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Artwork for Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist

Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist

Dr. Brenna Hicks
Child-Centered Play Therapy
Child Development
Parenting
Play Therapy
Parenting Strategies
Child Centered Play Therapy
Power Struggles
Emotional Regulation
Self-Esteem
Anxiety
Emotional Vocabulary
Parenting Techniques
Parent-Child Relationship
Limit Setting
Self-Regulation
Co-Parenting
Family Dynamics
Separation Anxiety
Power and Control
Child Psychology

Parenting can be confusing—especially when you're dealing with tantrums, anxiety, aggression, emotional outbursts, sibling conflict, ADHD concerns, school struggles, or behavior that just doesn't make sense. On the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, child therapist Dr. Brenna Hicks answers real parenting questions and helps you understand what's really going on beneath your child's behavior. Each epi... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes232Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ParentingKids & Family

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Artwork for Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist

Latest Episodes

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom whose son has struggled with aggression, sadness, and emotional regulation for years. She wonders why he's so different from his peers and why therapy hasn't uncovered the "reason" behind his behavior. ... more

In this episode, I answer a question from an adoptive mom who is learning how to use child-centered parenting techniques with her daughter, who struggles with aggression, big emotions, and sensory challenges. We talk about why children often can't th... more

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In this episode, I answer a question from a mom who feels like she's constantly butting heads with her ten-year-old daughter. We talk about why the preteen years often bring a strong desire for independence, how to balance growing autonomy with healt... more

YouTube

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom whose five-year-old daughter seems to be caught in constant power struggles despite receiving choices throughout the day. We explore why some children continue to demand control even when parents are us... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
Marriage and Family Therapist, specializing in working with families and relationships, and founder of Growing Self Counseling & Coaching.
Growing Self Counseling & Coaching
Episode: S2E38 - When Parents Struggle: How to Support Your Child Through Life's Hard Seasons w/ Special Guest Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
Chad Stewart
Author of the Britfield book series
Britfield
Episode: S2E26 - Empowering Your Child with Wholesome Stories: Interview with Britfield Author C.R. Stewart

Host

Dr. Brenna Hicks
Host of Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, The Kid Counselor®

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 103 ratings
  • Good content

    Great content, good information and has been so helpful as a parent with my child in play therapy. I appreciate her passion for the field, just wish her tone wasn’t so angry.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Jfvkidsc
    United States9 months ago
  • Must listen for parents!

    I wish some of these episodes were required listening for parents and teachers! Helpful, thoughtful advice for issues facing modern day parents.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    AJ-colo
    United States3 years ago
  • This podcast is a forever parental resource!

    Dr. Brenna answers all the questions I knew I had and expands on all the tender questions topics I didn’t want to admit. This podcast is a game changer for my peace as a parent.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Laura385747392937
    United States4 years ago
  • Research backed advice for modern parenting

    Dr. Brenna is such a source of wisdom and understanding when it comes to how children develop and how to parent in a modern world. She shared research in a way that is relatable and easy to implement. Her passion for children and families are such a gift.

    Thank you for equipping us Dr. Brenna

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    otholly
    Israel5 years ago
  • Very relevant in all aspects of parenting. Well researched, spoken and useful context made. Being a single father I appreciate it not being "centered" around "mother". Dad's are great nurturing parents too!

    Audible
    5
    Dan Stoffel
    United States5 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listener-friendly delivery; some episodes feel very reassuring for stressed parents.
Clear, research-backed parenting guidance with practical steps.
The host provides depth on CCPT and child development that's useful for both parents and pros.
Audiences appreciate evidence-based, actionable advice and compassionate framing.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

S4E6 - How Do I Stop Power Struggles With My Preteen?
Q: She says we aren't the boss of her. Just wondering what to do to help parents and give me some advice.
Dr. Brenna explains that preadolescents are navigating a liminal space of independence; set clear, neutral boundaries while offering autonomy in areas you are comfortable with, and prioritize relationship-building, including dedicated time together to help her feel seen and heard. She emphasizes avoiding punitive escalation and using encouragement focused on effort rather than fixed traits.
S4E5 - Why Is My Child Always Fighting for Control?
Q: What do you think is driving the power struggles Grace described?
The child appears to be highly anxious and seeking control as a coping mechanism; the host emphasizes tailoring choices to genuine needs, validating feelings, and using enforcement with appropriate alternatives rather than blunt demands.
S4E2 - How Does Trauma Affect a Child Years Later?
Q: So how did the scenario seeing her dad die affect her behavior now, and does that have effect on her?
Trauma from early childhood can imprint in both long-term memory and bodily memory, and as the child matures, therapy helps regulate emotions, reframe perceptions, and gradually build age-appropriate understandings—leading to improved emotional maturity and coping over time.
S4E4 - Why Does My Child Hold Their Pee?
Q: What is my next step after hearing about control in this context?
Provide empowerment choices that are clearly within parental limits, describe the options explicitly (e.g., broccoli vs. carrots), and use multiple, limited choices to give the child a sense of control while maintaining structure; explain that this is a gradual process aimed at reducing anxiety and improving toileting behaviors over time.
S3E45 - The Emotional Crash After Fun Activities: What Parents Need to Know
Q: What is going on with Andrea's three-year-old child after exciting activities and how can parents respond?
Dr. Brenna explains that the child's intensified reactions are a combination of inherent temperament and the stress of changes in routine and environment; she recommends honoring the child's wiring while planning predictable, shorter, and gradually expanding activities, using a clear pre-event routine, and reinforcing calm behavior after the event to help regulate over time.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show centers on practical, research-informed strategies for parenting children through play therapy concepts. Across episodes, listeners get accessible explanations of child development, emotional vocabulary, self-regulation, and relationship dynamics, with a consistent emphasis on CCPT (Child-Centered Play Therapy) as a foundation for calmer, more confident parenting. Notable strengths include clear, actionable guidance for tricky moments (tantrums, boundaries, aggression) and a patient, reassuring tone that positions therapy as a long-term, growth-focused process rather than quick fixes. A distinctive element is the host's blend of clinical experience with relatable parent-facing guidance, plus designating a structured framework for n... more

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
2. The Baffling Behavior Show {Parenting after Trauma}
3. The Child Psych Podcast
4. Raising Boys & Girls
5. Robot Unicorn

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this podcast launched 8 years ago and published 232 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
2. Chad Stewart

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