Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy

Dr. Brenna Hicks

Child-Centered Play Therapy

Play Therapy

Child Development

Therapeutic Techniques

Anxiety

Parenting

Therapeutic Relationship

Trauma

Mental Health

Therapeutic Process

Limit Setting

Emotional Vocabulary

Self-Esteem

Child Centered Play Therapy

Separation Anxiety

Parent Consultations

Child Therapy

Therapeutic Environment

Therapeutic Language

Neutrality In Therapy

Your source for centered and focused Play Therapy coaching. A "Master-Class" in Play Therapy. Breaking down the barriers to high-quality Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) education. No paywalls, no ads, no fluff... all content — just expert, accessible training for every play therapist, free of charge.

245 ratings

Publishes	Twice weekly	Episodes	396	Founded	4 years ago
Number of Listeners		Categories	CoursesEducation

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Latest Episodes

396 | CCPT Mythbusters: It's Not Therapeutic If the Child Won't Go to the Playroom

In this episode of the CCPT Mythbusters series, I tackle the belief that "it's not play therapy if the child isn't in the playroom." I explain why a child refusing to go back to the playroom is not a problem to solve, but simply another behavior to u... more

12 May 2026 • 16 min

395 | Helping Children Through Divorce: The Importance of Age-Appropriate Truth

In this episode, I answer a question about helping children navigate a difficult divorce and discuss how to guide parents in communicating hard truths in developmentally appropriate ways. I explain why shielding children from reality often creates mo... more

7 May 2026 • 10 min

394 | CCPT Mythbusters: You Have to "Do Something"... or Therapy Won't Work

In this episode of the CCPT Mythbusters series, I address one of the most persistent and widely accepted myths in the field: that therapists have to do something for therapy to be effective. I unpack how this expectation shows up—from parents, school... more

5 May 2026 • 12 min

393 | When to Set Limits (and When Not To) in CCPT + Removing Toys

In this Q&A episode, I respond to two questions that highlight common areas of uncertainty in child-centered play therapy. First, I address a case involving a 7-year-old with significant behavioral challenges across settings. The core issue isn't wha... more

30 Apr 2026 • 16 min

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Similar Podcasts

People also subscribe to these shows.

Play Therapy Parenting PodcastDr. Brenna Hicks

The Baffling Behavior Show {Parenting after Trauma}Robyn Gobbel

Lessons from the PlayroomLisa Dion

The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie VernoyCurt Widhalm, LMFT and Katie Vernoy, LMFT

ADHD Experts PodcastADDitude

Recent Guests

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

Licensed marriage and family therapist, psychologist, and board-certified coach specializing in growth and family dynamics, particularly during transitions like divorce.

Growing Self Counseling

Episode: 283 | Supporting Parents Through Divorce: A Conversation with Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

Dr. Brandy Schumann

Creator of the BoA (Bobo), a pivotal toy in play therapy.

Episode: Special Interview: Dr. Brandy Schumann, Creator of the 2nd Most Important Toy in the Playroom... the "BoA" (AKA "Bobo")

Dr. Jodi Mullen

Faculty member at SUNY College at Oswego with over 30 years of experience in counseling, specializing in child-centered play therapy.

State University of New York College at Oswego

Episode: Special Interview Episode: Dr. Jodi Mullen - Talking Child-Centered Play Therapy and Child Trauma (part 1 of 2)

Host

Dr. Brenna Hicks

Host of the Play Therapy Podcast with a focus on Child-Centered Play Therapy, providing insights on therapeutic practices and child psychological development.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 245 ratings

Just what I needed
This is an amazing podcast if you are going to work with children. I am in graduate school to be in LMFT, working with children. This is really sold me on the child center model and walked me through (in such a practical way) how to implement it, one step at a time. This podcast should be a requirement in all graduate school programs. Start with episode one and listen to them all the way through.
Apple Podcasts
5
LMFT Grad School Intern
United States19 days ago
Great show
I love this podcast and as a counsellor I find the material relatable and informative. Dr. Hicks is a great speaker and keeps the episodes interesting. I would love to see longer episodes deep diving specific topics as I’m often left wanting more!
Apple Podcasts
5
Blundrigan
Canada3 months ago
Changed my life and my practice
Brenna has changed my therapy practice working with kids. I had studied nondirective CCPT over 20 years ago, but this podcast reignited my passion and provided the practical support I needed to move forward and be fully CCPT with my clients. I had been frustrated with other therapeutic approaches that were not working with my clients, but since I’ve been CCPT compliant, with Brenna’s help and the help of this community, I have seen children grow and change unlike I have ever seen before.
Apple Podcasts
5
Sarah JB 81
United Statesa year ago
Men for CCPT
I’ve been working with children and young adults for 8 years and I’m just now learning about CCPT. This podcast has revived my love for giving therapy to children.
Apple Podcasts
5
jet614
United Statesa year ago
Rare, expert resource - I can’t believe it’s free!
This TRULY is a master class in the CCTP approach! If the Child-Centered approach is a good fit for you and children you work with, or even something you are just curious to learn more about, this podcast is so educational and interesting and well worth the time for clinicians at all levels. As a die-hard CCPT devotee, this free education is like a dream - and it’s not always easy to find CCPT supervision, mentorship, or community. Thank you, Dr. Hicks!
Apple Podcasts
5
jenna XO
United States2 years ago

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Listeners Say

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

The informative style and clear organization of the episodes are frequently noted as engaging and encouraging for therapists at various experience levels.

Listeners appreciate the expert insights and practical strategies shared by the host, finding the content relatable and informative.

Overall, there seems to be a strong appreciation for the accessibility of expert content, making it a go-to resource without the barriers of cost.

Many feedback suggests a transformative impact on their therapy practices, particularly emphasizing the resurgence of passion for working with children.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts	#18	United States/Education/Courses
Apple Podcasts	#31	United Kingdom/Education/Courses
Apple Podcasts	#79	Canada/Education/Courses
Apple Podcasts	#49	Germany/Education/Courses
Apple Podcasts	#51	Australia/Education/Courses
Apple Podcasts	#16	New Zealand/Education/Courses

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

381 | When Kids Ask Questions in the Playroom: How CCPT Therapists Should Respond

Q: How should CCPT therapists respond when a curious child asks many concrete questions, and giving information might threaten the therapeutic boundaries?

The host emphasizes returning responsibility to the child when appropriate, using clinical judgment to decide when to answer. If answering would shift the dynamic into power and control grabbing or detract from the relational focus, therapists should withhold the information, use reflective statements, and only share information when it supports connection or meets a clinically necessary goal.

376 | Q&A Lightning Round #9: Six Questions from Four Listeners Answered

Q: Are there times when play therapy is not recommended for children?

Children who have suffered extreme trauma may initially struggle with therapy. It's crucial to develop a therapeutic relationship and environment so they can work through their pain at their pace, but play therapy is often beneficial for traumatized children.

376 | Q&A Lightning Round #9: Six Questions from Four Listeners Answered

Q: I'm a school-based clinician and confidentiality around who attends therapy is not able to be achieved because clients often tell their friends or classmates. I've noticed over the last five sessions, they've become increasingly competitive with each other. Should I just let it play out and reflect the emotions or provide insights by enlarging? Should I set boundaries about making things or bringing things home?

It's important to reinforce the confidentiality and individual time in therapy. Encourage the children to express their feelings and desires while reminding them that what they create is unique to their session.

376 | Q&A Lightning Round #9: Six Questions from Four Listeners Answered

Q: I have a specific client who asks for the dollhouse to be set up before she comes into the room. Is that a request that you would comply with?

It's essential to maintain the integrity of the playroom. The dollhouse should not be set up according to the previous child's play, nor should the therapist concede to the specific setup request to avoid leading the play.

376 | Q&A Lightning Round #9: Six Questions from Four Listeners Answered

Q: The practice I work for has partnered with a foster care community and provides therapy services in addition to our traditional offices at their location. I see clients in the foster care community once a week and I have a theme that has emerged with two specific clients that are sisters, and all parties suspect that they have an extensive history of sexual abuse, along with significant physical abuse and neglect. The theme that seems to be emerging has to do with the lights. I see them every other week, but they both enter the playroom and immediately want the lights off. What could be the significance of the lights being off?

It could be tied to power and control dynamics, fears related to the dark due to past trauma, or even comfort in darkness as part of play. It's important to accommodate their needs while ensuring the environment remains safe.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

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

Focused primarily on the methodologies and practices of Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), this podcast engages therapists through expert discussions, strategies, and insights aimed at enhancing their practice. Topics range from the importance of parental engagement and therapeutic trust to exploring the dynamics of play therapy techniques and addressing common challenges in child therapy sessions. Unique in its commitment to delivering high-quality, ad-free educational content, it positions itself as an invaluable resource for therapists looking to deepen their understanding and application of CCPT in their work with children.

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Play Therapy Parenting Podcast
2. The Baffling Behavior Show {Parenting after Trauma}
3. Lessons from the Playroom
4. The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy
5. ADHD Experts Podcast

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 4 years ago and published 396 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. Dr. Brandy Schumann
3. Dr. Jodi Mullen

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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