In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to a question from Rob in Arizona about a child who hides toys and asks if they will be safe while he’s gone. Rob has been using reflective responses and recognizing the child’s investment in these toys, but he’s curious about how to continue supporting this theme of safety and permanence. I discuss how hiding toys often symbolizes a child’s need for control, trust, and security, especially in the context of relationship permanence.

I offer strategies for acknowledging changes in the child’s play, reflecting their need for safety, and enlarging the deeper meaning behind these actions. Whether it’s about control, anxiety, or testing the durability of the therapeutic relationship, staying consistent and enlarging the meaning can help the child process these complex feelings. This episode is a reminder of the impact CCPT has in helping children feel secure and understood.

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.

Play Therapy Podcast Livestream! Jan. 3rd, 2025 @ 2pm EST Register here (100 attendee limit): https://playtherapypodcast.com/livestream

Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
Brenna's CCPT Hub: https://www.playtherapynow.com
CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://www.ccptcollective.com
Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com
APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com
Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor
Facebook: https://facebook.com/playtherapypodcast

Common 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. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). 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.

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I address two questions from Alison in Arkansas related to separation anxiety and resistance in child-centered play therapy (CCPT). Alison shares concerns about a 2-year-old client who exhibits extreme separation anxiety and a 5-year-old client resisting play therapy sessions. I offer guidance on why CCPT is essential for the 2-year-old and how to build trust and rapport patiently, even if it takes time. For the 5-year-old, I explain why playing games is still valid play and not avoidance, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the CCPT model without trying to control or direct the process.

I also highlight how the urge to intervene or “do something” can signal a deviation from the CCPT approach. Staying true to the model by trusting the child and the process ensures the best outcomes. This episode serves as a reminder to stay patient, maintain adherence to CCPT principles, and let the child work through their challenges in their own time.

Play Therapy Podcast Livestream! Jan. 3rd @ 2pm EST Register here (100 attendee limit): https://playtherapypodcast.com/livestream

Sign up for my exclusive newsletter at playtherapynow.com. Stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice!

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: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
Brenna's CCPT Hub: https://www.playtherapynow.com
CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://www.ccptcollective.com
Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com
APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com
Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor
Facebook: https://facebook.com/playtherapypodcast

Common 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. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). 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.

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer a question from Monica in California about how to handle “potty talk” in child-centered play therapy (CCPT). Monica shares that her 5-year-old client often says words like “butt” and giggles during sessions, and she wonders how to respond within the CCPT framework. I explore the different reasons children use potty talk, including age-appropriate behavior, boundary testing, relational testing, and seeking shock value. I also highlight how the playroom provides a unique space where children can express themselves freely without judgment or consequence.

I offer practical advice on how to stay neutral, reflect the content, and enlarge the child’s experience when appropriate. By responding calmly and without judgment, we can help children process what they need to work through while maintaining the trust and safety of the therapeutic relationship. This approach allows us to remain truly child-centered, supporting the child’s emotional growth and expression.

Play Therapy Podcast Livestream! Jan. 3rd @ 2pm EST Register here (100 attendee limit): https://playtherapypodcast.com/livestream

Sign up for my exclusive newsletter at playtherapynow.com. Stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice!

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: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
Brenna's CCPT Hub: https://www.playtherapynow.com
CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://www.ccptcollective.com
Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com
APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com
Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor
Facebook: https://facebook.com/playtherapypodcast

Common 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. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). 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.

Sign up for my exclusive newsletter at playtherapynow.com. Stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice!

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: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
Brenna's CCPT Hub: https://www.playtherapynow.com
CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://www.ccptcollective.com
Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com
APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com
Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor
Facebook: https://facebook.com/playtherapypodcast

Common 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. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). 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.

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I address a question from Yehudis in New York about the growing belief that child therapy should be a “last resort” and that the focus should be on working with parents instead. I discuss why this perspective is misleading and share several compelling reasons why child-centered play therapy (CCPT) is essential for children, even when their external circumstances remain unchanged. I explain how CCPT gives children power and control, making them the agents of change within their families, and how they benefit from the four universal outcomes of CCPT: self-regulation, emotional vocabulary, self-esteem, and worldview.

I also talk about the importance of advocating for CCPT and why many therapists who favor working with parents may simply lack the training or understanding of how powerful and transformative child-centered therapy can be. This episode is a rallying call for play therapists to confidently communicate the value of their work and continue advocating for children’s right to healing, growth, and therapeutic support.

Sign up for my exclusive newsletter at playtherapynow.com. Stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice!

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: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
Brenna's CCPT Hub: https://www.playtherapynow.com
CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://www.ccptcollective.com
Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com
APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com
Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor
Facebook: https://facebook.com/playtherapypodcast

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.

Sign up for my exclusive newsletter at playtherapynow.com. Stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice!

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: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
Brenna's CCPT Hub: https://www.playtherapynow.com
CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://www.ccptcollective.com
Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com
APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com
Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor
Facebook: https://facebook.com/playtherapypodcast

Common 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. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). 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.

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer two thoughtful questions from Mikayla, a graduate student and new play therapist in Illinois. Mikayla asks whether child-centered play therapy (CCPT) will still work if she doesn’t have a fully stocked playroom and whether the approach can be effective even when she feels she’s still learning. I reassure her that while having a variety of toys is helpful, children will use whatever materials are available to express themselves and work through their issues. It’s the therapeutic relationship, not the toys, that is the heart of CCPT.

I also address her concerns about technical application, emphasizing that none of us apply the CCPT model perfectly all the time — and that’s okay! The most important element is maintaining the child-centered relationship and trusting the process. If you focus on being present, using reflective responses, and practicing the core be-with attitudes, you are on the right path.

Play Therapy Podcast Livestream! Jan. 3rd @ 2pm EST
Register here (100 attendee limit): https://playtherapypodcast.com/livestream

Sign up for my exclusive newsletter at playtherapynow.com. Stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice!

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: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
Brenna's CCPT Hub: https://www.playtherapynow.com
CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://www.ccptcollective.com
Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com
APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com
Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor
Facebook: https://facebook.com/playtherapypodcast

Common 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. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). 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.

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I share a simple but powerful "Pro Tip": the importance of adding the word “yet” when returning responsibility to children in the playroom. When children struggle to accomplish something and feel frustrated or defeated, our well-meaning phrases like, “You can do it!” can sometimes come across as dismissive. By adding the word “yet,” as in, “You haven’t figured it out yet,” we acknowledge the child’s struggle while also instilling hope and confidence that success is still possible.

I explain how this small shift in language helps maintain the child-centered play therapy (CCPT) principles of returning responsibility and esteem-building, while avoiding the disconnect that can occur when a child feels they’ve failed. This approach supports children in continuing their self-actualizing work, even when they choose to take a break from their challenges. It’s a subtle but effective way to encourage without invalidating their experience.

Play Therapy Podcast Livestream! Jan. 3rd @ 2pm EST
Register here (100 attendee limit): https://playtherapypodcast.com/livestream

Sign up for my exclusive newsletter at playtherapynow.com. Stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice!

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: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
Brenna's CCPT Hub: https://www.playtherapynow.com
CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://www.ccptcollective.com
Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com
APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com
Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor
Facebook: https://facebook.com/playtherapypodcast

Common 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. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). 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.