Play Therapy Podcast

By: Dr. Brenna Hicks
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  • Summary

  • Your source for centered and focused Play Therapy coaching.
    © 2023
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Episodes
  • The Addiction We're Ignoring: Screen Time and Child Mental Health

    The Addiction We're Ignoring: Screen Time and Child Mental Health
    Aug 1 2024

    In this episode, I dive deep into a concerning trend in child and adolescent psychotherapy: the use of video games in therapy. I address an email from Carolyn in Vermont, who asks about therapists using video games to engage "difficult" clients, often using person-centered language to justify this approach.

    I express my strong concerns about this practice, arguing that it dilutes the essence of therapy and may stem from laziness. I emphasize the importance of emotional engagement in child therapy, especially from a child-centered model, and highlight the potential harm of increased screen time for children who may already be addicted to video games.

    Drawing from my book on reducing screen time for children, I discuss the neurobiological impacts of excessive gaming and screen use. I stress the importance of returning to foundational therapeutic models rather than seeking "innovative" approaches that may compromise effective treatment. I also touch on the global recognition of screen addiction, citing examples from China's strict regulations on youth gaming.

    I conclude by calling on therapists to become advocates for children's health and well-being by educating parents about the dangers of excessive screen time and actively monitoring screen use during consultations. I emphasize that this is a critical issue that requires our immediate attention and action.

    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: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
    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
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    24 mins
  • The Power of You: Why Your Personality Matters in Child-Centered Play Therapy

    The Power of You: Why Your Personality Matters in Child-Centered Play Therapy
    Jul 30 2024

    In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I continue our summer school series by diving into the eighth and final principle from Gary Landreth's "Innovations in Play Therapy." This principle focuses on establishing therapeutic limits that help children accept personal and appropriate relationship responsibility.

    I explore the importance of setting limits in child-centered play therapy, emphasizing how these limits provide security and safety within the therapeutic relationship. I discuss the balance between granting autonomy and setting necessary boundaries, and how this approach helps children develop self-discipline and self-control.

    Throughout the episode, I highlight the significance of maintaining neutrality when setting limits, the importance of being a helpful authority figure, and the critical role of the therapist's personality characteristics and interpersonal skills in building a therapeutic relationship. I conclude by reminding listeners that it's not just about techniques or materials, but about who you are as a therapist that truly makes a difference in the healing process.

    Episode Reference:
    Landreth, G. L. (Ed.). (2001). Innovations in play therapy: Issues, process, and special populations. Brunner-Routledge.

    Sign up for my exclusive newsletter at playtherapynow.com. Stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice!

    Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
    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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    16 mins
  • Freedom to Be Loud: The Significance of Loud Play in Child-Centered Play Therapy

    Freedom to Be Loud: The Significance of Loud Play in Child-Centered Play Therapy
    Jul 25 2024
    In this episode... First of all, I'm thrilled to celebrate a major milestone with you all - the Play Therapy Podcast has reached 300,000 downloads! I'm deeply grateful for your continued support and dedication to child-centered play therapy. Your commitment to listening and applying these principles in your work with children and families is truly inspiring. Next, I address a question from Beth in Maryland about children using toys to amplify their voices in play therapy sessions. I explore three main reasons why children might engage in this behavior: to exert power and control, to relish the freedom of the playroom environment, and to emphasize important elements in their play. Each of these reasons provides valuable insights into the child's emotional state and needs during therapy. Finally, I share some exciting news about upcoming training opportunities, including a comprehensive course on facilitating Child-Parent Relationship Training (CPRT) that we're developing. This course will provide certification and CEU credits for those interested in offering CPRT as a service in their practice. I also mention the availability of on-demand courses at www.childcenteredtraining.com for those looking to expand their skills in child-centered play therapy.

    Sign up for my exclusive newsletter at playtherapynow.com. Stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice!

    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: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
    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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    12 mins
Education
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Profile Image for Ms Campbell

Very Helpful!

Ive learned so much from listening to your podcast. I am not a
Registered play therapist, but I work with kids in the achool system and this has been a lifesaver.

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Profile Image for Brittany Wawrzyniak

Incredible

This has been life changing for me! Thank you for the time and dedication put into this podcast!

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Profile Image for April

Thank you

Been looking for something to guide me down the right track of play therapy. You did that for me, thank you, I’ll keep researching and listening. This has helped only on episode 3

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