Podcast Episodes
Separation Anxiety in Play Therapy: When Children Want Parents in the Playroom
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I address a question from Shannon in Iowa regarding managing separation anxiety when children want to bring a parent into the playroom. This is a common challenge in child-centered play therapy (CCPT), and I provide...
Session Savvy (Avoiding Detours from the Child-Centered Model): Avoiding Third-Person in the Child-Centered Playroom
Avoiding Third-Person in the Child-Centered Playroom In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I kick off our new Session Savvy series, designed to help play therapists refine their approach and avoid subtle deviations from the child-centered play therapy (CCPT)...
Why Children Don’t Clean Up the Playroom in Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer another insightful question from Danielle in Georgia about managing cleanup in child-centered play therapy (CCPT). Danielle shared that she typically gives children the choice of whether or not to clean up, but...
Welcoming Back Clients: Handling Returns to Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to a question from Danielle in Georgia about handling a client’s return to child-centered play therapy (CCPT) after a year-long hiatus. Danielle's client has spent time reminiscing about previous therapy...
The Indescribable Moments in Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this final episode of the Summer School Series on the Play Therapy Podcast, I delve into the profound insights from Garry Landreth’s The Art of the Relationship. As we wrap up this series, I explore Landreth’s reflections on the dynamic nature of child-centered...
Beyond the Diagnosis: How Child-Centered Play Therapy Supports Children with Various Conditions and Diagnoses
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to a question from Bailey in Texas about the effectiveness of child-centered play therapy (CCPT) for children with NF1, a genetic condition. Bailey is working with a six-year-old client whose symptoms resemble...
Summer Breaks in Child-Centered Play Therapy: Strategies for Continuity
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I address a common issue many of us face every year—how to handle requests from parents to take a break from therapy over the summer. Ethan from Virginia wrote in with a question about managing this situation when parents...
The Power of Boundaries in Child-Centered Play Therapy: Managing Separation Anxiety
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I address a question from Jonathan, whos client wanted to leave the playroom to see her grandmother in the second session. I explore the challenges of handling this situation using the child-centered protocol. We discuss...
Understanding Child Adjustment Through Play: Lessons from The Art of the Relationship and Moustakas’ Research
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I continue our Summer School Series by diving into a unique section from Garry Landreth's The Art of the Relationship, focusing on Moustakas' research about the differences in play between adjusted and maladjusted children....
When Therapy is Cut Short: Understanding the Impact on Stages and Phases
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to a listener question from Terri in Ireland, who is navigating the challenges of a truncated therapeutic process. Terri shares her experience with two clients whose sessions were limited due to her training...
Meeting Children Where They Are: The Power of Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I continue the Summer School Series by exploring Garry Landreth's "Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship", fourth edition. I discuss how play serves as a vital medium of communication for children, allowing them to...
Unexpected Breakthroughs: Navigating Power Dynamics When a Child Tapes Your Mouth Shut
In this episode, I address a question from Holly in Virginia about a challenging play therapy session with a 5-year-old child who has a significant trauma background. The child duct-taped Holly's mouth shut during the session, raising questions about setting limits...
Unconditional Acceptance: The Heart of Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this episode of our summer school series, I delve into a powerful passage from Garry Landreth's "The Art of the Relationship." I explore the concept of children's unique personalities and how they affect their therapeutic journey. Using Landreth's vivid analogies...
Navigating Child and Adult Therapy Coexistence in a Group Practice: Expectations, Communication, and the ‘Why’
In this episode, I address a question from an anonymous listener who called in. This listener works in a multi-disciplinary practice where child-centered play therapy coexists with adult therapy. The practice owner is considering implementing restrictive rules for...
Mastering the 5 Goals of Child-Centered Play Therapy Sessions: From Theory to Practice
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I continue our summer school series by diving into "A Practical Handbook for Building the Play Therapy Relationship" by Giordano, Landreth, and Jones. I explore the five key goals of play therapy sessions and discuss how...