In this episode of the Art of the Session series, I focus on how we engage in role play within child-centered play therapy sessions—and more importantly, how to do it without taking over the process. Role play often trips up even seasoned therapists, especially when we assume, ad-lib, or react without clarity. I share specific examples of how to stay grounded, use whisper or wonder techniques when unclear, and how to remain neutral in your tone and response—no matter how absurd, violent, or emotional the play might get.

Whether it’s being assigned the role of a queen, a mom, or a turtle, it’s essential that we don’t bring our own scripts into the session. Instead, I explain how to wait, reflect, and let the child set the pace and parameters of the play—so we remain truly child-centered. This episode reinforces that every interaction—even pretend food, puppet bites, or birthday announcements—offers us an opportunity to respond without leading, interpreting, or disrupting the child’s process.

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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. Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315537948 Benedict, Helen. Themes in Play Therapy. Used with permission to Heartland Play Therapy Institute.