Session Savvy: Breaking the Habit of Saying ‘OK’ in the Child-Centered Play Therapy Playroom

Oct 15, 2024

In this Session Savvy episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I talk about the subtle impact of saying “OK” in the playroom. While it seems harmless in everyday conversation, in child-centered play therapy (CCPT), “OK” can unintentionally convey permission or agreement when the child should have full autonomy over their choices. I explain the difference between using “OK” for acknowledgment versus giving permission and why it’s important to avoid this habit in the playroom.

I also provide practical examples to help you identify when and how “OK” slips into sessions and how to replace it with neutral, reflective language. This episode is a reminder that the words we use in CCPT matter, and small deviations like saying “OK” can impact the child’s experience in subtle but significant ways.

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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.

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