182 | Mastering the 5 Goals of Child-Centered Play Therapy Sessions: From Theory to Practice

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I continue our summer school series by diving into "A Practical Handbook for Building the Play Therapy Relationship" by Giordano, Landreth, and Jones. I explore the five key goals of play therapy sessions and discuss how child-centered play therapy techniques help achieve these goals. I break down each goal, explaining how reflective responding, conveying be-with attitudes, limit setting, choice giving, and esteem building contribute to children's growth and healing. I emphasize the importance of self-directed play and how it leads to self-actualization in children. Additionally, I delve into the significance of the therapist's attitude and non-verbal communication in creating a genuine, trusting, and empathic relationship with the child. I remind my fellow play therapists that while understanding the rationale and wording of therapeutic responses is crucial, it's the relationship that truly empowers and heals. I encourage therapists to prioritize both skill development and relationship-building in their practice. Episode Reference: Giordano, M., Landreth, G., & Jones, L. (2005). A practical handbook for building the play therapy relationship. Jason Aronson.

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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.