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When and How to Use Enlargement in CCPT & Tracking Progress in CCPT (What to Do When Stages Aren’t Clear)
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 discuss whether all children move through the four stages of CCPT in a predictable way and how to track progress when movement between phases isn’t obvious. I explain why progress isn’t always linear and how shifts in the therapeutic relationship—such as changes in cleanup behaviors or a child no longer asking permission—are strong indicators of growth. Finally, I share a heartfelt email from a listener about how the podcast has deepened her understanding and confidence in CCPT, reminding us all of the power of simply being present with children in the playroom. Play Therapy Podcast Meetup - MISSISSIPPI - Feb 21, 2025 at 6:30pm RSVP here: https://playtherapypodcast_ms.eventbrite.com PlayTherapyNow.com is my HUB for everything I do! playtherapynow.com. Sign up for my email newsletter, stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice. If you click one link in these show notes, this is the one to click! If you would like to ask me questions directly, check out www.ccptcollective.com, where I host two weekly Zoom calls filled with advanced CCPT case studies and session reviews, as well as member Q&A. You can take advantage of the two-week free trial to see if the CCPT Collective is right for you. Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: [email protected] Brenna's CCPT Hub: https://www.playtherapynow.com CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://www.ccptcollective.com Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor Facebook: https://facebook.com/playtherapypodcast Common References: Cochran, N., Nordling, W., & Cochran, J. (2010). Child-Centered Play Therapy (1st ed.). Wiley. VanFleet, R., Sywulak, A. E., & Sniscak, C. C. (2010). Child-centered play therapy. Guilford Press. Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge. Bratton, S. C., Landreth, G. L., Kellam, T., & Blackard, S. R. (2006). Child parent relationship therapy (CPRT) treatment manual: A 10-session filial therapy model for training parents. Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group. Benedict, Helen. Themes in Play Therapy. Used with permission to Heartland Play Therapy Institute.
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14:42
Mastering Neutrality: Wrap-up (A Reflection on What It Means to Be CCPT)
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 judgment. I also share exciting news about my ongoing partnership with Core Wellness, where February will be dedicated entirely to CCPT. With new CEU opportunities and trainings on the horizon, we are continuing to spread the power of CCPT far and wide. As we close this series, I hope this episode reminds you of the profound impact of simply being with children in the playroom. PlayTherapyNow.com is my HUB for everything I do! playtherapynow.com. Sign up for my email newsletter, stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice. If you click one link in these show notes, this is the one to click! If you would like to ask me questions directly, check out www.ccptcollective.com, where I host two weekly Zoom calls filled with advanced CCPT case studies and session reviews, as well as member Q&A. You can take advantage of the two-week free trial to see if the CCPT Collective is right for you. Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: [email protected] Brenna's CCPT Hub: https://www.playtherapynow.com CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://www.ccptcollective.com Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor Facebook: https://facebook.com/playtherapypodcast Common References: Cochran, N., Nordling, W., & Cochran, J. (2010). Child-Centered Play Therapy (1st ed.). Wiley. VanFleet, R., Sywulak, A. E., & Sniscak, C. C. (2010). Child-centered play therapy. Guilford Press. Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge. Bratton, S. C., Landreth, G. L., Kellam, T., & Blackard, S. R. (2006). Child parent relationship therapy (CPRT) treatment manual: A 10-session filial therapy model for training parents. Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group. Benedict, Helen. Themes in Play Therapy. Used with permission to Heartland Play Therapy Institute.
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11:01
Clear Policies + Systems = Happy Clients: Managing Cancellations, No-Shows, and Expectations
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer a fantastic question from Tess in Illinois about balancing boundaries and customer service in private practice. As child-centered play therapists, we want to provide an exceptional experience for families while also maintaining clear policies that support our work. I discuss how policies and systems creates clarity and prevents future conflicts. I also share insights on how to deliver customer service excellence while holding strong boundaries, ensuring that parents understand expectations from the very first interaction. From scripting communication to implementing a fair, yet firm, approach to cancellations and no-shows, this episode provides practical strategies for running a smooth and professional private practice. Whether you're new to practice ownership or refining your policies, this episode will help you feel confident in your approach. Friday Jan 31, 2025, 2 PM to 6:15 PM EST - Exploring the Foundations, Principles, and The “Four Pillars” of Child-Centered Play Therapy- EXTENDED 4 CE. Register here: https://corewellceu.com/event/live-child-centered-play-extended1 Play Therapy Podcast Meetup - MISSISSIPPI - Feb 21, 2025 at 6:30pm RSVP here: https://playtherapypodcast_ms.eventbrite.com PlayTherapyNow.com is my HUB for everything I do! playtherapynow.com. Sign up for my email newsletter, stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice. If you click one link in these show notes, this is the one to click! If you would like to ask me questions directly, check out www.ccptcollective.com, where I host two weekly Zoom calls filled with advanced CCPT case studies and session reviews, as well as member Q&A. You can take advantage of the two-week free trial to see if the CCPT Collective is right for you. Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: [email protected] Brenna's CCPT Hub: https://www.playtherapynow.com CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://www.ccptcollective.com Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor Facebook: https://facebook.com/playtherapypodcast Common References: Cochran, N., Nordling, W., & Cochran, J. (2010). Child-Centered Play Therapy (1st ed.). Wiley. VanFleet, R., Sywulak, A. E., & Sniscak, C. C. (2010). Child-centered play therapy. Guilford Press. Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge. Bratton, S. C., Landreth, G. L., Kellam, T., & Blackard, S. R. (2006). Child parent relationship therapy (CPRT) treatment manual: A 10-session filial therapy model for training parents. Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group. Benedict, Helen. Themes in Play Therapy. Used with permission to Heartland Play Therapy Institute.
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14:27
House-Tree-Person in CCPT: Why I Use It and How It Helps
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer a great question from Zoe in Texas about why I use the House-Tree-Person (HTP) and Kinetic Family Drawing assessments in my practice. I share how I was first introduced to HTP in graduate school and why I believe it aligns well with the child-centered play therapy (CCPT) model. While assessments aren’t required for CCPT, I explain how these tools provide valuable insight in the first session, helping children ease into the playroom while also offering parents reassurance about the process—especially when early progress isn't immediately visible. I also discuss how these assessments help therapists gain a clearer understanding of a child’s emotional world, including themes of anxiety, self-esteem, power, and control. Plus, I highlight where therapists can find additional resources on implementing these assessments, including inside the CCPT Collective and upcoming CEU opportunities. Friday Jan 31, 2025, 2 PM to 6:15 PM EST - Exploring the Foundations, Principles, and The “Four Pillars” of Child-Centered Play Therapy- EXTENDED 4 CE. Register here: https://corewellceu.com/event/live-child-centered-play-extended1 Play Therapy Podcast Meetup - MISSISSIPPI - Feb 21, 2025 at 6:30pm RSVP here: https://playtherapypodcast_ms.eventbrite.com PlayTherapyNow.com is my HUB for everything I do! playtherapynow.com. Sign up for my email newsletter, stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice. If you click one link in these show notes, this is the one to click! If you would like to ask me questions directly, check out www.ccptcollective.com, where I host two weekly Zoom calls filled with advanced CCPT case studies and session reviews, as well as member Q&A. You can take advantage of the two-week free trial to see if the CCPT Collective is right for you. Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: [email protected] Brenna's CCPT Hub: https://www.playtherapynow.com CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://www.ccptcollective.com Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor Facebook: https://facebook.com/playtherapypodcast Common References: Cochran, N., Nordling, W., & Cochran, J. (2010). Child-Centered Play Therapy (1st ed.). Wiley. VanFleet, R., Sywulak, A. E., & Sniscak, C. C. (2010). Child-centered play therapy. Guilford Press. Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge. Bratton, S. C., Landreth, G. L., Kellam, T., & Blackard, S. R. (2006). Child parent relationship therapy (CPRT) treatment manual: A 10-session filial therapy model for training parents. Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group. Benedict, Helen. Themes in Play Therapy. Used with permission to Heartland Play Therapy Institute.
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10:55
Mastering Neutrality: Foundations for Neutrality in Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I continue our neutrality series by exploring what neutrality truly looks like in child-centered play therapy (CCPT). I break down the practical components of neutrality into four key principles: not taking sides, withholding judgment, allowing children to solve their own problems, and embodying deep empathy. I explain how these elements work together to create a safe, judgment-free environment where children can fully engage in their healing process. I also address the challenges of achieving complete neutrality as human beings and why congruence is essential to maintaining authenticity in the playroom. Through personal reflections, examples, and a powerful story from a coaching session, I highlight the importance of therapists doing their own inner work to better support their clients. This episode offers encouragement and actionable insights for therapists striving to master neutrality in CCPT. Play Therapy Podcast Meetup - MISSISSIPPI - Feb 21, 2025 at 6:30pm RSVP here: https://playtherapypodcast_ms.eventbrite.com Friday Jan 31, 2025, 2 PM to 6:15 PM EST - Exploring the Foundations, Principles, and The “Four Pillars” of Child-Centered Play Therapy- EXTENDED 4 CE. Register here: https://corewellceu.com/event/live-child-centered-play-extended1 PlayTherapyNow.com is my HUB for everything I do! playtherapynow.com. Sign up for my email newsletter, stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice. If you click one link in these show notes, this is the one to click! If you would like to ask me questions directly, check out www.ccptcollective.com, where I host two weekly Zoom calls filled with advanced CCPT case studies and session reviews, as well as member Q&A. You can take advantage of the two-week free trial to see if the CCPT Collective is right for you. Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: [email protected] Brenna's CCPT Hub: https://www.playtherapynow.com CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://www.ccptcollective.com Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor Facebook: https://facebook.com/playtherapypodcast Common References: Cochran, N., Nordling, W., & Cochran, J. (2010). Child-Centered Play Therapy (1st ed.). Wiley. VanFleet, R., Sywulak, A. E., & Sniscak, C. C. (2010). Child-centered play therapy. Guilford Press. Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge. Bratton, S. C., Landreth, G. L., Kellam, T., & Blackard, S. R. (2006). Child parent relationship therapy (CPRT) treatment manual: A 10-session filial therapy model for training parents. Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group. Benedict, Helen. Themes in Play Therapy. Used with permission to Heartland Play Therapy Institute.
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19:33