Reflective responding... empathic responding. Whatever it is you call it, it's the skill that play therapists use to ensure that the child is heard, understood, and accepted.  It's how you stay present during the session.  In this episode I cover the background, and the "why" we use reflective responding.  So before we get into the specific language and phrases, it's important to understand the big picture and why this is a foundational skill in child-centered play therapy.   Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com Email me: [email protected]   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. (2002). Play therapy: The art of the relationship (2nd ed.). Brunner-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.