In this episode of the CCPT Purism series, I focus on Garry Landreth and the essential role he played in shaping modern Child-Centered Play Therapy. While Rogers, Axline, and the Guerneys laid the philosophical and practical groundwork, Landreth gave the model a clear identity—naming it, defining it, and defending it. I share how his unwavering commitment to purity of the model continues to shape the way we teach, train, and practice CCPT today.

I also reflect on my personal CCPT lineage and how Landreth’s influence shaped my journey, as well as yours. From founding the Center for Play Therapy at UNT to writing The Art of the Relationship, Landreth’s contributions gave CCPT its structure, its language, and its staying power. This episode is a tribute to the legacy we all share—and a reminder to keep asking ourselves whether we are truly living the model with trust, presence, confidence in the model, and commitment to the relationship.

Episode References: Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge. Landreth, G. L. (2002). Innovations in play therapy: Issues, process, and special populations. Philadelphia, PA: Brunner-Routledge. Landreth, G. L. (1991). Child-centered play therapy. The School Counselor, 38(5), 365–371. Landreth, G. L., & Bratton, S. C. (2006). Child parent relationship therapy (CPRT): A 10-session filial therapy model. New York, NY: Routledge. Ray, D. C. (2011). Advanced play therapy: Essential conditions, knowledge, and skills for child practice. New York, NY: Routledge. Cochran, N. H., Nordling, W. J., & Cochran, J. L. (2010). Child-centered play therapy: A practical guide to developing therapeutic relationships with children. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

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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.