Podcast Episodes
353 | Selective Mutism and CCPT: Trusting the Process
In this episode, I respond to Erin’s question about working with a selectively mute child. I explain that selective mutism isn’t a separate diagnosis—it’s rooted in paralyzing anxiety. Once we understand that, we can approach it with CCPT through safety, trust, and...
352 | Power, Control, and Anxiety: Unpacking the Child’s Need for Dominance
In this episode, I respond to Heather’s question about a client who returned to therapy after a higher level of care. This child’s play is dominated by themes of money, power, and control — and I explain how these themes often reflect underlying anxiety and a need to...
351 | Ending Well: How to Structure the Final Session in CCPT
In this episode, I walk through the final phase of Child-Centered Play Therapy—the countdown and last session. Once a child is ready to terminate, our focus shifts to helping them process and celebrate the end of therapy in a healthy, meaningful way. I explain how to...
350 | Two Common Challenges: Self-Esteem Work and Separation Anxiety
In this episode, I respond to two questions from Megan in D.C.—one about navigating self-esteem work and another about handling separation anxiety in school settings. I explain how to respond when a child asks for praise or directs you to say something specific, such...
349 | When to End: Evaluating Client Readiness for Termination
In this episode, I discuss how to determine when a child is truly ready to terminate therapy. While we often focus on the beginning and middle of the CCPT process, understanding when and how to end is equally important. I walk through the four key questions that guide...
348 | When Families Stop Coming: Understanding Attrition in CCPT
In this episode, I respond to Sally’s question about attendance and attrition in Child-Centered Play Therapy. Many therapists are noticing families stop coming around the fifth or sixth session, and I explain why this usually reflects a breakdown in articulation. When...
347 | Sibling & Group Work in CCPT: Bringing More Than One Child Into the Playroom
In this episode, I explore the dynamics of sibling and group play therapy sessions in Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT). I walk through why and when it makes sense to pair siblings together in the playroom—especially when there's a shared experience like divorce or...
346 | What to Do When the Child Dictates the Session and Controls the Dialogue
In this episode, I respond to a question from Lungile, a clinician in South Africa working with a 9-year-old girl who engages in highly directive role play—assigning roles, limiting dialogue, and scripting the session. When sessions become this structured, how do we...
345 | When a Child Won’t Go Back to the Playroom: Navigating the “Lobby” Session with the Child and Parents
In this episode, I walk you through one of the most challenging—but entirely normal—scenarios in child-centered play therapy: when a child refuses to go back to the playroom. Whether it's the lobby, hallway, or even the car, I share how we can handle these moments...
344 | Neutral Truth, Big Impact: Communicating with Children and Advocating for Them
In this episode, I answer two questions from Chloe in Georgia. First, I talk about how to navigate physical limitations or health issues—like pregnancy, illness, or injury—in the playroom without disrupting the child’s experience or compromising the therapeutic...
343 | Art of the Session: A Complete Framework for Confident Practice
In this final episode of the Art of the Session series, I walk through a full recap of everything we’ve covered over the past 16 episodes. This has been one of the most in-depth series I’ve ever done, and it’s all about grounding ourselves in the foundational...
342 | Answer or Redirect? Preserving Connection Without Shifting the Focus
In this Q&A episode, I answer three questions from Emily. First, I share how I guide parents to respond when a child—or their sibling—asks why they’re going to therapy. I offer simple, CCPT-aligned language that keeps the explanation safe, supportive, and...
341 | Art of the Session: Role Play in CCPT – Staying Centered When the Child Assigns You a Role
In this episode of the Art of the Session series, I focus on how we engage in role play within child-centered play therapy sessions—and more importantly, how to do it without taking over the process. Role play often trips up even seasoned therapists, especially when...
340 | “I Hate This and I Hate You”: Trust the Process When Kids Push Back in Play Therapy
In this episode, I respond to a powerful and relatable question from Liba in Pennsylvania about working with a highly anxious, intensely resistant 8-year-old diagnosed with ADHD. Liba shares details about his anger, avoidance, control-seeking behavior, and outright...
339 | Art of the Session: “I Wonder” and Whisper Techniques
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I explore two valuable techniques that every child-centered play therapist should have in their toolbox: the “I wonder” statement and the whisper technique. These subtle but powerful responses help us remain adherent to the...