182 | Mastering the 5 Goals of Child-Centered Play Therapy Sessions: From Theory to Practice

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I continue our summer school series by diving into "A Practical Handbook for Building the Play Therapy Relationship" by Giordano, Landreth, and Jones. I explore the five key goals of play therapy sessions and discuss how child-centered play therapy techniques help achieve these goals. I break down each goal, explaining how reflective responding, conveying be-with attitudes, limit setting, choice giving, and esteem building contribute to children's growth and healing. I emphasize the importance of self-directed play and how it leads to self-actualization in children. Additionally, I delve into the significance of the therapist's attitude and non-verbal communication in creating a genuine, trusting, and empathic relationship with the child. I remind my fellow play therapists that while understanding the rationale and wording of therapeutic responses is crucial, it's the relationship that truly empowers and heals. I encourage therapists to prioritize both skill development and relationship-building in their practice. Episode Reference: Giordano, M., Landreth, G., & Jones, L. (2005). A practical handbook for building the play therapy relationship. Jason Aronson.

Sign up for my exclusive newsletter at playtherapynow.com. Stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice!

Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: [email protected] Brenna's CCPT Hub: https://www.playtherapynow.com CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://www.ccptcollective.com Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor Facebook: https://facebook.com/playtherapypodcast

Common References: Cochran, N., Nordling, W., & Cochran, J. (2010). Child-Centered Play Therapy (1st ed.). Wiley. VanFleet, R., Sywulak, A. E., & Sniscak, C. C. (2010). Child-centered play therapy. Guilford Press. Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge. Bratton, S. C., Landreth, G. L., Kellam, T., & Blackard, S. R. (2006). Child parent relationship therapy (CPRT) treatment manual: A 10-session filial therapy model for training parents. Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group. Benedict, Helen. Themes in Play Therapy. Used with permission to Heartland Play Therapy Institute.