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

Self-Esteem

Child Centered Play Therapy

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.

247 ratings

Publishes	Twice weekly	Episodes	400	Founded	4 years ago
Number of Listeners		Categories	EducationCourses

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Latest Episodes

400 | 400 Episodes of CCPT: Reflections, Vision, and Live Q&A

This week's episode is a special one—the recording of our 400th Play Therapy Podcast livestream celebration. What began as an experiment with six episodes has grown into a global community of child-centered play therapists, with listeners in more tha... more

29 May 2026 • 1 hr 20 min

399 | Signs a Child Has Too Much Screen Time: What It Looks Like in the CCPT Playroom

In this episode, I answer a question about recognizing signs of excessive and unrestricted technology use in children and how those patterns show up in the playroom. I discuss common indicators I've observed in CCPT, including difficulty engaging in ... more

21 May 2026 • 15 min

398 | CCPT Mythbusters: The Child Has to Talk About It

In this episode of the CCPT Mythbusters series, I tackle the belief that "play therapy isn't enough" unless children verbally talk about their problems. I explain why this myth is rooted in adulthood bias and the false assumption that children proces... more

19 May 2026 • 17 min

397 | If Children Aren't Cognitive, Why Do Some Want to Sit and Talk?

In this episode, I answer a thoughtful question about how child-centered play therapy works if children are not yet capable of abstract reasoning. I explain the important distinction between children being able to memorize and learn information versu... more

14 May 2026 • 13 min

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Similar Podcasts

People also subscribe to these shows.

Play Therapy Parenting PodcastDr. Brenna Hicks

Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy ExcellenceCathi Spooner, LCSW, RPT-S

Lessons from the PlayroomLisa Dion

The Child Psych PodcastInstitute of Child Psychology

The Baffling Behavior Show {Parenting after Trauma}Robyn Gobbel

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 Statesa month 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

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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.

Apple Podcasts	#14	United States/Education/Courses
Apple Podcasts	#39	Canada/Education/Courses
Apple Podcasts	#123	United Kingdom/Education/Courses
Apple Podcasts	#27	Australia/Education/Courses
Apple Podcasts	#12	South Africa/Education/Courses
Apple Podcasts	#19	Ireland/Education/Courses

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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.

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.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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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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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Play Therapy Parenting Podcast
2. Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy Excellence
3. Lessons from the Playroom
4. The Child Psych Podcast
5. The Baffling Behavior Show {Parenting after Trauma}

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 4 years ago and published 400 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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