Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
Episodes
93 | Tuning In: The Power Of Tone Of Voice In Play Therapy
28 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I delve into a topic of the power of tone of voice in play therapy. A listener from Maryland named Batshe...
92 | Self-Fixing Theme In Play Therapy
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I delve into a significant theme: self fixing in the context of play therapy. We've explored fixing and f...
91 | Play Therapy's "Progress Puzzle": Navigating Norms, Progress, and Expectations
25 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to a thoughtful question from Julia in California. Julia's concern revolves around children's p...
90 | Failure To Fix Theme In Play Therapy
20 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I delved into another control and safety theme—the "failure to fix" theme. It's a counterpart to the "fixing play" theme we explore...
89 | Navigating Messy Play: Balancing Client Needs And Cleanliness In The Playroom
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I delve into the crucial topic of managing messy play within the therapeutic setting, especially when dea...
88 | Fixing Play Theme In Play Therapy
07 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we're diving into the "fixing play" theme in child-centered play therapy. This theme often follows "broken play" and is closely tied to control...
87 | Q&A: Working With Kids With Sexual Behavior Or Abuse Backgrounds
02 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Play Therapy Podcast, I address the critical topic of working with children who have experienced sexual abuse or exhibit sexual...
86 | Broken Play Theme in Play Therapy
30 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we delve into the "Broken Play Theme" in child-centered play therapy's category of safety and control themes. Exploring Broken Pla...
85 | Burying Or Drowning Theme
24 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're delving into the intriguing burying or drowning theme, a part of our ongoing exploration of control and safety themes. Buryi...
84 | My Complete Interview With Dr. Jennifer Baggerly About Child-Centered Play Therapy
17 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When you've trained directly with Dr. Garry Landreth, you gain vast knowledge and helpful perspective on the child-centered play therapy model. Join m...
83 | Fire Play Theme In Play Therapy
15 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we're entering the realm of control and safety themes, marking a transition from our previous categories. Specifically, we're exploring the int...
82 | Q&A: How To Handle A Child That Makes Animal Noises And Behaves Like A Puppy In Session
10 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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....
81 | Adult Activity Theme In Play Therapy
08 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this concluding episode of the Nurturing & Caregiving category, we delve into the intriguing realm of the Adult Activity Theme. This distinctive th...
80 | Q&A: What To Do When You're "Stuck" With A Client On The Autism Spectrum
03 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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. I...
79 | Store And Shopping Theme In Play Therapy
01 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
78 | Q&A: What Play Therapy Theme Does Board Game Play Fall Under?
27 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ma...
77 | Neglect, Abuse, or Punishment of Self Themes in Play Therapy
25 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
76 | Staying True to the Model: Child-Centered Feedback for Pandemic-Related Anxiety
21 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Listener Yanna, in MA, emailed me asking about a client who has severe anxiety related to germs, possibly related to the pandemic. I've posted her ema...
75 | Failed Nurturing Theme In Play Therapy
18 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Failed Nurturing, essentially, is any time a child uses nurturing activities but they are negative towards the person being nurtured. This can manif...
74 | Defying Opposition: Unveiling the Potential of Child-Centered Play Therapy for ODD
14 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Listener Cheryl emailed me with the following question: "How does a child with Oppositional Defiance Disorder heal through CCPT? I have one child I'm ...
73 | The Self-Nurturing Theme In Play Therapy
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk about the distinction between nurturing and self-nurturing themes. I also discuss the following topics related to self-nurturi...
72 | Q&A: "Capturing Growth" - Documenting Goals, Objectives & Diagnosis while Honoring the Child-Centered Model in Play Therapy
06 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Brooke in Utah & Cheryl in California both emailed me with questions that overlap in content, so I'm doing a double Q&A this episode! Brooke asked wha...
71 | Nurturing & Caregiving Theme In Play Therapy
05 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I cover another in the Family & Nurturing category of play therapy themes... The Nurturing Theme. This is generally one of the later t...
70 | Q&A: Working Through Abuse Narratives In Play Therapy With A Child-Centered Approach
29 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Listener Pam emailed me about a child she is currently conducting play sessions with. The child has a history of emotional and physical abuse, and h...
69 | Separation & Reunion Themes In Play Therapy
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I cover Separation, and also Reunion Themes in play therapy. These are both in the Family and Nurturing Category of Play Therapy The...
68 | Q&A: When "Aggression" Derails - Addressing "Aggression" With Parents To Prevent Premature Therapy Termination
22 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Listener Beth from Wales emailed me with questions about a specific situation regarding caregivers prematurely terminating therapy because the child s...
67 | Constancy Theme, AKA Permanence Theme, In Play Therapy
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We're finally moving into family and nurturing themes, starting with Constancy Theme, also known as Permanence Theme. Podcast HQ: https://www.playt...
66 | Q&A: Staying Child-Centered When A Child Invites You Into Their Play
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Listeners Clay and Joss from Australia emailed me a question for guidance on staying child-centered when a child invites you into their play. Podca...
65 | The Seeking Theme in Play Therapy
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The last of the 7 power and aggression category of play therapy themes... The Seeking theme. Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Play Th...
64 | Q&A: Interpreting the Child's Play Through a Child-Centered Play Therapy Lens
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Listener Anna, from Canada, emailed me a question regarding interpreting a child's play for interventions and advisement at schools, etc. In this ep...
63 | The Devouring Theme in Play Therapy
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Another theme in the power and agression category of play therapy theme is the devouring theme. In this episode, I discuss an overview of this theme a...
62 | Q&A: Children Bringing Their Own Toys Into The Playroom
02 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Kate from South Australia emailed me the following question: "I am wondering what your thoughts are on children bringing in their own soft toys into s...
61 | Powerful Figure Overcoming The Weaker Figure Theme In Play Therapy
31 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is the 4th in a series of power and control category of themes in play therapy. In this episode, I cover the powerful figure overcoming the weake...
60 | Q&A: The Art Of Play Therapy Supervision (Getting The Most From Your Supervisory Experience)
25 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I answer a listener's question about supervision. Jeremy from the UK emailed me with the following question: "I am completing my trai...
59 | Death Theme In Play Therapy
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Another theme in the power and control category of themes is "death" play. I explain this multi-faceted theme, and also discuss how to share with pare...
58 | Q&A: How To Handle Children Shooting And Using Swords On You
19 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Cindy from Australia emailed me with a questions asking how I handle children who shoot and use swords on me. Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapy...
57 | Aggression And Aggressive Victim Themes In Play Therapy
19 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm continuing our discussion of Power and Control themes in play therapy with the Aggression and Aggressive Victim themes. I disc...
56 | Q&A: How To Best Communicate With Parents, Teachers, and School Counselors When Working With A Child
12 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jeremy from Illinois emailed me with the following question: "I have a six-year-old client who is getting angry and aggressive at school. History of w...
55 | Themes In The Playroom: Good Vs Bad
10 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we finally begin a series on themes in the playroom. I've been getting emails and feedback that so many of you wanted this content, s...
54 | Q&A: What Is The ONE THING I Need To Know To Be A Better Play Therapist?
05 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I talk to a lot of play therapists, and I review a lot of sessions. I get a version of a question from everyone I interact with who is looking for adv...
53 | 4 Stages Of Play Therapy (The Child's Therapeutic Progress)
03 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the previous curriculum episode, we talked about the 4 phases of play therapy. This week I'm focusing on the 4 STAGES of play therapy. This dif...
52 | Q&A: How To Engage A Client Who Colors Silently (And How To Explain It To Their Parents!)
28 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jen in the UK emailed me with the following question: "I have several recent new clients who are choosing to be silent colorers in my room. I'm spen...
51 | 4 Phases Of Child-Centered Play Therapy (Landreth Model)
27 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I cover the 4 phases of the Landreth child-centered play therapy model. It's important to know these phases to recognize where a child...
50 | Q&A: How Do We Explain To Parents Why We Allow A Child To Curse In The Playroom?
21 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Listener Ethan emailed me with another question. This time he asked my opinion on how I explain to parents why I allow cursing in the playroom. This i...
49 | Encourage Creativity And Freedom... With Freedom Comes Responsibility
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I go over the last of the encouragement principles from CPRT, "Encourage Creativity And Freedom... With Freedom Comes Responsibility"...
48 | Q&A: What To Do When A Child Is "Stuck"
14 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week's question comes from Yanna in Massachusetts. She poses the question: "I have been working with a 6 year old girl for over 6 months now, my ...
47 | Never Do For A Child That Which They Can Do For Themselves
12 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is the third of four encouragement principles from CPRT, "Never Do For A Child That Which They Can Do For Themselves." Podcast HQ: https://www...
46 | Q&A: Child-Centered Play Therapy With Toddlers
10 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Alicia from Colorado wrote me an email saying "My background is actually Early Intervention, working with families with kids birth to three, so if you...
45 | Encourage The Effort, Rather Than Praise The Product
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The second encouragement principle "Encourage The Effort, Rather Than Praise The Product." In this episode I will go over this principle and specifi...
44 | Q&A: What If Kids Don't Move From Aggression To Nurturing Play?
31 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As a result of listening to the podcast on aggression in the playroom, listener Ethan emailed me "I was wondering if you have worked with a child who ...
43 | Noticing The Child Is A Powerful Builder Of Self-Esteem
31 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I go over the first of the encouragement principles... "Noticing The Child Is A Powerful Builder Of Self-Esteem" Topics I address:...
42 | Q&A: How To Become A Registered Play Therapist
23 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tricia emailed me the following question: "Hello! I am currently a graduate student in mental health counseling in the state of New York. Unfortunatel...
41 | When There Are No Limits, There Is No Security
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I cover the last of the limit-setting principles. Limit-setting provides the security in which the relationship thrives. Podcast H...
40 | Q&A: What To Do When A Child Does Not Want To Leave The Playroom?
16 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Listener Sandi from Iowa emailed me this question: "I am hoping you will assist me with a common issue I find in the playroom. Please share an example...
39 | If You Can't Say It In Ten Words Or Less, Don't Say It
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I go over the 3rd limit setting principle from CPRT, "If you can't say it in ten words or less, don't say it." Not only is this really...
38 | Q&A: How To Manage Your Schedule With Non-Weekly Clients
10 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As part of the "mindset" of being a private practice play therapist, you have to value your time. Especially because we have clients (kids) who mainly...
37 | Limits Are Not Needed Until They Are Needed
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we cover the second of the limit setting principles, "limits are not needed until they are needed." This comes straight out of the CP...
36 | Q&A: Exploring The Sensitive Topic Of Abuse And Neglect In The Playroom: A Guide For Play Therapists
03 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I take on a question that was asked of my by listener Rachel. She asked: "I'm wondering what you do in situations where you have co...
35 | When A Child Is Drowning, It's Not The Time To Teach Them To Swim
01 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I cover the first of the Limit Setting principles, "When A Child Is Drowning, It's Not The Time To Teach Them To Swim." This principl...
34 | Q&A: How Do You Do Child-Centered Play Therapy With Older Kids (11-14 Year Olds)
24 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I respond to a listener, Rachel, who asked "I would be interested to learn more about child-centered play therapy with older kids (lik...
33 | Big Choices For Big Kids, Little Choices For Little Kids
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is the last of the choice-giving principles. This principle comes straight out of the Landreth/Bratton CPRT curriculum. Topics I discuss ...
32 | My Playroom Was Absolutely Destroyed By A Client (A Debrief, And How I Handled It)
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Last week I had, arguably, the most challenging session with a child that I've ever had to deal with. I've had a lot of questions from listeners about...
31 | Q&A: How To Conduct Sibling/Group Play Sessions
10 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I give my input to a listener who emailed me about their client's Mom, that was interested in sibling sessions. The listener wanted t...
30 | One Of The Best Things You Can Communicate To A Child Is That They Are Competent
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a play therapy principle linked to choice giving skill. Topics in this episode: Confidence-confidence spectrum The playroom is ...
29 | Q&A: The Use Of Aggressive Toys In The Playroom
04 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's Q&A episode, I give my take on a listener's question: "I'd love to hear your take on the controversy of using aggressive toys in genera...
28 | Empower Kids By Giving Them Credit For Decisions
02 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we dive into the first of the choice-giving principles of play therapy, "Empower kids by giving them credit for their decision" (Landr...
27 | The Use Of Games In The Playroom (And What To Do About Cheating!)
23 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jen, a listener from the UK, wrote me an email and asked "I'm wondering if you might be up for doing a podcast on your take on the use of games- uno, ...
26 | 6 Assessments To Support What You Are Doing In The Playroom
13 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As promised in the last episode, I'm going to go over 6 assessments that can support your work in the playroom. I frequently hear from play therapists...
25 | What To Do When You Are Not Feeling Supported As A Play Therapist At Your Place Of Work
11 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm taking a break from the regular curriculum to answer some questions that have come in from listeners. One of the questions that I...
24 | Feelings Are Always Valid, Even If The Behavior Is Not Acceptable
27 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In episode #24 we are continuing with the "principles" of play therapy topics. The principle "Feelings Are Always Valid, Even If The Behavior Is N...
23 | Reflecting Feelings Helps The Child Feel Understood, Lessens Anger, And Diffuses Intensity Of Emotion
23 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I do a deep dive into an aspect of "why" you reflectively respond (track behavior, reflect feelings, reflect content). I discuss thre...
22 | If You Know Enough To Ask A Question, Then You Know Enough To Make A Statement
19 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Another "Principle of Play Therapy"... "If You Know Enough To Ask A Question, Then You Know Enough To Make A Statement." Questions put children in the...
21 | Questions Put Kids In Their Minds, But Kids Live In Their Hearts
07 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We're now moving from the "4 Pillars of Play Therapy", or the skills that we use in the playroom, to the "principles" of play therapy. The first pri...
20 | Encouragement
30 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss the 4th "Pillar of Play Therapy"... Encouragement! Specific topics: The difference between encouragement and praise ...
19 | Limit Setting
11 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we explore the 3rd of the 4 Pillars of Play Therapy... Limit Setting. Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Email me: bren...
18 | Choice Giving
03 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we explore the 2nd of the 4 Pillars of Play Therapy... Choice Giving. Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Email me: bren...
17 | Reflective Responding In Play Therapy
21 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I go into more detail on the reflecting responding skill used by child-centered play therapists. Reflecting responding consists of: r...
16 | Overview Of Reflective Responding
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Reflective responding... empathic responding. Whatever it is you call it, it's the skill that play therapists use to ensure that the child is heard, u...
15 | How To Explain The Child-Centered Play Therapy Process To Parents And Kids
28 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You'll need to be able to explain the play therapy process to both parents and kids in order to thrive in your practice. So in this episode, I help yo...
14 | Specific Toys In Specific Categories In The Playroom
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I go into great depth on the toys in your playroom, the categories, and how they should be organized. I also give you a pretty compre...
13 | The Logistics and Techniques Of Your Playroom
18 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss the logistics of your playroom, including: size of the playroom, toy selection, and and reason behind toy selection, toy "m...
12 | How To Answer Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Play Therapy
10 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I address concerns and speak to the questions that parents, teachers, and other caregivers have about the play therapy process. So ad...
11 | The History Of Child-Centered Play Therapy
03 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
From Freud in 1905 to Landreth in the 2000s, I walk through the history that has led to our modern theoretical model of child-centered play therapy. ...
10 | Why Child-Centered Play Therapy?
19 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we pivot from asking why play therapy, to why child-centered play therapy? I cover Axline's eight principles, I dispel myths or incor...
9 | (Part 6 of 6) Foundations, Principles, and The "Four Pillars" of Child-Centered Play Therapy
10 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is the sixth of a six part series from a FAPT conference workshop. In this final part, I go over the Child Centered Play Therapy Timeline, which ...
8 | (Part 5 of 6) Foundations, Principles, and The "Four Pillars" of Child-Centered Play Therapy
09 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is the fifth of a six part series from a FAPT conference workshop. In this fifth part, I go over Skills & Techniques of Interaction, which includ...
7 | (Part 4 of 6) Foundations, Principles, and The "Four Pillars" of Child-Centered Play Therapy
08 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is the fourth of a six part series from a FAPT conference workshop. In this fourth part, I go over Applied Play Therapy, which includes: Be With ...
6 | (Part 3 of 6) Foundations, Principles, and The "Four Pillars" of Child-Centered Play Therapy
07 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is the third of a six-part series from a FAPT conference workshop. In this third part, I go over the Foundations of Play Therapy: Core Beliefs of...
5 | (Part 2 of 6) Foundations, Principles, and The "Four Pillars" of Child-Centered Play Therapy
06 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is the second of a six-part series from a FAPT conference workshop. In this second part, I review the Foundations of Play Therapy: Philosophy of ...
4 | (Part 1 of 6) Foundations, Principles, and The "Four Pillars" of Child-Centered Play Therapy
06 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is the first of a six part series from a FAPT conference workshop. These next six podcasts are a pre-cursor to the content in future episodes. In...
3 | Why Play Therapy?
02 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I move from "Why Play?" into specifically why play therapy works so well for kids. I encourage you to get the book Child-Centered Pla...
2 | Why Play?
02 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we start with the fundamental question, why play? I know there may be seasoned play therapists that listen to this, but whether you ar...
1 | Overview And Vision For The Play Therapy Podcast
17 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this first episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I talk about my vision for the podcast and where we will go along this journey together. Consider t...