Play Therapy Themes

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, we dive into the practical application of understanding and using play therapy themes, which have been a hot topic in the therapy community. Recognizing and documenting themes in therapy sessions is not just for the...

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I discuss the theme of "sexual curiosity" in child-centered play therapy. This is the last of the sexualized play themes. This episode focuses on the curiosity children may have regarding body parts and sexual exploration...

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I take on the theme of "sexual talk" in child-centered play therapy. I emphasize the importance of recognizing this theme and understanding its implications for both the child and the therapist. Sexual talk includes...

In this episode, I delve into the challenging theme of sexual behaviors directed at the therapist in play therapy sessions. This difficult subject can manifest in various ways, from sexualized contact to exhibitionism or attempts to view the therapist's body. I...

In this episode, we dive into the challenging topic of sexualized play themes in child-centered play therapy. I discuss how children may act out sexual activities using miniatures, dolls, or figures during play sessions. I emphasize the need for careful interpretation...

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, we explore the theme of failure in play therapy sessions. I dive into the nuances of failure play and how it differs from mastery play, which was discussed in a previous episode. Failure play can be linked to issues such as...

In this episode, we're diving into the category of mastery and competence play by looking at Mastery Theme play. This is where kids engage in activities that require a sense of accomplishment. I discuss how these types of play, like building, stacking, or balancing,...

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, we begin the final category of themes—exploration and mastery. It's been incredible to witness your enthusiasm for understanding and applying these themes in your work with children and families. Today, we delve into the...

In this episode, we delve into the fifth theme within the safety play category: Escape Play. This particular theme marks a shift from the previous ones – containing, protection, danger, and rescue. Here, the focus is on a character, often the child themselves,...

In this week's episode, I delved into rescue play, which happens to be the fourth of the five safety play themes. Rescue play is often intertwined with the danger theme, providing a powerful means for children to address and resolve negative scenarios. When a child...

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, we explore the concept of danger as a safety play theme in the playroom. So we will dive into the nuances of this theme, clarifying that despite its name, danger play falls under the safety category. I talk about how...

In this episode, we're delving into the theme of Protection Play, the second segment within the safety play themes. It's crucial to distinguish Protection Play from Containing Play, ensuring a clear understanding. Protection Play is about safeguarding something or...

In this episode, I start into the category of safety play by focusing on the first theme: containing play. I explore the five themes under safety play, emphasizing their focus on ensuring safety for a child or an identified character, often the child's archetype...

In this episode, we wrap up our exploration of the Control and Safety themes with a focus on 'sorting play.' I share an anecdote from my graduate school experience, illustrating what sorting play entails and its significance in a child's play process. Sorting play...

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I dive into the theme of mess making play in child-centered play therapy. Mess making play is when a child intentionally creates chaos and disorder within the therapeutic playroom. I explain that this behavior can manifest...

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I'm excited to explore the cleaning play theme. As a child-centered play therapist, I've observed various ways children engage in this type of play, from physically cleaning toys to tidying up the playroom. I break down the...

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, we're diving into the theme of instability. It's a theme that often partners up with others like good versus bad play or rescue play. Picture this: in a child's play, things are always on the edge of falling or falling...

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I explore the world of bridge building play, a theme within the broader category of control and safety. Bridge building play isn't just about literal bridges; it includes structures children create to connect various...

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I delve into a significant theme: self fixing in the context of play therapy. We've explored fixing and failure to fix before, but self fixing presents a unique perspective. It's when a child perceives something broken...

In this episode, I delved into another control and safety theme—the "failure to fix" theme. It's a counterpart to the "fixing play" theme we explored last time. Understanding these play themes is vital for effective therapy. Failure to fix happens when a child...

Today, we're diving into the "fixing play" theme in child-centered play therapy. This theme often follows "broken play" and is closely tied to control and safety themes. In essence, it's about a child or character working to mend something broken through actions like...

In this episode, we delve into the "Broken Play Theme" in child-centered play therapy's category of safety and control themes. Exploring Broken Play Theme: Children depict brokenness in their play through two lenses: a broken self or a broken object. This theme delves...

In this episode, we're delving into the intriguing burying or drowning theme, a part of our ongoing exploration of control and safety themes. Burying involves hiding characters or objects under sand, toys, or even clothes, symbolizing various intentions. It can...

Today, we're entering the realm of control and safety themes, marking a transition from our previous categories. Specifically, we're exploring the intriguing concept of fire play. Children engage in fire play with remarkable diversity, expressing it through a spectrum...

In this concluding episode of the Nurturing & Caregiving category, we delve into the intriguing realm of the Adult Activity Theme. This distinctive theme revolves around activities that distinctly mimic adult behaviors. Join me as we explore the nuances of this theme...

In this episode, I cover the Store and Shopping Theme. This theme falls under the Nurturing Theme category of themes in play therapy. In addition to discussing this theme in play sessions and its meanings, I discuss "parallel tracks" with other themes, such as the...

In this episode, I dive into Neglect, Abuse, or Punishment of Self Themes in Play Therapy. I discuss examples of how this theme manifests in play, the differences between similar themes, and how to differentiate between them. My Podcast Partner, Gabb Wireless:...

Failed Nurturing, essentially, is any time a child uses nurturing activities but they are negative towards the person being nurtured. This can manifest in withholding nurturing or neglecting the person. In this episode, I discuss different meanings of the failed...

In this episode, I talk about the distinction between nurturing and the self-nurturing themes. I also discuss the following topics related to self-nurturing play: - The child uses infantile, baby toys to comfort the themselves - The child needs nurturing, but don't...

In this episode I cover another in the Family & Nurturing category of play therapy themes... The Nurturing Theme. This is generally one of the later themes to emerge in a child's play over a complete treatment cycle, and it is very significant to notice when it does....

In this episode I cover Separation, and also Reunion Themes in play therapy. These are both in the Family and Nurturing Category of Play Therapy Themes. Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com Email me:...

We're finally moving into family and nurturing category of themes, starting with Constancy Theme, also known as Permanence Theme. Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com Email me:...

The last of the 7 power and aggression category of play therapy themes... The Seeking theme. Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com Email me: [email protected] Follow me on Twitter:...

Another theme in the power and agression category of play therapy theme is the devouring theme. In this episode, I discuss an overview of this theme and interpretations. Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ:...

This is the 4th in a series of power and control category of themes in play therapy. In this episode I cover the powerful figure overcoming the weaker figure. Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com Email...

Another theme in the power and control category of themes is "death" play. I explain this multi-faceted theme, and also discuss how to share with parents in a way that maintains confidentiality, and also doesn't freak them out! Podcast HQ:...

In this episode, I'm continuing our discussion of Power and Control themes in play therapy with the Aggression and Aggressive Victim themes. I discuss the difference between these two theme, as well as their difference between the Good vs Bad theme. Most importantly,...

In this episode, we finally begin a series on themes in the playroom. I've been getting emails and feedback that so many of you wanted this content, so I'm glad we've finally made it! Within themes, there are categories of themes. Power and aggression are one of the...