The Art of Following: Why Letting Children Lead is Key to Being and Effective Child-Centered Play Therapist

Play Therapy Podcast

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I continue our summer school series, diving deep into the principles of effective play therapists as outlined in Landreth's "Innovations in play therapy: Issues, process, and special populations." book. We explore the sixth and seventh principles, which focus on trusting the child's inner direction and appreciating the gradual nature of the therapeutic process. I discuss the importance of allowing children to lead in all areas of the relationship and resisting the urge to direct their play or conversation. This approach conveys to children that they are worthwhile and important, fostering their ability to make their own decisions. I also emphasize the need to be patient with the therapeutic process, understanding that meaningful change must come from within the child and cannot be rushed. Throughout the episode, I draw connections between these principles and the pillars of child-centered play therapy, highlighting how they all work together to create a robust and effective framework for helping children. I share personal insights and experiences to illustrate these concepts, including common challenges therapists may face when working with children and their families. Episode Reference: Landreth, G. L. (Ed.). (2001). Innovations in play therapy: Issues, process, and special populations. Brunner-Routledge.

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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.