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

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
Trauma
Therapeutic Relationship
Mental Health
Therapeutic Process
Limit Setting
Emotional Vocabulary
Child Centered Play Therapy
Self-Esteem
Parent Consultations
Child Therapy
Therapeutic Environment
Divorce
Neutrality In Therapy
Therapeutic Relationships

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.

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes406Founded4 years ago
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Artwork for Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy

Latest Episodes

In this episode, I answer a question about allowing interns, supervisees, and other clinicians to observe child-centered play therapy sessions. I discuss what happened when an intern sat in on a session and unintentionally disrupted the therapeutic p... more

In this special episode, I take a break from the MythBusters series to reflect on the life, influence, and legacy of Dr. Garry Landreth. Like so many in the child-centered play therapy community, I have spent the past several days processing the loss... more

In this episode, I answer a follow-up question about children bringing items from home into the playroom and explore a specific scenario involving a child who brings schoolwork and homework into session. I discuss why children often bring meaningful ... more

In this episode of the CCPT Mythbusters series, I tackle the belief that children need guidance to change. This myth is deeply embedded in our culture and shows up in many therapeutic approaches through advice, instruction, worksheets, lessons, and a... more

Key Facts

Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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
Specializes in child-centered supervision and play therapy
Integrative Counseling Services
Episode: The Inside Track on CCPT Supervision: Why Theoretical Alignment Matters - Part 2 of My Chat with Dr. Jodi Mullen

Host

Dr. Brenna Hicks
Host specializing in child-centered play therapy and CCPT training.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 247 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 States2 months 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
    Canada4 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

Listeners Say

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

Praises the host's clarity and impact on clinical practice.
Listener comments highlight community, mentorship, and accessible training.
Therapists value the actionable, step-by-step CCPT coaching.
Shows credibility with practical CCPT guidance and real-world tips.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

400 | 400 Episodes of CCPT: Reflections, Vision, and Live Q&A
Q: Elizabeth asks how to handle the doubt that CCPT is making a difference versus natural child development, and Brenna responds with a two-part answer about inner critique and proving efficacy case-by-case.
She explains that trust in the process and the model is essential, and that proving efficacy is best done by isolating variables and demonstrating four universal outcomes linked to CCPT, while recognizing time and development also play roles.
404 | What If a Child Brings Schoolwork Into the Playroom?
Q: How should a clinician handle a child who brings schoolwork or related materials into the playroom during a session?
Trust the child's process, assess the underlying need (relief, anxiety, avoidance, or need to complete tasks), and respond with CCPT-consistent support rather than imposing automatic limits; communicate clearly with parents about expectations and the rationale, while keeping the door open for the child's self-directed pace.
402 | Understanding Extreme Dysregulation and Trusting the CCPT Process
Q: In today's episode, what is the core approach you recommend for a seven-year-old with extreme dysregulation who tests boundaries each session?
The core recommendation is to trust the CCPT model, continue with boundary-setting via ACT when appropriate, consider underlying factors like neurodivergence or chemical influences, and maintain a patient, be-with stance while reassuring parents that progress can be slow but is meaningful and real.
395 | Helping Children Through Divorce: The Importance of Age-Appropriate Truth
Q: How should parents communicate with their children about divorce in a way that's honest but not overwhelming?
Provide age-appropriate truth, avoid over-sharing, and ensure parents remain neutral and calm so kids feel prepared rather than blindsided, inviting questions and addressing them honestly as they arise.
397 | If Children Aren't Cognitive, Why Do Some Want to Sit and Talk?
Q: Is it more of a gradual shift in cognitive processing across childhood?
Yes, there is a gradual shift; before abstract reasoning develops, children primarily experience and feel, with cognitive capabilities becoming more pronounced later, around ages 12–13, while CCPT supports growth by meeting them in their current developmental stage.

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?

The show frequently explores child-centered play therapy (CCPT), focusing on practical techniques, parental collaboration, and fidelity to the CCPT model. Episodes feature actionable guidance for clinicians—ranging from lobby sessions and limit setting to termination and parent coaching—anchored in non-directive, relationship-first therapy. Across samples, listeners praise the podcast for its clear explanations, real-world examples, and emphasis on accessible CCPT training for therapists at all levels. A notable strength is translating CCPT principles into implementable steps for both clinicians and parents, often highlighting community-building and professional development opportunities. This program is likely to appeal to practitioners se... more

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this podcast launched 4 years ago and published 406 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

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