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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

10:34

Bringing CCPT Into Schools: Group Sessions, Teacher...

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

2025/05/23

In this episode, I answer a question from Robin in New York, a school-based counselor who’s navigating how to implement Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) in an academic setting. From managing large caseloads and working in group formats to responding to teacher perceptions and supporting special education students, Robin’s questions reflect the real-world tension between clinical best practices and the demands of the school environment. I share how CCPT can be delivered effectively in small groups,

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14:02

CCPT Skills for Quiet Sessions: Narrative Summary &...

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

2025/05/22

In this episode, I talk about how to use narrative summary and narrative commentary in Child-Centered Play Therapy sessions—especially when you're working with a child who is quiet, repetitive, or nonverbal in their play. I explain why relying only on tracking behavior can feel robotic or monotonous, and how adding a layer of insight, reflection, and light commentary can create more flow and ease in your sessions—while staying fully adherent to the model. I also introduce the concept using a

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28:25

300th Episode Livestream: Three Years, One...

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

2025/05/17

In this special 300th episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, and on a special day (the podcast launched three years ago today!), I share the full audio from our recent livestream celebration—a live Zoom event joined by listeners from all over the world. This episode is part reflection, part celebration, and part rally cry for what’s next in the CCPT movement. I talk about how the podcast started as a simple idea to serve a small group of play therapists—and how it’s grown into something so much

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28:52

You’re Not Behind—You’re Becoming: The CCPT Growth...

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

2025/05/13

In this episode, I offer encouragement and clarity for those of you who feel like you're not where you “should” be in your CCPT journey. If you’ve ever felt behind, inadequate, or unsure if you’re doing it right—you’re not alone. You’re not behind… you’re becoming. I explain why your struggle is not a sign of failure—it’s evidence of growth. Just like the butterfly in the cocoon, it's the effort that prepares us to fly. I also introduce the Summit Framework, a tool I created to help therapists

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11:51

They Promised No Court—Then Sent a Subpoena: What...

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

2025/05/08

In this episode, I respond to a question from Lujaina in Texas about what to do when you've clearly communicated that you won’t participate in court proceedings—only to be served a subpoena anyway. I walk through how to handle the ethical, professional, and relational implications when parents agree to your boundaries and then later involve you in legal matters. I also share strategies to minimize these scenarios, including how to write clear informed consent policies, communicate expectations

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18:24

CCPT Purism: The Child Knows the Way—A Call to Re-Center

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

2025/05/06

In this final episode of the CCPT Purism series, I wrap up our 11-episode journey with a reflection on what it truly means to live and practice Child-Centered Play Therapy with integrity. I walk through the full arc of the series—from Rogers’ foundational truths to Landreth’s structural clarity—and revisit the themes that unify and ground us in the model. This episode is both a recap and a rally cry to remain anchored in the belief that the child knows the way. I also challenge you to reflect on

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13:52

Responding to Suicidal Statements in CCPT Sessions

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

2025/05/02

In this episode, I respond to powerful questions from Angelica and Mikayla about how to approach suicidal statements made by children in CCPT sessions. These statements—like “I want to die” or “I wish I was never born”—can be deeply unsettling. But they don’t always mean what they seem. I walk through how to interpret these expressions through a child-centered lens and how to respond while remaining fully adherent to the model. I explain the difference between a child expressing emotional overwhelm

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13:24

Confidentiality, Character Toys, and Religious Topics...

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

2025/04/30

In this episode, I answer a thoughtful series of questions from Mikayla in Illinois that touch on several important topics in CCPT practice: confidentiality when sharing success stories, using neutral versus character-based toys, the use of books and bibliotherapy, and how to respond to religious topics in sessions. I talk through how we define confidentiality based on whether a client can be identified—not whether we reference general age, issues, or outcomes. I also explain the rationale for

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25:12

CCPT Purism: Practicing CCPT in a Directive World

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

2025/04/29

In this episode of the CCPT Purism series, I talk about the reality of practicing child-centered play therapy in a world that doesn’t understand it. From insurance documentation and school interventions to parent expectations and supervisor pushback, we’re constantly surrounded by pressure to explain, modify, or justify our model. These pressures don’t just challenge our clinical stance—they create dissonance that can lead to burnout, confusion, and drifting from the model we believe in. I walk

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26:24

CCPT Purism: Why Non-Directivity Works

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

2025/04/22

In this episode of the CCPT Purism series, I take a deep dive into one of the most foundational—and often misunderstood—truths of our model: non-directivity works. I respond to common questions and doubts, like “But what if the child needs to learn something?” or “How can they grow if I don’t help them make sense of what they’re doing?” These questions come from a directive mindset, and I explain why we have to challenge those instincts and stay grounded in the CCPT framework. I explore five key

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16:19

When It Feels Like “Nothing” Is Happening in...

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

2025/04/18

In this episode, I respond to a question from Melissa in Colorado about how to handle sessions where children aren't showing much emotion or verbalizing content—especially when they spend multiple sessions simply coloring. Melissa shared that she often feels stuck repeating the same reflective responses and unsure of how to engage meaningfully when the play seems minimal or quiet. I unpack the differences between tracking behavior, reflecting content, and reflecting feelings, and offer strategies

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13:09

When Kids Assign You Roles: Staying Adherent to the...

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

2025/04/17

In this episode, I answer a question from Amanda in Wisconsin about how to respond when a child assigns us a role in play and expects us to make choices—like picking a color or drawing freely—within that role. While the child offers “freedom,” the session still feels tightly controlled, which raises the question: how do we honor the child’s structure without stepping out of the CCPT model? I walk through strategies like returning responsibility, using wonder and whisper techniques, and narrating

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25:13

CCPT Purism: Small Drifts and Deviations That...

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

2025/04/15

In this episode of the CCPT Purism series, I talk about a critical but often overlooked common drift points that shift us from pure CCPT practice. These are small, often unconscious shifts we make in session—like redirecting, interpreting play, or using reflective questions—that quietly pull us out of full CCPT adherence. I explore common causes of drift, including anxiety, pressure for outcomes, prior training in other modalities, and the instinct to be helpful. I also walk through real examples of

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34:14

CCPT Purism: The Paradox of Non-Directive but Highly...

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

2025/04/08

In this episode of the CCPT Purism series, I unpack one of the most misunderstood truths about Child-Centered Play Therapy: that while it’s non-directive, it is also deeply structured and intentional. I walk through the intentional ways structure shows up in CCPT—not as control over the child, but as a consistent framework that allows the child to feel safe enough to lead. From the playroom setup to our consistent language, tone, and limit-setting process, structure is what allows healing to happen

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12:45

Making Sense of "Baby Talk" in a CCPT Playroom: What...

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

2025/04/04

In this episode, I answer a question from Kelli in Washington about how to respond when children use baby talk in the playroom. While it may seem like a small thing, baby talk always carries meaning in a session. I walk through three common reasons it shows up—regressive play, a bid for nurturance and safety, or a conditioned pattern—and explain how to stay attuned to what the child may be expressing through this behavior. I also share how to reflect baby talk in a neutral, nonjudgmental way, why

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19:35

“You Be the Baby!” — What to Do When Kids Assign You...

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

2025/04/02

In this episode, I answer a question from Laura, a grad student in Canada who’s navigating how to stay fully adherent to the CCPT model during dramatic play—especially when a child assigns her a role and expects her to act it out. I walk through how we maintain a reflective stance even in highly structured, imaginative play by using techniques like whispering, wondering, and deflecting responsibility back to the child. I also share how to handle situations when children try to reverse roles or

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18:23

CCPT Purism: How Garry Landreth Established and...

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

2025/04/01

In this episode of the CCPT Purism series, I focus on Garry Landreth and the essential role he played in shaping modern Child-Centered Play Therapy. While Rogers, Axline, and the Guerneys laid the philosophical and practical groundwork, Landreth gave the model a clear identity—naming it, defining it, and defending it. I share how his unwavering commitment to purity of the model continues to shape the way we teach, train, and practice CCPT today. I also reflect on my personal CCPT lineage and how

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34:48

Q&A Lightning Round #8: Four Questions From Three...

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

2025/03/27

In this episode, I answer four questions from three different listeners in another Q&A Lightning Round. I talk with Megan in Pennsylvania about how to present CCPT case conceptualizations in group supervision meetings when others don't understand or support the model. I walk through how to use these opportunities to drip-feed CCPT principles and advocate for the model without needing to defend it in full each time. Next, I respond to Natalie, who’s struggling to hold boundaries with a dysregulated

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17:45

CCPT Purism: How The Guerneys and Filial Therapy...

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

2025/03/25

In this episode of the CCPT Purism series, I explore the work of Bernard and Louise Guerney, who extended the principles of child-centered play therapy beyond the playroom through the development of filial therapy. Their innovation marked a major turning point in the model’s evolution by shifting the role of the therapist from the primary change agent to a coach who empowers parents to support their children at home through non-directive play. I walk through how filial therapy remains fully adherent

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51:29

Supporting Parents Through Divorce: A Conversation...

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

2025/03/20

In this special episode, I’m joined by Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby—licensed psychologist, marriage and family therapist, and founder of Growing Self Counseling & Coaching—to talk about one of the most challenging dynamics we face as CCPTs: supporting children of divorce while also navigating the emotional needs of their parents. While our clinical work is with the child, we can't ignore the impact of the system around them—and parents are often in crisis themselves. Dr. Lisa shares powerful insight into

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362 results

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