At the dawn of the social media era, Belle Gibson became a pioneering wellness influencer - telling the world how she beat cancer with an alternative diet. Her bestselling cookbook and online app provided her success, respect, and a connection to the cancer-battling influencer she admired the most. But a curious journalist with a sick wife began asking questions that even those closest to Belle began to wonder. Was the online star faking her cancer and fooling the world? Kaitlyn Dever stars in the Netflix hit series Apple Cider Vinegar . Inspired by true events, the dramatized story follows Belle’s journey from self-styled wellness thought leader to disgraced con artist. It also explores themes of hope and acceptance - and how far we’ll go to maintain it. In this episode of You Can't Make This Up, host Rebecca Lavoie interviews executive producer Samantha Strauss. SPOILER ALERT! If you haven't watched Apple Cider Vinegar yet, make sure to add it to your watch-list before listening on. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts .…
Your source for centered and focused Play Therapy coaching.
…
continue reading
The path to calm, confident, and in-control parenting starts now. The Play Therapy Parenting Podcast is hosted by Dr. Brenna Hicks, The Kid Counselor®.
…
continue reading
The path to calm, confident, and in-control parenting starts now. The Play Therapy Parenting Podcast is hosted by Dr. Brenna Hicks, The Kid Counselor®. All content, no fluff.
…
continue reading
Join me on Next Level Play Therapy, a podcast for child and adolescent therapists seeking to elevate your play therapy services. Hosted by Cathi Spooner, LCSW, RPT-S, at Renewing Hearts Play Therapy Training. Each episode delves into the nuances of play therapy, exploring innovative techniques, evidence-based practices, and practical strategies for providing exceptional therapeutic experiences. These engaging discussions cover a wide range of topics, including building rapport with children, ...
…
continue reading
This podcast was created to help parents around the world with the “biggies” of family life. Play Therapy Community will present a fresh, insightful episode once a week, usually on Thursday mornings. On this podcast, we will cover topics such as picky eaters, struggles in school, behavioral issues, grief and loss, and so much more. We’ll also delve into specific diagnosis such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Specific Learning Disabilities, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, etc. Difficult top ...
…
continue reading

1
The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
Dinalynn Rosenbush, SLP | Speech Pathologist, Parent Mentor, Communication with Kids
*** A Top 1.5% Podcast! *** Getting Kids to Listen, Speech Therapy, IEP, Communication with Kids, Parent Mentor, Family Connection Are you tired of repeating yourself with your children or wonder why they don’t listen? Are you afraid you are doing the wrong thing to help your kids communicate, but you are unsure what to do? Are you frustrated that your kids argue, whine or debate with you? Hey parents, you don’t need to stay overwhelmed, exhausted, and triggered by the fuss. In this podcast, ...
…
continue reading
In this episode, I clarify the difference between reflecting feelings as a standalone reflective response and reflecting feelings within limit-setting (ACT model). While both serve important functions in CCPT, they operate differently—one builds emotional vocabulary, while the other provides validation and structure within a limit. I also address a…
…
continue reading
Hey Friends~ There are many forms of play. And, play is different for us as we grow up! What does play look like for you now? Many adults wish for more time off from work, more time to rest and play. However, many of us have the thinking pattern that work comes before play. Perhaps you were taught that as a child. I was. What if… Your parenting cou…
…
continue reading
Send us a text What’s your least favorite part about providing play therapy services to your clients? Let me tune into my mind reading skills to read your mind 💭- documentation, right? Over the last 30 years in the child and adolescent mental health field, I’ve never met a therapist who says they love writing progress notes, treatment plans, and ps…
…
continue reading
In this episode, I introduce the concept of ADULTHOOD BIAS —the tendency for adults to forget what it was like to be a child, who does not possess rational thought or abstract reasoning until about age 12. This bias causes frustration when kids act impulsively, give one-word answers, or behave in ways that don’t make sense from an adult perspective…
…
continue reading
In this episode, I answer two questions from Michal in New York. The first question explores whether setting limits in CCPT could feel manipulative or coercive to a child, particularly when giving ultimate choices. I clarify how proper limit-setting—when done with validation and neutrality—empowers children rather than controlling them. I also expl…
…
continue reading
In this episode, I answer a question from Chris about working with a 14-year-old client who frequently falls asleep during play therapy sessions. This situation raises important considerations about the role of trusting the process in CCPT, recognizing when a child is meeting a fundamental need, and addressing concerns from parents and insurance pr…
…
continue reading
In this episode, I introduce the concept of ADULTHOOD BIAS —the tendency for adults to forget what it was like to be a child, who does not possess rational thought or abstract reasoning until about age 12. This bias causes frustration when kids act impulsively, give one-word answers, or behave in ways that don’t make sense from an adult perspective…
…
continue reading
In this episode, I introduce the concept of adulthood bias—the tendency for adults to forget what it was like to be a child, leading to unrealistic expectations for children's behavior. This bias causes adults to assume that children should think, reason, and communicate like adults, even though children are driven by emotions and experiences, not …
…
continue reading
In this episode, I address a question about the role of verbal communication in CCPT. Research shows that play therapy is effective even when the therapist and child don’t speak the same language, yet verbal interaction is a key part of the process. I explain how both can be true by examining the role of the therapeutic relationship and how verbal …
…
continue reading

1
201 Leroy Slanzi: Using Free Play And Structured Play With Intention To Develop Emotional Regulation
31:33
Hey Friends~ We experience play with our children in a variety of ways. One of those ways is Free Play. Free Play is completely imaginative and it is entirely directed by the child. Another way we play is Structured Play is when we use play to help our children go in the direction we want them to go. That may be learning, movement, practice, or any…
…
continue reading
Send us a text Most therapists I talk with, including play therapists, want to get straight to helping their clients during the very first session so they skip the detailed information gathering needed for a thorough assessment. I get it. You want to make a difference and help your clients without wasting time. But is the information gathering proc…
…
continue reading

1
Think You're an Independent Contractor? You Might Not Be. Know the Difference Between Independent Contractor Vs. Employee Categorization
18:37
In this episode, I take a break between series for a much-needed "palate cleanse" to address an issue that keeps coming up in conversations with play therapists—understanding the difference between subcontractors and employees in private practice. Many therapists find themselves in situations where they are labeled as independent contractors but ar…
…
continue reading

1
Fighting for CCPT: How to Advocate for Child-Centered Play Therapy in Sexual Abuse Cases and Trauma Work
14:01
In this episode, I answer a question from Lisa in Maryland about the role of Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) in cases involving trauma and sexual behavior. Many legal and child protection systems lean toward directive interventions, often dismissing CCPT. However, research overwhelmingly supports CCPT as an effective, developmentally appropriate…
…
continue reading
In this episode, I answer a question from Lauren, a mom struggling with her almost 3-year-old’s intense attachment to her father. Her daughter experiences severe separation anxiety, especially at bedtime, making it nearly impossible for mom to comfort her without dad’s presence. I walk through why this attachment has developed and what steps Lauren…
…
continue reading
In this episode, I answer a question from Lauren, a mom struggling with her almost 3-year-old’s intense attachment to her father. Her daughter experiences severe separation anxiety, especially at bedtime, making it nearly impossible for mom to comfort her without dad’s presence. I walk through why this attachment has developed and what steps Lauren…
…
continue reading
Hey Friends~ Whoot! Surprises Today! We are CELEBRATING 200 Episodes! To CELEBRATE this milestone, I have gifts and big SAVINGS to give away! The Prizes: 4 books and 4 coaching slots and 1 Starbucks gift card! TO PLAY: EMAIL “200” to: Hello@thelanguageofplay.com !! In this episode, you will enjoy learning the TOP 10 Episodes in the past 12 months! …
…
continue reading
Send us a text What does it mean to be a play therapist and what skills are needed to provide play therapy? Understanding fundamental principles for play therapy ensures child and adolescent therapists recognize the difference between using games in therapy versus play therapy. There are specialized skills child and adolescent therapists need to de…
…
continue reading

1
When and How to Use Enlargement in CCPT & Tracking Progress in CCPT (What to Do When Stages Aren’t Clear)
14:42
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer two questions from Terry in Ireland. First, I break down the role of enlargement and self-esteem-building responses in CCPT. I explain when and how to use these more advanced skills, emphasizing that enlargement should come later in the process when a child is ready for deeper work. I also clari…
…
continue reading
In this final episode of the Mastering Neutrality Series on the Play Therapy Podcast, I reflect on the essence of child-centered play therapy (CCPT) through a deeply moving piece written by Lee, a CCPT therapist in the UK. She beautifully captures what it truly means to embody neutrality, congruence, and acceptance in the playroom. Her words illust…
…
continue reading
Hey Friends~ Have you ever thought my child’s speech is “different” and you wonder if it’s normal or possibly delayed? How do you develop your child through their issues when you aren’t sure if they are actually issues? How do you push for what you think your child might need, when you aren’t sure? Today’s guest will share her journey of being brav…
…
continue reading

1
S2E33 - Biting, Aggression, and Emotional Overwhelm: Why Kids Act Out During Life Transitions—And How to Help
19:21
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I respond to a heartfelt question from Heather, a mom navigating divorce while helping her young child through big emotions and challenging behaviors like aggression and biting. I discuss how changes in relationships—such as a deployed parent, a changing caregiver, or shifting custody arrangeme…
…
continue reading

1
S2E33 - Biting, Aggression, and Emotional Overwhelm: Why Kids Act Out During Life Transitions—And How to Help
19:21
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I respond to a heartfelt question from Heather, a mom navigating divorce while helping her young child through big emotions and challenging behaviors like aggression and biting. I discuss how changes in relationships—such as a deployed parent, a changing caregiver, or shifting custody arrangeme…
…
continue reading

1
Clear Policies + Systems = Happy Clients: Managing Cancellations, No-Shows, and Expectations
14:27
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer a fantastic question from Tess in Illinois about balancing boundaries and customer service in private practice. As child-centered play therapists, we want to provide an exceptional experience for families while also maintaining clear policies that support our work. I discuss how policies and sys…
…
continue reading
Send us a text Mental health professionals are human beings who bring all of themselves into the counseling process to walk alongside their clients in the healing process. Humans are prone to biases and imperfection, including those in the mental health field. Play therapy is no different. Maybe that’s one of the reasons we tend to be a little neur…
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer a great question from Zoe in Texas about why I use the House-Tree-Person (HTP) and Kinetic Family Drawing assessments in my practice. I share how I was first introduced to HTP in graduate school and why I believe it aligns well with the child-centered play therapy (CCPT) model. While assessments…
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I continue our neutrality series by exploring what neutrality truly looks like in child-centered play therapy (CCPT). I break down the practical components of neutrality into four key principles: not taking sides, withholding judgment, allowing children to solve their own problems, and embodying deep emp…
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to Michelle from Ireland, who posed three important questions about challenges in child-centered play therapy (CCPT). First, I discuss how to communicate with parents when their responses to their child’s anxiety inadvertently reinforce the behavior they’re trying to address—like avoiding schoo…
…
continue reading
Hey Friends~ Many of you have acknowledged how much of a struggle it is to get Speech Therapy services - either enough or at all. Today, I will address what is going on in speech pathology, how this impacts you, and what you can do to help your kids. According to the National Institute of Health, 40% of our children ages 3-10 are struggling to deve…
…
continue reading
Send us a text What are the four basic play therapy skills every play therapist needs to master to competently provide play therapy that gets real results for your clients? The Association for Play Therapy has identified several play therapy core competencies necessary for becoming a Registered Play Therapist ™ These core competencies identify what…
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer three questions from Melissa in Colorado, covering early termination with clients, the use of rewards for desired behaviors, and how to help children experiencing night terrors. I share guidance on managing early terminations, including setting limits and maintaining neutrality when faced with a…
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I dive deeper into the concept of neutrality in child-centered play therapy (CCPT). I explore the profound idea of “dying to self” in the playroom, where we set aside our personal feelings, agendas, and control to fully accept and support the child’s process. I discuss how true neutrality means honoring …
…
continue reading
In this special live Q&A episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I connected with listeners from around the world to answer their most pressing questions about practicing child-centered play therapy (CCPT). We covered a wide range of topics, including how to ethically document CCPT for older clients who primarily engage through conversation, strategie…
…
continue reading
Hey Friends~ Do you have a complex kid? If you do, you know how much of a struggle it is to find help and get help that gives you confidence in the future. Are you struggling with Mom Guilt? You are not alone! Today’s guest shares her journey with having a complex kid and her journey with speech therapy. Michelle Choairy’s child has Childhood Aprax…
…
continue reading
Send us a text What’s the Backbone of Great Play & Expressive Arts Therapy? Any really great therapist will tell you that one the foundational elements of providing excellent psychotherapy to clients is … … Clinical Case Conceptualization. Are you having flashbacks to graduate school and rolling your eyes at me as you read this? Hang in there a min…
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to a question from Chiara in Florida about working with clients over the age of 14. I explain how child-centered play therapy (CCPT) naturally evolves from a wholly person-centered approach for older teens and adults. Since CCPT is rooted in Carl Rogers' person-centered theory, the core princip…
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I continue exploring the essential role of neutrality in child-centered play therapy (CCPT). I unpack how neutrality balances with congruence—honoring our genuine emotional responses while avoiding expectations that could pressure or influence a child. I share real-life examples and listener questions th…
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I kick off a new series on raising kids who self-regulate. Power struggles and control grabs are common challenges in parenting, but they often undermine the parent-child relationship. I discuss why the ultimate goal is not controlling your child’s behavior but teaching parents a new way to int…
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I kick off a new series on raising kids who self-regulate. Power struggles and control grabs are common challenges in parenting, but they often undermine the parent-child relationship. I discuss why the ultimate goal is not controlling your child’s behavior but teaching parents a new way to int…
…
continue reading
Hey Friends~ Your kids whine … and after a while, you doubt your resolve. “Maybe I am being too harsh.” “Maybe one more cookie doesn’t matter.” “Maybe they aren’t tired enough to go to sleep.” Then, as time goes on, you resent the situation. You resent that you got yourself in this situation AGAIN. And, in those moments, you even resent your child……
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to a question from Christy in New Mexico about working with a 12-year-old client who has a history of cutting and suicidal thoughts. I explore how to approach such sensitive issues within the child-centered play therapy (CCPT) model, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the framework while…
…
continue reading
Send us a text What are the clinical tools in your play therapy and expressive arts toolbox and how do you use those tools effectively with your young clients? Engaging strong clinical decision-making skills when using an integrated approach in play therapy and expressive arts treatment is just as important as if you are applying one specific play …
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer a series of thoughtful questions from Emily in Washington State, who runs an outdoor playschool. Emily asks about integrating CCPT principles into a preschool setting, how to provide therapeutic benefits without formal one-on-one play therapy, and whether mindfulness and social-emotional learnin…
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I introduce a new series focused on neutrality in child-centered play therapy (CCPT). Neutrality is a foundational yet often overlooked aspect of maintaining adherence to the CCPT model. I reflect on my early experiences in the field, where lapses in neutrality led to tangible fractures in the therapeuti…
…
continue reading
In this special "live" episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I reflect on the concept of impact and how we, as child-centered play therapists, can think beyond our immediate work to make a broader difference. While the therapeutic relationship with each child is profoundly impactful, I challenge listeners to consider how their influence can extend t…
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I respond to an insightful email from Laura in the UK, who is navigating challenges with her 10-year-old son. Laura shares concerns about his lack of intrinsic motivation, his struggle with self-worth, and their morning routine battles. I explain how to encourage intrinsic motivation by using n…
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I respond to an insightful email from Laura in the UK, who is navigating challenges with her 10-year-old son. Laura shares concerns about his lack of intrinsic motivation, his struggle with self-worth, and their morning routine battles. I explain how to encourage intrinsic motivation by using n…
…
continue reading

1
195 Zorina Pritchett: Using Games To Develop Reading, Writing, Speaking and Comprehension After Brain Injury
29:26
Hey Friends~ How do you re-teach language to someone who has had a brain injury and lost their language? Today’s guest does a fantastic job to describe how she taught her brother to speak , read, write, and comprehend again after a stroke. This episode is inspiring and educational on how you can build confidence and encourage as well as build in jo…
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer a question from Bracha in New York about working with children who might be on the autism spectrum. Bracha asks how to discuss concerns with parents without directly diagnosing, whether CCPT is appropriate for a four-year-old presenting at an 18-month-old developmental level, and how to adapt la…
…
continue reading
Send us a text Does sand tray therapy in play therapy work? What’s the difference between sandplay therapy and sand tray therapy? Aren’t they the same thing? Words matter when thinking about what you do in play therapy and communicating to others what you’re doing. After all, can you clearly communicate to others if you don’t really understand the …
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to Anna from Virginia, a new child-centered play therapist, who seeks advice on a variety of scenarios with her young client. Anna’s questions revolve around how to handle moments when a child makes assumptions about her thoughts, seeks permission excessively, and expresses negative self-talk i…
…
continue reading