Play Therapy Podcast

02/25/2025

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I clarify the difference between reflecting feelings as a standalone reflective response and reflecting feelings within limit-setting (ACT model). While both serve important functions in CCPT, they operate differently—one builds emotional vocabulary, while the other provides validation and structure within a limit.

I also address a common mistake: reflecting cognitions instead of emotions. Therapists often acknowledge what a child is thinking instead of what they are feeling, which can miss the deeper emotional experience. Understanding these distinctions ensures that our responses in the playroom are both accurate and effective in supporting children’s emotional growth. If you’ve ever wondered why reflecting feelings looks different inside and outside of limit-setting, this episode breaks it down step by step.



https://www.playtherapypodcast.com/fine-tuning-limit-setting-clarifying-the-a-in-the-act-framework/

02/24/2025

Adulthood Bias: The Barrier to Parents Understanding Children’s Behavior

In this episode, I introduce the concept of adulthood bias—the tendency for adults to forget what it was like to be a child, leading to unrealistic expectations for children’s behavior. This bias causes adults to assume that children should think, reason, and communicate like adults, even though children are driven by emotions and experiences, not logic and cognition. I explain how this misunderstanding leads to frustration, power struggles, and dismissive interactions with kids.

I discuss how recognizing adulthood bias can help play therapists communicate the necessity of CCPT to parents and other stakeholders. By naming and addressing this bias, we can better explain why child-centered approaches are essential and how they meet children where they are developmentally. This concept provides a framework for educating parents, teachers, and other professionals about why CCPT works and how they can shift their interactions with children to be more effective and supportive.

In this episode, I introduce the concept of adulthood bias—the tendency for adults to forget what it was like to be a child, leading to unrealistic expectations for children's behavior. This bias causes adults to assume that children should think, reason, and communicate like adults, even though c...

12/02/2024

11/12/2024

I can't wait to witness the CCPT movement that's happening in Australia. Only a few days left! Go register today!

The countdown is officially on!

There's only 10 days left until our 'Inspiring Play Therapists' Conference in Brisbane, Australia!

Register your attendance at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1249390

11/05/2024

APPTA is offering a 10% discount! I'll be speaking at this conference and I'm scheduling a Play Therapy Podcast Listener Meetup as well. Register for the conference and then register for the meetup at https://www.playtherapypodcast.com/meetup See you there!

🎉🏇 Melbourne Cup Day Flash Sale! 🏇🎉

Since our conference takes place before Black Friday, we’ve decided to kick off our sale early! Get ready for our special sale starting at 12:01 AM on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024. Don't miss it!

Enjoy 10% off on 'Full 2-Day' and 'Online' tickets using the code CUP10!

REMEMBER to share our conference with your colleagues and on your social media pages - the more the merrier!

Tickets can be purchased at https://www.trybooking.com/CTCFM

10/31/2024

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I address a question from Suzanne in Maryland, who has been working with a six-year-old child that engages in repetitive dressing and un******ng of Barbie dolls in each session. Suzanne wonders how to interpret this behavior and whether it aligns with themes like nurturing and caregiving. I explain that this type of repetitive play can often be a form of self-soothing, especially in early sessions when a child is still in the initiation and rapport-building phase. This repetitive, ritualistic behavior can be common for children experiencing high levels of anxiety as it creates a sense of control and comfort.

I also touch on why the playroom is a screen-free zone and how to handle requests for music or technology in the playroom. While a child’s desire for music may also be a self-soothing strategy, introducing technology can be a distraction from the therapeutic process.

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I address a question from Suzanne in Maryland, who has been working with a six-year-old child that engages in repetitive dressing and un******ng of Barbie dolls in each session. Suzanne wonders how to interpret this behavior and whether it aligns with the...

10/23/2024

Sending Birthday Cards: Balancing Customer Service and Confidentiality

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to Brianna from Texas, who asks about the process of sending birthday cards to clients while maintaining confidentiality. I explain the benefits of sending birthday cards and how it strengthens the relationship between therapist and child. I also share practical steps for ensuring confidentiality, such as using only the child’s name and mailing address and leaving the sender’s identity discreet.

I also provide tips on how to make birthday cards more meaningful, like having the therapist write a personal message and considering cost-effective options like postcards. Sending birthday cards can be a simple yet impactful gesture that adds a personal touch to the therapy process, making children feel special and appreciated.

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to Brianna from Texas, who asks about the process of sending birthday cards to clients while maintaining confidentiality. I explain the benefits of sending birthday cards and how it strengthens the relationship between therapist and child. I als...

10/23/2024

In this Session Savvy episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I discuss a common deviation in child-centered play therapy (CCPT)—using phrases like "you feel," "you must be," or "you seem" when reflecting a child’s feelings. These phrases, often used as buffers, can unintentionally shift the focus from the child's actual feeling to the qualifier, disrupting the reflective process. I explain why it's more effective to use direct reflections like "You are mad" or "You are sad," which support the development of emotional vocabulary and keep the child grounded in their emotional experience.

I also share reasons why therapists might hesitate to make direct reflections, such as fear of being wrong or discomfort with bold statements. I reassure therapists that it’s okay if a child disagrees with the reflection; it actually offers an opportunity for the child to clarify their feelings. The key is to be confident, eliminate the “fluff words,” and ensure the focus remains on helping children connect their feelings with their experiences.

In this Session Savvy episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I discuss a common deviation in child-centered play therapy (CCPT)—using phrases like "you feel," "you must be," or "you seem" when reflecting a child’s feelings. These phrases, often used as buffers, can unintentionally shift the focus ...

10/21/2024

I'm so happy to have finally met my "CCPT family" in person at the APT conference this last weekend. This was the 1st, Inaugural Play Therapy Podcast "meetup"... (the first of many to come, hint, hint!)

Next stop is Brisbane, Australia for the Australasia Pacific Play Therapy Association conference on Nov. 22-24. I am planning another special meetup for podcast listeners, so click the link below to RSVP to the meetup!
playtherapypodcast.com/meetup

10/17/2024

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer a question from Sweeney in India about how to handle a 12-year-old client who frequently makes up elaborate stories in the playroom. Sweeney is concerned that the child’s storytelling might be problematic, especially since the stories appear to reflect a fantasy version of her life, and the child’s mother has noticed an increase in this behavior. I explain that children often use storytelling as a coping mechanism to manage their emotions and create a sense of control in their narrative, which is common in child-centered play therapy (CCPT).

I also discuss the reasons behind this behavior, including attention-seeking, projecting an idealized version of reality, and managing anxiety. I reassure Sweeney that this is a natural part of the therapeutic process and that the child will reduce this behavior over time as her self-esteem and emotional regulation improve through therapy. By continuing to reflect the child’s feelings and providing a supportive environment, the child will naturally address the underlying issues driving the storytelling.

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer a question from Sweeney in India about how to handle a 12-year-old client who frequently makes up elaborate stories in the playroom. Sweeney is concerned that the child’s storytelling might be problematic, especially since the stories appear to...

10/16/2024

House-Tree-Person Assessment: When and How to Use It in Child-Centered Play Therapy

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to a question from Christina in Vermont regarding the first session with a child in the playroom and how to incorporate an intake assessment without deviating from the child-centered play therapy (CCPT) model. Christina specifically asks about the "house-tree-person" drawing assessment and how to approach it during that initial session. I explain that any assessment or directive activity must only be done in the first session to avoid disrupting the CCPT process later on. I share how I integrate this drawing assessment along with a kinetic family drawing to gain a helpful snapshot of the child without steering away from CCPT principles.

I also emphasize the importance of setting expectations and clear communication during the first session. By explaining the structure of the session to the child, I ensure they feel comfortable and informed. After the initial assessments, I make sure the child knows that moving forward, they are entirely in control of their play in the playroom.

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to a question from Christina in Vermont regarding the first session with a child in the playroom and how to incorporate an intake assessment without deviating from the child-centered play therapy (CCPT) model. Christina specifically asks about t...