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Latest podcast episodes
Preventative Power: The Lasting Impact of Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I address a question from Jonathan in Ohio, who is curious about how child-centered play therapy (CCPT) can be preventative in nature. Jonathan asks about how the skills learned in CCPT serve children long-term,...
Session Savvy: Avoiding Value-Laden Words in Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this Session Savvy episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I explore the subtle but significant impact of using value-laden words in child-centered play therapy (CCPT). While many therapists avoid praise statements, there are still value judgments that can slip into...
How to Let the Child Lead in Game Play: Child-Centered Examples and Guidance
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer a question from Theodore in the UK, who is preparing his playroom and wondering about incorporating games like Jenga and card games into child-centered play therapy. Theodore asks how to balance allowing children...
When Kids Don’t Play: Screen Time or Something Else?
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer a question from Kira in Texas about children who come into the playroom and do not play. Kira wonders if this behavior could be related to excessive screen use, a topic that resonates deeply with me. While screen...
Aggressive Play in the Playroom & Transitioning Kids to CCPT: Three Questions Answered
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to three insightful questions from Texie in Michigan. She asks about managing aggressive play where a child consistently "kills" her in the playroom, handling what to do when the therapist is "dead," and...
Aggression Isn’t Always Anger: Decoding Aggressive Play in Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this Session Savvy episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I explore a common misinterpretation in child-centered play therapy: assuming that aggression in a child’s play is rooted in anger. While aggression may appear linked to anger, it’s essential not to make that...
From Faith to First Sessions to Flags: Answering Three Child-Centered Play Therapy Questions
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer three insightful questions from Grace in California, covering topics from book recommendations for counselors who are Christian to navigating the first session with a new client. I share two of my favorite books,...
Bad Guys Play: Healthy Expression or Cause for Concern?
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to a question from Nada in Texas about working with a six-year-old boy who is fascinated with "Bad Guys" behavior in his play. The child often portrays himself as a bully or a criminal in both his drawings and...
Telehealth for Child-Centered Play Therapy: Does It Work?
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer a question from Laura in Washington about whether child-centered play therapy (CCPT) can be effectively conducted via telehealth. As telehealth becomes more common, this question has surfaced repeatedly, especially...
Free Play Resistance: Structure-Seeking Kids in Child-Centered Play Therapy
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...
Session Savvy: Why We Don’t Say ‘Thank You’ in Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this Session Savvy episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I discuss a common habit in the playroom: saying "thank you" to children. While it might seem polite and appropriate in everyday conversations, thanking a child during a child-centered play therapy session can...
“I’m In Charge, and I Want You To Choose!” – What To Do When Kids Try To Make You Choose (Ninja Trick!)
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I address a question from Linae in Colorado, who is working with a child that refuses to make choices during sessions. This is a common issue, as children often struggle with power and control, anxiety, or both, which can...
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