Meeting Children Where They Are: The Power of Child-Centered Play Therapy

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I continue the Summer School Series by exploring Garry Landreth's Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship, fourth edition. I discuss how play serves as a vital medium of communication for children, allowing them to express feelings and attitudes that may be too difficult to articulate verbally. As therapists, it’s essential to meet children at their level, rather than imposing verbal or cognitive demands, which can create barriers in the therapeutic relationship. By letting children lead through play, we empower them to work through their struggles in their own way, building long-term coping skills and resilience.

I also share insights from Bettelheim, emphasizing how even the most well-adjusted children encounter overwhelming challenges, and through symbolic play, they can gradually learn to cope. This episode serves as a reminder of the importance of non-directive play therapy and the significant impact it has on a child's development. My hope is that this discussion reignites your passion for child-centered play therapy and encourages you to stay grounded in the principles that make it so effective.

Episode Reference:
Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). 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.