Short on Time, Big on Impact: CCPT for Kids with Communication Barriers

Dec 12, 2024

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer a question from Ailene in North Carolina, a clinical counseling student working with a partially deaf child who speaks Spanish. Ailene is concerned about having only eight sessions to help the child, who experiences anxiety and frustration due to communication barriers. I discuss how children with physical or developmental differences often struggle with self-worth and confidence, and how child-centered play therapy (CCPT) is well-suited to address these emotional challenges, even in a short timeframe.

I offer encouragement, emphasizing that the therapeutic relationship is impactful regardless of the number of sessions or the therapist’s experience level. I also share ideas on advocating for more sessions and thinking creatively to secure additional support for the child. Ultimately, even a few CCPT sessions can be a gift, providing a safe space where the child feels understood, accepted, and loved.

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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]
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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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