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PODCAST

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

Dr. Brenna Hicks

Your source for centered and focused Play Therapy coaching. A "Master-Class" in Play Therapy. Breaking down the barriers to high-quality Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) education. No paywalls, no ads, no fluff... all content — just expert, accessible training for every play therapist, free of charge.

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All Episodes

09:27

Preparing Children for Therapist Absences: Maternity...

Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in... ·

2024/11/05

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I address a question from Melissa in Colorado about how to communicate upcoming absences to children and their parents. Melissa specifically asked about handling maternity leave and vacations that require taking time away from the playroom. I outline my approach for both scenarios, explaining that vacations can be discussed simply the week before, while extended absences, such as maternity leave, need a more gradual, structured countdown to help children

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15:39

The Universal Efficacy of CCPT: How to Address Doubters

Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in... ·

2024/11/04

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to a question from Nicole in Indiana about finding research that compares child-centered play therapy (CCPT) with other types of therapy. Nicole, whose manager is skeptical of CCPT’s broad applicability, especially for issues outside trauma, asked for research to support CCPT's effectiveness across various child needs. Instead of a comparison, I discuss how research shows CCPT’s success with a range of issues—from ADHD and anxiety to cultural

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14:45

Staying True to the Model: Encouraging New Therapists...

Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in... ·

2024/11/01

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to a question from Deidra in Virginia, a first-year supervised therapist whose supervisor isn’t child-centered and often suggests teaching coping skills to young clients in play therapy sessions. I share my perspective on why child-centered play therapy (CCPT) doesn’t involve directive instruction like teaching coping skills and how children naturally develop coping mechanisms through the CCPT therapeutic process itself. I offer encouragement to

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11:44

Repetitive Play and/or Self-Soothing in Early Sessions

Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in... ·

2024/10/31

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 undressing 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

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12:09

Session Savvy: Reflecting Content Without Assuming...

Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in... ·

2024/10/29

In this Session Savvy episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I discuss an important topic: not assuming that content is emotionally connected in child-centered play therapy (CCPT). I explain that therapists often make the mistake of reacting to play scenarios based on their own assumptions rather than waiting for the child to cue the emotional response. I share specific examples, such as being handcuffed, shot, or stabbed during play, and emphasize the need to maintain neutrality unless the child

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13:12

Mastering In-Session Note-taking in Child-Centered...

Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in... ·

2024/10/24

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to Ethan from Virginia, who asked about writing in-session notes during child-centered play therapy (CCPT). Ethan wants to know what kinds of things to document and how to categorize them effectively. I explain my personal note-taking system, breaking down how I organize observations, themes, significant quotes, and other key moments from the session to make parent consultations more efficient. I emphasize that note-taking is not so much for the

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06:58

Sending Birthday Cards: Balancing Customer Service...

Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in... ·

2024/10/23

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

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15:24

Session Savvy: Eliminating "Fluff" Words in...

Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in... ·

2024/10/22

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

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18:45

Environment and Expectation Changes in a...

Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in... ·

2024/10/18

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to Nneka from England, a returning listener who recently transitioned from being a mobile therapist to setting up a permanent play therapy space. Nneka asks about how to handle the shift in dynamics when children are used to playing outdoors during mobile sessions but are now expected to remain in the playroom. I explain how to establish new expectations while maintaining the child-centered play therapy (CCPT) model. I provide guidance on

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17:40

Understanding "Storytelling" in the Playroom: A...

Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in... ·

2024/10/17

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

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14:36

House-Tree-Person Assessment: When and How to Use It...

Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in... ·

2024/10/16

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

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08:36

Session Savvy: Breaking the Habit of Saying ‘OK’ in...

Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in... ·

2024/10/15

In this Session Savvy episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I talk about the subtle impact of saying "OK" in the playroom. While it seems harmless in everyday conversation, in child-centered play therapy (CCPT), "OK" can unintentionally convey permission or agreement when the child should have full autonomy over their choices. I explain the difference between using "OK" for acknowledgment versus giving permission and why it's important to avoid this habit in the playroom. I also provide practical

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13:13

Setting Clear Expectations: How to Get Parents to...

Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in... ·

2024/10/14

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I address a question from Sarah in Missouri about encouraging parents to commit to weekly play therapy sessions. Sarah has noticed that some families are scheduling sessions every other week or missing several weeks in between, which is affecting the child's progress. I explain why consistency is crucial in child-centered play therapy (CCPT) and how to set clear expectations with parents from the start. I share strategies for communicating the importance

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10:50

Why Saying "Good Choice" and "Bad Choice" Is Not...

Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in... ·

2024/10/10

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to a great question from Vicky in Canada about the language we use with children, particularly the phrases "good choice" or "bad choice." Vicky expressed concerns about hearing these terms frequently, especially in daycare settings, and wanted to know how this fits (or doesn’t) within the child-centered play therapy (CCPT) model. I explain why labeling choices as "good" or "bad" places a judgment on the child's actions, shifting the focus away

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17:57

Preventative Power: The Lasting Impact of...

Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in... ·

2024/10/09

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I address a question from Jonathan in Ohio, who is curious about how child-centered play therapy (CCPT) can be preventative in nature. Jonathan asks about how the skills learned in CCPT serve children long-term, particularly in preventing issues like substance abuse, domestic violence, anxiety, and depression. I discuss how CCPT helps children develop an internal locus of control, self-regulation, and emotional intelligence, which serve them throughout

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09:59

Session Savvy: Avoiding Value-Laden Words in...

Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in... ·

2024/10/08

In this Session Savvy episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I explore the subtle but significant impact of using value-laden words in child-centered play therapy (CCPT). While many therapists avoid praise statements, there are still value judgments that can slip into our language in the playroom, such as saying "the right place" or "that looks good." These phrases, while well-intentioned, place evaluation on the child’s choices and may disrupt the neutrality essential to CCPT. I discuss the

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12:28

How to Let the Child Lead in Game Play:...

Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in... ·

2024/10/04

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer a question from Theodore in the UK, who is preparing his playroom and wondering about incorporating games like Jenga and card games into child-centered play therapy. Theodore asks how to balance allowing children to lead the game while still playing "for real." I discuss the importance of letting children set the rules, even if they differ from the traditional way the game is played, and how to follow their lead without imposing any expectations

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13:01

When Kids Don’t Play: Screen Time or Something Else?

Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in... ·

2024/10/03

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer a question from Kira in Texas about children who come into the playroom and do not play. Kira wonders if this behavior could be related to excessive screen use, a topic that resonates deeply with me. While screen time is likely a contributing factor, I explain that there are many other reasons why a child may not engage in play during sessions. High levels of anxiety, learned helplessness, or a lack of creativity and imagination could all

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15:56

Aggressive Play in the Playroom & Transitioning Kids...

Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in... ·

2024/10/02

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to three insightful questions from Texie in Michigan. She asks about managing aggressive play where a child consistently "kills" her in the playroom, handling what to do when the therapist is "dead," and transitioning children from directive therapy into child-centered play therapy. I break down each question, offering practical guidance for therapists navigating similar challenges in their sessions. For the first question, I discuss the

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08:25

Aggression Isn’t Always Anger: Decoding Aggressive...

Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in... ·

2024/10/01

In this Session Savvy episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I explore a common misinterpretation in child-centered play therapy: assuming that aggression in a child’s play is rooted in anger. While aggression may appear linked to anger, it’s essential not to make that assumption unless the child explicitly communicates it verbally or through non-verbal cues. I dive into the various reasons behind aggressive play—such as seeking power and control, releasing anxiety, or enacting justice—and explain why

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363 results

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