A FREE Master-Class Education in Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)
Listen to the latest episode
Subscribe to my email newsletter JUST FOR THERAPISTS!
Latest podcast episodes
Supporting Parents Through Divorce: A Conversation with Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
In this special episode, I’m joined by Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby—licensed psychologist, marriage and family therapist, and founder of Growing Self Counseling & Coaching—to talk about one of the most challenging dynamics we face as CCPTs: supporting children of divorce...
CCPT Purism: From Rogers to Axline and the Eight Principles That Shaped the Child-Centered Play Therapy Model
In this episode of the CCPT Purism series, I take you through the foundational role of Virginia Axline in translating Carl Rogers’ person-centered theory into what we now know as Child-Centered Play Therapy. Axline worked closely with Rogers and applied his concepts...
Playroom Representation: Sensitivity Without Over-Complication
In this episode, I answer a question from Mia in California about how to approach dollhouse families and representation in the CCPT playroom. We don’t often talk about specific toys, so I enjoyed diving into how children use dolls and figures to create family...
When Kids Say “Stop Copying Me”, Session Outside? Sandtray Use? Can I Take This Toy Home? Answering Real CCPT Questions
In this episode, I answer questions from Heather, who provides play therapy in a boys’ home setting for ages 10–12. We cover a wide range of topics, including how to respond when a child says “stop copying me” during reflective responding, how to handle requests to do...
CCPT Purism: The Core Tenets & Conditions That Shaped Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this episode, I continue the CCPT Purism series with a deep dive into the core tenets and core conditions of Child-Centered Play Therapy. I walk through Rogers' foundational ideas—including the tendency to actualize, self-concept, and the organismic valuing...
When Directive Play Therapy Backfires: A Case for CCPT
In this episode, I respond to a question from Sasha in Oregon about a challenging session with a 9-year-old client. She attempted to incorporate directive techniques to help him process his anger, but he resisted by shutting down and saying "no" to everything. This...
CCPT Purism (New Series): How Rogers Broke the Rules—And Changed Child-Centered Play Therapy Forever
In this episode, I kick off a brand new series: CCPT Purism—a deep dive into what it truly means to be a pure Child-Centered Play Therapist. I’ve seen a growing trend where therapists think they are practicing CCPT, but in reality, they’ve drifted from full adherence...
Room Wrecking, Risk-Taking, and Sensory-Seeking: What’s Behind the Play?
In this episode, I answer a question from Danielle in Georgia about a six-year-old child processing grief after the loss of his father. His play includes room wrecking, risk-taking, and sensory-seeking behaviors, and Danielle wanted insight into how these might relate...
Fine Tuning Limit-Setting: Clarifying the “A” in the ACT Framework
In this episode, I clarify the difference between reflecting feelings as a standalone reflective response and reflecting feelings within limit-setting (ACT model). While both serve important functions in CCPT, they operate differently—one builds emotional vocabulary,...
Keeping CCPT on Track: When a Child Refuses to Stay in the Playroom
In this episode, I answer a question from Hannah in Texas about what to do when a child leaves the playroom mid-session—especially when limits have already been set. This is one of the most common challenges in CCPT, and it brings up important questions about...
When Limit-Setting Feels Endless & Does Setting Limits in CCPT Feel Coercive? Let’s Clarify
In this episode, I answer two questions from Michal in New York. The first question explores whether setting limits in CCPT could feel manipulative or coercive to a child, particularly when giving ultimate choices. I clarify how proper limit-setting—when done with...
When a Child Falls Asleep in Play Therapy: Trusting the CCPT Process
In this episode, I answer a question from Chris about working with a 14-year-old client who frequently falls asleep during play therapy sessions. This situation raises important considerations about the role of trusting the process in CCPT, recognizing when a child is...
Get Brenna’s Latest Book
Device Detox: A Parent’s Guide To Reducing Usage, Preventing Tantrums, And Raising Happier Kids.
“Dr. Brenna Hicks does an excellent job of sketching the problem, but the book shines brightest when Dr. Hicks offers a suite of practical, evidence-based strategies for coping with screen overuse in children. A valuable book that deserves to be read by parents everywhere.”