapist, free of charge.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jan 21, 2025 • 12min
258 | Mastering Neutrality: Letting Go of Control and Embracing True Neutrality in the Playroom
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I dive deeper into the concept of neutrality in child-centered play therapy (CCPT). I explore the profound idea of “dying to self” in the playroom, where we set aside our personal feelings, agendas, and control to fully accept and support the child’s process. I discuss how true neutrality means honoring the child’s emotions and behaviors without judgment, while still setting necessary limits for safety. This episode unpacks why neutrality is so challenging yet essential for maintaining adherence to the CCPT model. Through practical examples, I explain how neutrality allows therapists to trust the process and create an accepting space for children to explore and heal. I also address common misconceptions about CCPT and the implied judgment from other models, emphasizing the power of unconditional acceptance. This is a thought-provoking episode designed to challenge and inspire therapists to embody neutrality in every session. 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.

Jan 16, 2025 • 37min
257 | Jan. 3rd Live Event - Q & A Session
In this special live Q&A episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I connected with listeners from around the world to answer their most pressing questions about practicing child-centered play therapy (CCPT). We covered a wide range of topics, including how to ethically document CCPT for older clients who primarily engage through conversation, strategies for addressing parentification in families, and how to navigate continued therapy when a child has met their goals but still wants to attend. I also shared insights on setting up an effective and neutral playroom, using diagnosis deferred codes for insurance purposes, and how CCPT principles apply to older children and teens. Additionally, we explored how to handle self-deprecating behavior in children and when to transition families to Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) for deeper parental engagement. This interactive session provided valuable guidance on staying true to the CCPT model while adapting to various clinical scenarios. Key Topics Discussed: Ethical Documentation of CCPT for Older Children Addressing Parentification During Parent Consultations Managing Therapy Continuation After Treatment Goals Are Met Setting Up a CCPT Playroom and Limit Setting Differences Using Diagnosis Deferred Codes for Insurance Reimbursement Adapting CCPT Principles for Teens and Older Clients Responding to Self-Deprecating Behaviors 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.

Jan 15, 2025 • 9min
256 | Theoretical Consistency: Avoiding Burnout When Working with All Ages
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to a question from Chiara in Florida about working with clients over the age of 14. I explain how child-centered play therapy (CCPT) naturally evolves from a wholly person-centered approach for older teens and adults. Since CCPT is rooted in Carl Rogers' person-centered theory, the core principles—reflecting feelings, providing choices, and fostering a strong therapeutic relationship—remain effective across all ages. I also discuss the importance of maintaining theoretical consistency when working with both children and adults to prevent therapist burnout and ensure congruence. By staying aligned with person-centered principles for all clients, therapists can sustain their energy and provide meaningful, effective therapy without needing to constantly switch frameworks. This episode offers guidance for therapists navigating work with diverse age groups while staying true to the CCPT model. 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.

Jan 14, 2025 • 21min
255 | Mastering Neutrality: Practicing Neutrality Means Letting Go of Expectations, Not Emotions
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I continue exploring the essential role of neutrality in child-centered play therapy (CCPT). I unpack how neutrality balances with congruence—honoring our genuine emotional responses while avoiding expectations that could pressure or influence a child. I share real-life examples and listener questions that highlight the delicate line between being authentic and unintentionally guiding a child’s behavior. I also explain why even subtle expressions of approval or disapproval can shift a child’s motivation from internal to external. By staying emotionally congruent without attaching expectations, we preserve the safety and trust within the therapeutic relationship. This episode is a reminder about how neutrality strengthens the therapeutic relationship. PlayTherapyNow.com is my HUB for all things CCPT! 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 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: 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. 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. Benedict, Helen. Themes in Play Therapy. Used with permission to Heartland Play Therapy Institute.