Play Therapy Parenting Podcast

• S3E2 - Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Why Play Therapy Works

  In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I talk about one of the biggest questions parents ask: Why does play therapy actually work? On the surface it looks like kids are just playing, but what’s really happening is deep, hard emotional work. Play creates the safety and freedom children need to show their fears, frustrations, and struggles in ways they can’t with words. I explain how child-centered play therapy provides the right conditions — a safe environment, a trusting relationship, and the freedom to be fully themselves — so children can process, heal, and grow. It might look simple, but it is profoundly effective, because it honors where kids are developmentally and allows them to do the emotional work they can’t do anywhere else. Ask Me Questions:  Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: [email protected] My Book: Device Detox: A Parent's Guide To Reducing Usage, Preventing Tantrums, And Raising Happier Kids - https://a.co/d/bThnKH9 Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/ My Newsletter Signup: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/newsletter/ My Podcast Partner, Gabb Wireless: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/gabb/ Common References: 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.

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• S3E1 - Parent Companion for Play Therapy: New Series Intro & Adulthood Bias- Why Parents Misunderstand Their Kids

  I’m excited to kick off Season 3 of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast! This series is called Parent Companion for Play Therapy, and it’s designed both for parents whose children are in play therapy and for any parent who wants to better understand their kids. Whether you’re navigating the therapy process or simply looking for a new perspective at home, these episodes will give you clarity, confidence, and practical ways to connect with your child. In this first episode, I introduce the series and dive into one of the most important concepts: Adulthood Bias. This happens when we interpret children’s behavior through our adult lens of logic, reasoning, and expectations. But kids don’t process the world the way we do — they act and react from feelings, not logic. I share real-life examples of how Adulthood Bias shows up and explain how shifting our mindset helps us respond with curiosity and connection instead of frustration. This mindset shift is the foundation for everything else we’ll cover this season. Ask Me Questions:  Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: [email protected] My Book: Device Detox: A Parent's Guide To Reducing Usage, Preventing Tantrums, And Raising Happier Kids - https://a.co/d/bThnKH9 Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/ My Newsletter Signup: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/newsletter/ My Podcast Partner, Gabb Wireless: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/gabb/ Common References: 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.

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• S2E52 - Effectively Handling Power Struggles with Your Strong-Willed Child

  In this episode, I answer follow-up questions from a listener named Brianna about managing challenging behaviors with her 9-year-old daughter. We talk about how to handle situations where kids refuse to make choices, how to give choices effectively without creating power struggles, and how to respond when children act out as a way to regain control. I also touch on common issues like initiating fights, boredom-related misbehavior on road trips, and emotional reactions in friendships. If you’ve ever struggled with giving your child power in healthy ways, especially during tense moments, this episode offers practical tools to help. You’ll learn specific phrases to use, the importance of offering choices proactively (not just during discipline), and how to set calm, neutral limits that lead to more cooperation and less conflict. Ask Me Questions:  Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: [email protected] My Book: Device Detox: A Parent's Guide To Reducing Usage, Preventing Tantrums, And Raising Happier Kids - https://a.co/d/bThnKH9 Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/ My Newsletter Signup: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/newsletter/ My Podcast Partner, Gabb Wireless: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/gabb/ Common References: 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.

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• S2E51 - Toilet Training at 9 or 10? You’re Not Alone—and There Is Hope for Older Kids

  In this episode, I respond to a listener question from a mom struggling with her nearly 10-year-old son’s ongoing toileting issues. If you’ve ever felt isolated, frustrated, or overwhelmed because your child isn’t toilet trained at an age when society says they “should be,” you are not alone. I walk through why toileting can be an anxiety-driven control issue, especially for children on the autism spectrum, and how to start a compassionate, step-by-step desensitization process to bring about change—without shame, punishment, or pressure. This episode is especially important if your older child is still having accidents or refusing to use the toilet, even after years of effort. I help you reframe this issue through a child-centered lens, emphasizing regulation, consistency, and empathy. Most of all, I want to give you hope: this can change, and your child can succeed. You are not failing, and your child is not broken. Ask Me Questions:  Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: [email protected] My Book: Device Detox: A Parent's Guide To Reducing Usage, Preventing Tantrums, And Raising Happier Kids - https://a.co/d/bThnKH9 Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/ My Newsletter Signup: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/newsletter/ My Podcast Partner, Gabb Wireless: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/gabb/ Common References: 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.

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• S2E50 - Power Struggles with Kids: The Surprising Fix That Works

  In this episode, I answer a question from a mom of two daughters who is struggling with sass, sibling fights, and power struggles—especially with her 9-year-old. While it may feel like a dozen separate issues, I explain how these behaviors can often be traced back to one underlying theme: a child’s need for power and control. Once we see it through that lens, things become much clearer. I walk through how giving choices within boundaries can reduce conflict, why reflecting feelings is especially important for sensitive kids, and how adulthood bias can unintentionally cause us to expect our children to act like little adults. I also share the importance of setting aside even just 15 minutes of focused, unconditional time to strengthen your connection. These simple shifts can make a big difference in easing the power struggles and building a stronger relationship with your child. Ask Me Questions:  Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: [email protected] My Book: Device Detox: A Parent's Guide To Reducing Usage, Preventing Tantrums, And Raising Happier Kids - https://a.co/d/bThnKH9 Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/ My Newsletter Signup: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/newsletter/ My Podcast Partner, Gabb Wireless: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/gabb/ Common References: 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.

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