DiscoverPlay Therapy Parenting PodcastS3E3 - Parent Companion for Play Therapy: How Child-Centered Play Therapy Works
S3E3 - Parent Companion for Play Therapy: How Child-Centered Play Therapy Works

S3E3 - Parent Companion for Play Therapy: How Child-Centered Play Therapy Works

Update: 2025-09-24
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In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I explain how child-centered play therapy (CCPT) actually works — and why it’s different from directive play therapy. Parents often assume all play therapy looks the same, but there are big differences. In directive approaches, the therapist sets the agenda and teaches lessons. In CCPT, the child leads the process, and the therapist follows with support, acceptance, and structure.

This difference matters because when children own the process, they feel safe, confident, and invested. They work through struggles in their own way, at their own pace, which leads to lasting growth in self-esteem, regulation, problem-solving, and resilience. It may look simple from the outside, but CCPT creates deep, lifelong change because it gives children the freedom and safety to tell their own story.

Ask Me Questions:  Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
My Book: Device Detox: A Parent's Guide To Reducing Usage, Preventing Tantrums, And Raising Happier Kids - https://a.co/d/bThnKH9
Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/
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Common References:
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.

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S3E3 - Parent Companion for Play Therapy: How Child-Centered Play Therapy Works

S3E3 - Parent Companion for Play Therapy: How Child-Centered Play Therapy Works

Dr. Brenna Hicks