Free Play Resistance: Structure-Seeking Kids in Child-Centered Play Therapy

Sep 18, 2024

First things first… If you are planning on going to the Oct. 2024 APT Conference in Atlanta, GA, and would like to attend the Play Therapy Podcast meetup, please click the link: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com/meetup. I need to know how many are coming so I can plan for the venue.

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to a question from Judith in Michigan about working with a child who refuses to play in the playroom. This is a common concern among play therapists, especially when working with children who crave structure and find it challenging to engage in free play. I discuss the pitfalls of mixing directive and non-directive approaches, which can create confusion and hinder progress for the child.

I explain how children who resist play often exhibit high levels of anxiety and need time to feel comfortable in the playroom. By reflecting their feelings and being patient, we allow them to work through their discomfort at their own pace. I also touch on how children gravitate towards activities that feel safe, such as arts and crafts, and how our role is to create a space where they can explore their choices freely. This episode dives into trusting the CCPT process, letting go of interventions, and fully embracing the child-centered approach.

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: [email protected]
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
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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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