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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

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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21:20

CCPT Purism: From Rogers to Axline and the Eight...

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

2025/03/18

In this episode of the CCPT Purism series, I take you through the foundational role of Virginia Axline in translating Carl Rogers’ person-centered theory into what we now know as Child-Centered Play Therapy. Axline worked closely with Rogers and applied his concepts to children by introducing her Eight Principles of Non-Directive Play Therapy—a philosophy describing how we show up and relate to children in session, not a list of techniques or tools. I briefly walk through each of Axline’s eight

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09:53

Playroom Representation: Sensitivity Without...

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

2025/03/17

In this episode, I answer a question from Mia in California about how to approach dollhouse families and representation in the CCPT playroom. We don’t often talk about specific toys, so I enjoyed diving into how children use dolls and figures to create family structures—and why it's important to provide a variety of family representations, including animal families, human figures, and different relationship configurations. I also share my thoughts on representing a range in skin tone and physical

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15:52

When Kids Say “Stop Copying Me”, Session Outside?...

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

2025/03/14

In this episode, I answer questions from Heather, who provides play therapy in a boys’ home setting for ages 10–12. We cover a wide range of topics, including how to respond when a child says “stop copying me” during reflective responding, how to handle requests to do sessions outdoors, and whether sandtray fits within a CCPT framework. I also talk through the dynamics behind kids asking for toys—especially in foster care or state custody situations. Each scenario opens up an important opportunity

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13:05

Client "Fit" in CCPT Isn’t About the Child—It’s About...

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

2025/03/13

In this episode, I answer a question from Chloe in Georgia about how to assess whether a client or family is a good "fit" for CCPT. I clarify that CCPT is developmentally appropriate for every child, and that therapist-client "fit" isn’t an issue when the therapist is fully adherent to the model. The real question, then, is about alignment between the family’s expectations and the therapist’s approach, policies and processes. I walk through how we screen for alignment early—during the intake call

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24:22

CCPT Purism: The Core Tenets & Conditions That Shaped...

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

2025/03/11

In this episode, I continue the CCPT Purism series with a deep dive into the core tenets and core conditions of Child-Centered Play Therapy. I walk through Rogers' foundational ideas—including the tendency to actualize, self-concept, and the organismic valuing process—and explain how these principles shape our understanding of children and the healing power of the therapeutic relationship. I also break down the three core conditions Rogers identified as necessary for growth: unconditional positive

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14:55

When Directive Play Therapy Backfires: A Case for CCPT

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

2025/03/07

In this episode, I respond to a question from Sasha in Oregon about a challenging session with a 9-year-old client. She attempted to incorporate directive techniques to help him process his anger, but he resisted by shutting down and saying "no" to everything. This led to frustration and uncertainty about whether CCPT would be more effective. I break down why directive interventions don’t work for children, how questions and cognitive approaches pull kids out of the emotional processing they need,

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11:08

Following a Child’s Lead vs. Returning...

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

2025/03/05

In this episode, I answer a question from Sandi in Iowa about how to respond when children ask or tell us to do things in the playroom. Whether it’s a power and control need, learned helplessness, or collaborative play, understanding the why behind the request is essential for responding in a way that aligns with CCPT principles. I break down when to comply (such as in power and control play), when to return responsibility (especially in cases of learned helplessness), and when it’s appropriate to

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24:36

CCPT Purism (New Series): How Rogers Broke the...

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

2025/03/04

In this episode, I kick off a brand new series: CCPT Purism—a deep dive into what it truly means to be a pure Child-Centered Play Therapist. I’ve seen a growing trend where therapists think they are practicing CCPT, but in reality, they’ve drifted from full adherence to the model. This series is about going back to the foundations—understanding where CCPT came from, why it matters, and how to ensure we are practicing in full alignment with its core principles. We start by looking at Carl Rogers and

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13:07

Room Wrecking, Risk-Taking, and Sensory-Seeking:...

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

2025/03/01

In this episode, I answer a question from Danielle in Georgia about a six-year-old child processing grief after the loss of his father. His play includes room wrecking, risk-taking, and sensory-seeking behaviors, and Danielle wanted insight into how these might relate to his trauma. While CCPT doesn’t require us to interpret play, understanding the root of behaviors can help us stay present and responsive in the playroom. I discuss how room wrecking often reflects internal chaos, risk-taking may be

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13:01

Keeping CCPT on Track: When a Child Refuses to Stay...

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

2025/02/27

In this episode, I answer a question from Hannah in Texas about what to do when a child leaves the playroom mid-session—especially when limits have already been set. This is one of the most common challenges in CCPT, and it brings up important questions about limit-setting, consistency, and maintaining the integrity of the play therapy process. I break down how to structure limits effectively, why wording matters, and how to handle situations where a child insists on staying in the lobby. I also

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12:00

Fine Tuning Limit-Setting: Clarifying the "A" in the...

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

2025/02/25

In this episode, 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

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16:06

When Limit-Setting Feels Endless & Does Setting...

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

2025/02/21

In this episode, I answer two questions from Michal in New York. The first question explores whether setting limits in CCPT could feel manipulative or coercive to a child, particularly when giving ultimate choices. I clarify how proper limit-setting—when done with validation and neutrality—empowers children rather than controlling them. I also explain the importance of structuring limits to maintain the integrity of the therapeutic relationship. The second question focuses on working with a highly

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12:07

When a Child Falls Asleep in Play Therapy: Trusting...

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

2025/02/20

In this episode, I answer a question from Chris about working with a 14-year-old client who frequently falls asleep during play therapy sessions. This situation raises important considerations about the role of trusting the process in CCPT, recognizing when a child is meeting a fundamental need, and addressing concerns from parents and insurance providers. I discuss how allowing a child to sleep in session may be an indication of deep-seated anxiety, exhaustion, or a need for a safe space to

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15:52

Adulthood Bias: The Barrier to Parents Understanding...

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

2025/02/18

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

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13:20

When You and the Child Don’t Speak the Same Language...

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

2025/02/13

In this episode, I address a question about the role of verbal communication in CCPT. Research shows that play therapy is effective even when the therapist and child don’t speak the same language, yet verbal interaction is a key part of the process. I explain how both can be true by examining the role of the therapeutic relationship and how verbal responses support emotional growth, self-regulation, and self-esteem. I also discuss a therapist’s experience working with a deaf child who communicates

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18:37

Think You're an Independent Contractor? You Might Not...

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

2025/02/11

In this episode, I take a break between series for a much-needed "palate cleanse" to address an issue that keeps coming up in conversations with play therapists—understanding the difference between subcontractors and employees in private practice. Many therapists find themselves in situations where they are labeled as independent contractors but are actually being treated as employees. If you own a practice and employ therapists, or if you're working as a therapist under someone else’s practice,

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14:01

Fighting for CCPT: How to Advocate for Child-Centered...

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

2025/02/10

In this episode, I answer a question from Lisa in Maryland about the role of Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) in cases involving trauma and sexual behavior. Many legal and child protection systems lean toward directive interventions, often dismissing CCPT. However, research overwhelmingly supports CCPT as an effective, developmentally appropriate approach for helping children process trauma in a safe and natural way. I discuss how we, as play therapists, can advocate for the model, educate

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14:42

When and How to Use Enlargement in CCPT & Tracking...

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

2025/02/05

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer two questions from Terry in Ireland. First, I break down the role of enlargement and self-esteem-building responses in CCPT. I explain when and how to use these more advanced skills, emphasizing that enlargement should come later in the process when a child is ready for deeper work. I also clarify how encouragement and self-esteem-building responses fit into CCPT from the very first session, reinforcing a child’s capacity and confidence. Next, I

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11:01

Mastering Neutrality: Wrap-up (A Reflection on What...

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

2025/02/04

In this final episode of the Mastering Neutrality Series on the Play Therapy Podcast, I reflect on the essence of child-centered play therapy (CCPT) through a deeply moving piece written by Lee, a CCPT therapist in the UK. She beautifully captures what it truly means to embody neutrality, congruence, and acceptance in the playroom. Her words illustrate the heart of our work—being present with children, no matter the mess, the chaos, or the unknown, and holding space for their emotions without

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363 results

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