In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I continue our neutrality series by exploring what neutrality truly looks like in child-centered play therapy (CCPT). I break down the practical components of neutrality into four key principles: not taking sides, withholding judgment, allowing children to solve their own problems, and embodying deep empathy. I explain how these elements work together to create a safe, judgment-free environment where children can fully engage in their healing process.

I also address the challenges of achieving complete neutrality as human beings and why congruence is essential to maintaining authenticity in the playroom. Through personal reflections, examples, and a powerful story from a coaching session, I highlight the importance of therapists doing their own inner work to better support their clients. This episode offers encouragement and actionable insights for therapists striving to master neutrality in CCPT.

Play Therapy Podcast Meetup - MISSISSIPPI - Feb 21, 2025 at 6:30pm RSVP here: https://playtherapypodcast_ms.eventbrite.com

Friday Jan 31, 2025, 2 PM to 6:15 PM EST - Exploring the Foundations, Principles, and The “Four Pillars” of Child-Centered Play Therapy- EXTENDED 4 CE. Register here: https://corewellceu.com/event/live-child-centered-play-extended1

PlayTherapyNow.com is my HUB for everything I do! playtherapynow.com. Sign up for my email newsletter, stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice. If you click one link in these show notes, this is the one to click!

If you would like to ask me questions directly, check out www.ccptcollective.com, where I host two weekly Zoom calls filled with advanced CCPT case studies and session reviews, as well as member Q&A. You can take advantage of the two-week free trial to see if the CCPT Collective is right for you.

Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
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CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://www.ccptcollective.com
Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com
APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com
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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.