Diagnosis is hard. It can feel scary to put a label on a child, especially if you just met them! It is important to explore the whole child and rely on your theory and your training.

In this episode, Kristie and Maggie share their perspectives on diagnosis, how they work to understand the child, and the steps they take to ensure they provide thoughtful and accurate diagnoses. Enjoy!

Do you wonder if you should have books in the playroom? Do you struggle with knowing whether they add to the relationship or detract from it? In this episode, Drs. Kristie and Maggie examine their perspectives of books in the playroom from a child centered perspective. This episode will highlight the rationale from a theoretical perspective, as well as aspects to consider when exploring if you should bring books in or not....

Do you have games in the playroom? Have you been told you need to have games in the playroom? Do you struggle with games as a Child Centered Play Therapist? In this episode, Drs. Kristie and Maggie explore games from a CCPT perspective, share insights into how they've navigated games in the playroom, and questions play therapists should ask themselves before including games in the playroom. Enjoy!

Do you sometimes feel stuck with clients? Do you feel like you struggle to engage and/or understand? Is it hard to find new things to say when children engage in the same play activities each week?

In this session, Maggie and Kristie explore how they work to engage, share vulnerable moments when we struggled, and provide ways to ensure that as play therapists we are focused on the children's needs. Being a play therapist is hard!

Dr. Krystal Turner is back exploring the impacts of her dissertation, the ways her experiences in play changed her perspectives on parents, and the people who continue to support her throughout her journey. Listen in and gain insight into what a dissertation really is, the importance of meeting people where they are rather than by what you may believe to be true, and the beauty of play therapy relationships!

Have you wondered how the toys in the room represent your clients? Do you want to make sure that children feel safe and seen in your space?

In this episode, Dr. Krystal Turner talks about her journey to play therapy and how she works to support children in the playroom. Dr. Turner's doctoral journey focused on ensuring all children felt seen in the playroom.

In this episode, Drs. Kristie and Maggie explore how to provide empathy for children in the playroom, and what they do in the moments they struggle to provide empathy. Sometimes, it is difficult to provide unconditional positive regard, and Kristie and Maggie explore how they work to always provide it for all children, and how they get there.

Dr. Opiola and Parker share their personal experiences with children who experienced trauma. They share insights into their practices, how trauma has shown up in some cases, and ways they work to be mindful and responsive to their clients.

Today Drs. Parker and Opiola discuss child centered play therapy and childhood trauma. Drawing on person experience, theory, and neurobiology, Kristie and Maggie explore how CCPT can help children heal and grow through trauma.

In this episode, Kristie and Maggie explore authenticity in the playroom, what that looks like, and the impacts on children. Transparency can go a long way- this episode may also be helpful for adults who work with children and may struggle with knowing what to share and how-especially when the adult is having a difficult time. Enjoy!