x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

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.

education courses

All Episodes

26:10

Why Child-Centered Play Therapy Works for Every...

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

2024/01/12

In this episode, I address a question from Barbara in California about how to explain to others that child-centered play therapy can work for any child. This is a crucial topic because it helps justify our work and the effectiveness of the child-centered model. Barbara shares her experience at a California agency where her supervisor initially supported her interest in child-centered play therapy but now suggests incorporating other methods, claiming child-centered doesn't work for every client

en

09:58

Sexual Behaviors Directed At The Therapist Theme In...

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

2024/01/09

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 discuss the potential meanings behind these behaviors, including a need to test trust, seek approval, or mimic learned actions from exposure to inappropriate content. It's crucial to approach this issue with caution, understanding that such

en

22:07

SMART Goals and Child-Centered Play Therapy: How to...

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

2024/01/04

In this episode, I respond to a question from Emery in New Jersey, a school-based child-centered play therapist, about setting therapeutic goals in a school setting that emphasizes SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals. Emery highlights the challenge of aligning the child-centered model with the school's goal-setting approach. I address this by emphasizing that the child-centered model does have specific and measurable goals, contrary to common misconceptions. I break

en

11:07

Sexualized Activity Theme In Play Therapy

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

2024/01/02

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 and understanding of potential meanings. Not all instances of sexualized play indicate abuse or trauma, as children may be mimicking what they've seen without comprehension. Therapists should observe and assess the situation over

en

20:23

Toy Takers!: Setting Limits On Children Taking Toys Home

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

2023/12/28

In this episode, I respond to a question from Stacy in Colorado about children taking toys from the playroom. Stacy describes a situation where a girl repeatedly tries to take toys home, while her sister asks but respects the limit. I explain that children often want to take toys home because the playroom is a unique environment where they feel unconditionally loved and accepted. This desire is heightened for foster or adoptive children, for whom possessions represent safety and stability. Setting

en

10:20

Failure Theme In Play Therapy

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

2023/12/26

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 learned helplessness, where a child is used to others solving their problems, or to developmental challenges where a child may genuinely struggle due to their age or physical abilities. Additionally, failure play can stem from low

en

12:49

Tackling "Boredom": Exploring the Deeper Meanings...

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

2023/12/21

In this episode, I respond to a question from Yanna in Massachusetts about how to handle a child who says play therapy is boring. Yanna also expressed feeling hurt when the client seemed excited that their next session was canceled after seven months of therapy for deep anxiety. I emphasize the importance of understanding that children's words might not always reflect their true feelings or needs. Instead of taking it personally, we should focus on understanding the root cause behind their

en

12:59

Mastery/Competence Play Theme In Play Therapy

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

2023/12/19

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, often occur in the category of creative and artistic toys. We also explore the potential meanings behind a child's engagement in mastery play, such as building self-esteem or proving capability, or even signaling readiness for therapy

en

14:09

Hugs And I Love You's: Responding to Children's...

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

2023/12/14

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I address a significant question from Tammy in rural British Columbia and I received a similar question from listener Katarina. Both inquire about how to respond when children express love or seek hugs during therapy sessions. Exploring this, I highlight the therapist's personality and comfort with touch, stressing the importance of considering alternatives if physical touch isn't within one's comfort zone. I delve into the ethics surrounding physical

en

10:19

Exploratory Theme in Play Therapy

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

2023/12/12

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 exploratory theme, observing how children investigate toys in the playroom, asking questions, and exploring the unknown. This exploration is common in early sessions, as the playroom and toys are new to the child. But it can also surface

en

21:58

To Clean or Not to Clean: The Role of Playroom...

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

2023/12/07

In this episode, I answered questions raised by two listeners, Meredith and Katarina, about the role of cleaning up toys at the end of a play therapy session. Both wondered about the child-centered approach regarding this aspect. I highlighted my approach, established from the very first session, that it's the child's job to play and mine to tidy up. I emphasized that the child isn't expected to clean, giving them choices and observing their responses to this instruction, which often reveals

en

08:49

Escape Play Theme In Play Therapy

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

2023/12/05

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, managing to escape a hazardous situation without external rescue. I talk through some implications and potential meanings behind this form of play. Children might be demonstrating their need for self-rescue due to feelings of self-reliance or

en

19:35

Building Trust: The Key to Engaging Parents in Play...

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

2023/11/30

In this episode, I address a crucial question from Bethany in Mississippi about how to handle corporal punishment in her community where it's still prevalent. Although it's not directly linked to the playroom, it involves supporting parents—a critical aspect of our role as child-centered play therapists. I emphasize the significance of not solely focusing on the child but also engaging and supporting parents as part of the therapeutic process. Parental involvement significantly impacts the success

en

11:11

Rescue Play Theme In Play Therapy

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

2023/11/28

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 engages in rescue play, it's a significant indicator of healing and growth. By taking on the role of the problem solver, they rewrite their narrative, creating different endings and scenarios, thus gaining the tools to handle real-life

en

15:42

Decoding Chaotic/Messy Play: Embracing A Child's...

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

2023/11/24

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I discuss a question by Emma in Georgia about managing messy play in therapy sessions. Emma describes a child who engages in a flurry of activities, making a mess and moving rapidly from one thing to another, leaving play unattended. First, it's crucial to understand that this behavior often mirrors a child's internal state. Frantic and chaotic play reflects their feelings, and messy play aligns their environment with those emotions. Rather than setting

en

14:17

Danger Play Theme In Play Therapy

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

2023/11/22

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 children manifest danger play, whether through dangerous characters, fantastical figures, risky locations, dangerous animals, or characters in jeopardy. I also explain the potential meanings behind danger play, highlighting how it can reflect

en

21:11

Highlights From My 60 Minute Conversation With Dr....

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

2023/11/16

Dr. Garry Landreth doesn't do "interviews" anymore, but I had the opportunity to speak with him on the phone for a whole hour last month. Of course, the conversation turned to Play Therapy, and all the wonderful history and outlook for the future of our field. I think Dr. Landreth just can't help himself talking about Play Therapy! I pulled three highlights from my conversation with him and I wanted to share it with you, my podcast audience. We talked about his path to play therapy, whether we

en

08:21

Protection Play Theme in Play Therapy

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

2023/11/14

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 someone from danger, whereas Containing Play focuses on keeping something contained. In Protection Play, the child might build barriers, hide characters, or request the therapist's close presence to ensure safety. Understanding the

en

18:25

Child-Centered Healing: Trauma Processing in the...

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

2023/11/09

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I address a question from Marisol, a newcomer to play therapy, who's working in a community impacted by a traumatic school shooting incident. We delve into understanding trauma in the playroom, emphasizing that the child-centered approach remains consistent even with kids who have experienced trauma. Exploring nuances in handling recent traumatic events versus a history of trauma, I highlight the importance of building trust and rapport with these

en

09:21

Containing Play Theme In Play Therapy

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

2023/11/07

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 figure in their play. Containing play involves keeping things inside or outside, represented through creating fences, pens, jails, or boundaries in the play. I explain how this theme can indicate a child's tendency to lock up their emotions,

en

363 results

Similar Podcasts

Science Talk

Albert Einstein College of Medicine

五分钟心理学

柠檬心理

Daily Facts

Amalia Dupray and Montgomery Jones.

Les dents et dodo

BFMTV

Veterinary Clinical Podcasts

The Royal Veterinary College