Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy

Latest Episodes:

86 | Broken Play Theme in Play Therapy Aug 30, 2023

Show notes

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 into hurt, sickness, and damage, whether internal or external. Healing and Insights: Broken play offers a unique healing potential, allowing children to confront and mend their perceptions of brokenness, whether within themselves, relationships, or the world. Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com Email me: brenna@thekidcounselor.com Follow me on Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor 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.

85 | Burying Or Drowning Theme Aug 24, 2023

Show notes

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 represent secrecy, offering a sense of power through possessing hidden knowledge. Alternatively, it might signal safety, as characters hide to shield themselves from danger. Drowning play often carries deeper emotional undertones, reflecting desperation and hopelessness. This theme can provide a platform for children to express complex emotions. Both burying and drowning themes tie into the overarching concept of control and safety, shedding light on children's intentions and emotions. Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com Email me: brenna@thekidcounselor.com Follow me on Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor 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.

84 | My Complete Interview With Dr. Jennifer Baggerly About Child-Centered Play Therapy Aug 17, 2023

Show notes

When you've trained directly with Dr. Garry Landreth, you gain vast knowledge and helpful perspective on the child-centered play therapy model. Join me for an insightful chat with my mentor, Dr. Jennifer Baggerly, a specialist directly trained by the renowned Dr. Garry Landreth in child-centered play therapy. Listen in as Dr. Baggerly sheds light on key aspects of this approach. Dr. Jennifer Baggerly shares her wisdom on the following topics:

Advice for new child-centered play therapists
What she loves about the child-centered model
Why CCPT is so effective across all populations

Discover tips for new child-centered play therapists straight from Dr. Baggerly's experience. Hear her genuine enthusiasm for the child-centered model and understand why Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) works wonders for people of all backgrounds. In this interview, Dr. Baggerly also shares heartwarming stories from her journey, illustrating the power of CCPT in her clients' lives. Tune in for an engaging conversation about child-centered play therapy and its incredible impact. Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com Email me: brenna@thekidcounselor.com Follow me on Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor 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.

83 | Fire Play Theme In Play Therapy Aug 15, 2023

Show notes

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 of scenarios. Whether it's something catching ablaze, flames engulfing, or even extinguishing a fire, this theme is unmistakably evident. Fire play often unveils deeper emotions within children. In instances where intense rage simmers, children might use fire as a symbolic channel for their anger, essentially allowing them to obliterate what they find infuriating. This dynamic reveals a profound representation of their emotions, and at times, children who fear their own powerful feelings might turn to fire play. The theme is not limited to anger; fire play can be a tool for addressing avoidance. Children may burn objects that evoke discomfort or unease, effectively erasing them from their world. Interestingly, fire play can also intertwine with other themes, such as heroism or protection, as fire becomes a conduit for bringing broader narratives to life. Remember, these themes of control and safety underpin the tapestry of play therapy. By understanding the core motivations behind a child's choice of fire play, we gain insights into their emotional landscape. Join me next week as we explore the themes of burying and drowning, and continue this enriching journey together. Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com Email me: brenna@thekidcounselor.com Follow me on Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor 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.

82 | Q&A: How To Handle A Child That Makes Animal Noises And Behaves Like A Puppy In Session Aug 10, 2023

Show notes

Listener, Yanna, emailed me with a scenario... she is seeing a child that acts like a puppy all session and she was wondering how I would handle that. I actually have a client right now that is doing that! So this was a timely question. In this episode, I discuss the following topics:

How to respond, staying true to CCPT principles
Identifying the "why" for the behavior
How to elicit feedback from the child (staying true CCPT) so you can engage with the child and continue in the child's play
How to preserve the relationship with unconditional acceptance

Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com Email me: brenna@thekidcounselor.com Follow me on Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor 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.

81 | Adult Activity Theme In Play Therapy Aug 08, 2023

Show notes

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 within children's play, unraveling its significance and the deeper layers of meaning it holds. Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com Email me: brenna@thekidcounselor.com Follow me on Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor 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.

80 | Q&A: What To Do When You're "Stuck" With A Client On The Autism Spectrum Aug 03, 2023

Show notes

A listener from the UK emailed me with questions about a client on the autism spectrum. She is feeling "stuck" and was looking for some advice. In this episode, I talk about the following topics:

Progress with ASD kids takes longer
The proper use of "I wonder" statements
Play with kids on the spectrum looks different
Feeling "pressure" to get results
Staying true to the child-centered model (don't deviate!!)
However small, document progress with the presenting problems
Never child-centered play therapy - plus, something else!

Pro Tip: 5 Tips For Working With Children On The Autism Spectrum From A Child-Centered Play Therapy Approach https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SnBPYy0gR0 Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com Email me: brenna@thekidcounselor.com Follow me on Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor 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.

79 | Store And Shopping Theme In Play Therapy Aug 01, 2023

Show notes

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 Power and Control theme. Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com Email me: brenna@thekidcounselor.com Follow me on Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor 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.

78 | Q&A: What Play Therapy Theme Does Board Game Play Fall Under? Jul 27, 2023

Show notes

Ethan from VA emailed me a question asking what play therapy theme board game play falls under. Secondly, Ethan asked what theme it is if the child makes up a game. The answer is not as simple as board game play falls under a specific theme. In this episode, I'll tell you what you should look at instead. Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com Email me: brenna@thekidcounselor.com Follow me on Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor 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.

77 | Neglect, Abuse, or Punishment of Self Themes in Play Therapy Jul 25, 2023

Show notes

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: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/gabb/ Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com Email me: brenna@thekidcounselor.com Follow me on Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor 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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