Welcoming Back Clients: Handling Returns to Child-Centered Play Therapy

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I respond to a question from Danielle in Georgia about handling a client’s return to child-centered play therapy (CCPT) after a year-long hiatus. Danielle's client has spent time reminiscing about previous therapy experiences and wondering about changes in the playroom. I explain that while the process of CCPT remains unchanged, the return of a client often brings a mix of reminiscing and exploratory play. This is natural as the child re-establishes the therapeutic relationship and reassesses old play themes to determine if they still hold significance.

I emphasize that therapists should join the child in reminiscing, validating their memories and reflecting their feelings. This connection strengthens the therapeutic bond and allows the child to re-enter the process at their own pace. The goal is to acknowledge the past while supporting the child in rediscovering the work that still needs to be done.

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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.