Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy Excellence

Cathi Spooner, LCSW, RPT-S
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Join me on Next Level Play Therapy, a podcast for child and adolescent therapists seeking to elevate your play therapy services. Hosted by Cathi Spooner, LCSW, RPT-S, at Renewing Hearts Play Therapy Training.   Each episode delves into the nuances of play therapy, exploring innovative techniques, evidence-based practices, and practical strategies for providing exceptional therapeutic experiences. These engaging discussions cover a wide range of topics, including building rapport with children, how to make sure you get great outcomes for clients, therapeutic toys and tools and strategies to use in sessions, addressing trauma and attachment issues, engaging parents, promoting emotional regulation, and nurturing resilience for children and their families. Whether you're an experienced therapist looking to refine your skills or a novice clinician venturing into the world of play therapy, the Next Level Play Therapy podcast equips you with the knowledge and insights to enhance your play therapy practice. With interviews featuring experts in play therapy, exploration of best practices, discussion of game-changing principles and strategies, this podcast equips you with the tools to unlock the amazing power of play therapy to transform the lives of children, adolescents, and families. Tune in to Next Level Play Therapy and take a journey towards becoming an exceptional play therapist as we navigate the next level strategies that lead to profound healing and growth for children and their families.

  1. The Missing Piece: How to Include Parents in Play Therapy for Children with Trauma

    1D AGO

    The Missing Piece: How to Include Parents in Play Therapy for Children with Trauma

    Send us Fan Mail Using play therapy with traumatized children and teens is complex, and many play therapists find themselves asking:  "Where do the parents fit in?" “What do I do if my client is in foster care?  How do I include parents?” Too often, parents or caregivers are left out of the process or integrated without a clear plan. This can lead to missed healing opportunities or accidentally triggering trauma. In this free weekly podcast, we’re diving deep into the critical role of parents (caregivers) in the trauma healing process.  I’ll walk you through a fictitious case study (Carla) to show you exactly how to move from case conceptualization to successful treatment planning, including parent integration. 🎯 In this week’s episode, we discuss: The Conceptualization Process: How to identify the "what" and "how" of parent inclusion.Neuroscience & Attachment: Understanding the parent's role through a biological and relational lens.Practical Strategies: Key things to consider when bringing parents into the playroom. Stop feeling overwhelmed and start building a clear plan for your clients' success.  Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills

    42 min
  2. Play Therapy Case Conceptualization: Trauma, Attachment & Behavior

    MAY 14

    Play Therapy Case Conceptualization: Trauma, Attachment & Behavior

    Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever left a play therapy session thinking…  “I see the behaviors—but what’s actually driving them?” You’re not alone. And more importantly—you’re not supposed to stay stuck there. In this podcast episode, we break down how to use case conceptualization in play therapy through a neuroscience and attachment lens so you can finally understand what’s at the root of a child’s behavior — not just what’s showing up on the surface. Using a case study of a 7-year-old child in foster care (fictitious client), you’ll learn how trauma, attachment disruption, and the nervous system shape behaviors like clinginess, withdrawal, food hoarding, and sleep difficulties — and how to respond in a way that actually promotes healing. Because here’s the shift:  👉 Behavior isn’t the problem. It’s the clue. 🎯 In this week’s podcast episode, we’re discussing: What case conceptualization in play therapy actually is (and why it changes everything)How to move from surface behaviors → root causes using a trauma-informed lensHow the nervous system drives behavior in children with trauma historiesHow attachment patterns show up in the playroom and at homeWhat to look for in play themes and symbolic expressionHow to stop guessing in play therapy sessions — and start making confident clinical decisions 🧠 Why This Matters Without a clear case conceptualization, it’s easy to: Chase behaviorsSecond-guess your interventionsFeel like your sessions lack direction But when you understand the why behind the behavior, everything shifts. You become more grounded.  More intentional.  More effective. 👩‍⚕️ Who This Is For: ✔ Play therapists working with traumatized children and teens  ✔ Child therapists feeling unsure what’s happening in play therapy sessions  ✔ Clinicians wanting to integrate neuroscience + attachment into play therapy  ✔ Play therapists ready to move beyond “just using activities” If you’re ready to stop guessing in the playroom and start seeing what’s really happening beneath the behavior… This is where it starts. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills

    43 min
  3. Polyvagal Theory Is Being Challenged… What Play Therapists Need to Know

    MAY 7

    Polyvagal Theory Is Being Challenged… What Play Therapists Need to Know

    Send us Fan Mail Is Polyvagal Theory still valid? And what does the latest scientific debate mean for your play therapy practice? Polyvagal Theory (PVT), developed by Stephen Porges, has become one of the most widely used frameworks in trauma-informed therapy. But recent critiques from neuroscientists and researchers are challenging key assumptions about the vagus nerve, autonomic nervous system hierarchy, and the evidence behind PVT. If you’re a play therapist using Polyvagal Theory — or teaching it to parents — you’ve probably felt that quiet question in the back of your mind:  “Am I explaining this accurately… or just repeating what I was taught?” You’re not alone. In this podcast episode, we break down the current Polyvagal Theory debate in a way that actually makes sense — without requiring a neuroscience degree or a second cup of coffee just to survive it. Because here’s the truth: Even when theories are debated, your clinical work still needs to be grounded, ethical, and effective. 🎯 In this week's episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ A clear, simplified explanation of Polyvagal Theory  ✔️ The main scientific critiques of PVT (what’s being questioned—and why)  ✔️ What parts of Polyvagal Theory still hold clinical value  ✔️ How to responsibly use nervous system concepts in play therapy  ✔️ How to explain regulation and safety to children and parents with confidence 💡 Whether you’re feeling confused, curious, or slightly betrayed by your favorite theory (yeah… we went there), this episode will help you separate what’s useful from what’s uncertain — so you can keep showing up as a grounded, confident play therapist. 👇 Tell me in the comments:  Are you using Polyvagal Theory in your play therapy sessions? What questions has this debate brought up for you? Here are some resources if you’d like to explore the issues in more depth: Grossman, P., et. al. (2026). Why Polyvagal Theory is untenable. Clinical Neuropsychiatry, 23,(1), 100-112.  doi: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20260111 Porges, W. S. (2026). when a critique becomes untenable: a scholarly response to Grossman et al.’s evaluation of Polyvagal Theory. Clinical Neuropsychiatry, 23(1), 113-128.  doi.org/10.36131/cnfioritieditore20260111 Ana Lund Substack articles are an interesting read from a clinician’s perspective Scientists vs. The Polyvagal Industrial Complex is Autonomic Nervous System Literacy for Therapists: The LowdownDr. Birthe Macdonald has also written and shared some interesting articles on Substack (my new nerdy place to get some neuroscience scoop from the scientific community) Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills

    40 min
  4. Sand Tray Therapy: Should You Interpret a Child’s Play? (3 Things to Consider)

    APR 30

    Sand Tray Therapy: Should You Interpret a Child’s Play? (3 Things to Consider)

    Send us Fan Mail You just know what your client’s sand tray means… but should you say it? In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest clinical dilemmas in play therapy:  👉 Do you share your interpretation of a child’s sand tray scene—or hold it? If you’ve ever felt that pull—the moment where everything clicks and you want to connect the dots for your client—this conversation is for you. Because here’s the truth:  What you say (and when you say it)… can either deepen the healing—or shut it down. In this free podcast episode, you’ll learn how to hold the sand tray process in a way that protects the therapeutic space while strengthening your clinical decision-making. 🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn: • The real role of interpretation in sand tray therapy • Why timing matters more than insight • 3 key factors to consider before sharing what you see • How to avoid disrupting the child’s internal healing process • What to do when you’re tempted to say something 🧠 This is for play therapists who:  • Second-guess what to say in play therapy sessions  • Feel unsure about interpreting sand tray scenes  • Want to move beyond “just observing” into intentional, theory-driven work using play therapy  • Are ready to trust their clinical judgment with more confidence ✨ Whether you’re new to sand tray therapy or refining your skills, this episode will help you stay grounded, intentional, and aligned with the healing process—without rushing to interpret. 🔔 Subscribe for more play therapy trainings on sand tray, trauma, attachment, and working with children & teens. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills

    40 min
  5. Virtual Play Therapy Explained: Tools, Tips & Platforms for Play Therapists

    APR 23

    Virtual Play Therapy Explained: Tools, Tips & Platforms for Play Therapists

    Send us Fan Mail Virtual play therapy isn’t the future anymore… it’s already here. But let’s be real for a second— Most platforms weren’t built for play therapists. They weren’t designed to engage children using play therapeutically.  For expressive play.  For the kind of symbolic, relational work you do every single day. So what happens when a platform is built with play therapists in mind? That’s exactly what we’re diving into in this special podcast episode with Brendan Herjavec, Chief Innovation Officer at PlaySpace. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking… → How do I actually DO play therapy virtually?  → How do I stay engaging and effective through a screen?  → Is there a better way than trying to make traditional telehealth platforms “work”? …this conversation is for you. Because here’s the truth:  Virtual play therapy isn’t going away. And when done well—it can be powerful, connected, and deeply therapeutic. ✨ In this episode, we’ll explore:  ✓ What PlaySpace is and how it was designed specifically for play therapists  ✓ How a virtual play therapy platform can support symbolic play, creativity, and engagement  ✓ The biggest challenges play therapists face when working virtually—and how to overcome them  ✓ How to maintain connection, attunement, and safety in an online playroom  ✓ Why using the right tools can change how effective your sessions feel We’re not just talking about “making do” with virtual therapy. We’re talking about creating a playroom… just in a different dimension. 🎯 Whether you’re already doing virtual play therapy—or still unsure how it could even work—  this episode will give you a new lens (and maybe a little hope) for what’s possible. Because the question isn’t if play therapy can happen online. It’s how to do it in a way that actually works. Connect with Brendan Herjave on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/in/brendanherjavec Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills

    36 min
  6. Sand Tray Therapy: How to Identify Themes in a Play Therapy Session

    APR 16

    Sand Tray Therapy: How to Identify Themes in a Play Therapy Session

    Send us Fan Mail How do you identify themes in sand tray therapy sessions? One of the most important skills for play therapists is learning how to recognize themes in play therapy, especially when working with sand tray therapy.  Themes reveal the deeper emotional experiences children are trying to process through symbolic play. In this week’s free weekly podcast episode, you’ll learn how to identify themes in sand tray therapy sessions and what to look for when a child creates a sand tray scene. We’ll explore: What a theme in play therapy actually is and how to identify themHow symbols in the sand tray communicate meaningWhat to notice about placement of miniatures (buried, elevated, outside the tray, or stacked)How use of space and proximity between symbols can reveal relational dynamicsWhy what a child says—and doesn’t say—during the play therapy session mattersHow your theoretical play therapy model influences how you understand themes You’ll also learn the important theoretical distinctions between sandplay therapy and sand tray therapy. Understanding themes in play therapy helps play therapists move beyond simply observing play to developing a clinical lens for case conceptualization and therapeutic intervention. If you’re a play therapist who has ever wondered:  "What does this sand tray scene mean?" That’s exactly what we’re discussing during this week’s free podcast episode that will help you begin recognizing the patterns and themes that emerge in symbolic play. Resources for Play Therapists If you're looking to deepen your play therapy skills, explore training opportunities, consultation, and community support: 🌿 Play therapy and sand tray therapy trainings 🌿Play Therapy Academy for strategic play therpay skill building 🌿Play Therapy Elevation CIRCLE community for support and feedback 🌿 Resources for working with children and adolescents Visit: https://rhplaytherapytraining.com Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills

    33 min
  7. Play Therapy Assessment Explained: How to Know If Your Play Therapy Sessions Are Working

    APR 9

    Play Therapy Assessment Explained: How to Know If Your Play Therapy Sessions Are Working

    Send us Fan Mail You can have the most beautiful playroom… the best toys… even strong rapport… But if you’re not assessing what’s actually happening beneath the play, you might be missing the very thing your client needs most. In this episode of Next Level Play Therapy, we’re breaking down one of the most overlooked (and misunderstood) skills in play therapy: assessment—and why it directly impacts your case conceptualization, treatment planning, and outcomes. If you’ve ever wondered: → “How do I know if play therapy is actually working?” → “What are kids really communicating through their play?” → “Do I need formal assessment tools to be effective?” This conversation will shift how you see your role as a play therapist—moving you from guessing… to grounded clinical clarity. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: ✔ The difference between formal vs. informal assessment in play therapy—and when each matters ✔ Why assessment isn’t a one-time event (and how it evolves across the entire treatment process) ✔ How your theoretical model shapes what you notice—and what you might be missing ✔ The connection between assessment → case conceptualization → treatment decisions ✔ How to identify the root causes behind behaviors like tantrums, emotional dysregulation, and oppositional patterns ✔ When to refer for standardized assessments (and why missing this step can stall progress) WHY THIS MATTERS: Without clear assessment, play therapy can easily become a collection of play therapy activities instead of a targeted, theory-driven process. Because here’s the truth… Two children can present with the exact same behavior— …but have completely different underlying needs. And if you’re treating the behavior instead of the root? You’ll feel stuck. Your clients will plateau. And that quiet voice of self-doubt starts creeping in. Assessment is what turns you into a clinical detective—helping you understand not just what is happening… but why. 🌱 READY TO GO DEEPER? If you’re ready to stop second-guessing and start practicing with confidence, check out my course: 👉 Getting Grounded in Play Therapy Case Conceptualization Learn the core skills every play therapist needs to build a strong clinical framework and create meaningful, lasting change. 🔗 Explore here: https://www.rhplaytherapytraining.com/courses/case-conceptualization 👉 Want support from a community of like-minded play therapists? I have two types of memberships depending on your needs.  Here’s the link for more information about Play Therapy Academy and Play Therapy Elevation CIRCLE: https://www.rhplaytherapytraining.com/supervision Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills

    40 min
  8. Case Conceptualization in Play Therapy: Why You Feel Stuck (and How to Fix It)

    APR 2

    Case Conceptualization in Play Therapy: Why You Feel Stuck (and How to Fix It)

    Send us Fan Mail Are you feeling stuck in your play therapy sessions… unsure what to do next or why your play therapy interventions aren’t working? You might be missing the most important step in the entire play therapy treatment process: case conceptualization in play therapy. In this episode, you’ll learn what case conceptualization actually is (without the grad school confusion) and how it becomes your clinical roadmap for helping children and teens heal. Because here’s the truth—when you skip this step, you’re not just guessing… you’re treating the  🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ What case conceptualization in play therapy really means ✔️ How to identify the root causes behind a child’s behavior ✔️ Why information gathering alone is NOT enough ✔️ How your play therapy theoretical model shapes what you see (and miss) ✔️ How to create a working hypothesis that guides your sessions ✔️ Why strong case conceptualization 🧠 Why this matters: Case conceptualization isn’t just a clinical task—it’s the foundation of effective play therapy. When you understand what’s happening underneath the behavior, you can: → Target the right play therapy interventions → Stop feeling lost in play therapy sessions → Build confidence in your clinical decisions → Actually see meaningful change in your clients The mistake most play therapists make: They jump into play therapy sessions without fully understanding the why behind the child’s struggles. And that’s when therapy starts to feel confusing, overwhelming… and ineffective. Ready to go deeper? If you want a clear, step-by-step framework for building strong case conceptualizations: 👉 Check out Getting Grounded in Play Therapy Case Conceptualization https://www.rhplaytherapytraining.com/courses/case-conceptualization 👉 Learn more about Play Therapy Academy (advanced consultation & skill-building) https://www.rhplaytherapytraining.com/play-therapy-academy Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills

    39 min
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Ratings & Reviews

3.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Join me on Next Level Play Therapy, a podcast for child and adolescent therapists seeking to elevate your play therapy services. Hosted by Cathi Spooner, LCSW, RPT-S, at Renewing Hearts Play Therapy Training.   Each episode delves into the nuances of play therapy, exploring innovative techniques, evidence-based practices, and practical strategies for providing exceptional therapeutic experiences. These engaging discussions cover a wide range of topics, including building rapport with children, how to make sure you get great outcomes for clients, therapeutic toys and tools and strategies to use in sessions, addressing trauma and attachment issues, engaging parents, promoting emotional regulation, and nurturing resilience for children and their families. Whether you're an experienced therapist looking to refine your skills or a novice clinician venturing into the world of play therapy, the Next Level Play Therapy podcast equips you with the knowledge and insights to enhance your play therapy practice. With interviews featuring experts in play therapy, exploration of best practices, discussion of game-changing principles and strategies, this podcast equips you with the tools to unlock the amazing power of play therapy to transform the lives of children, adolescents, and families. Tune in to Next Level Play Therapy and take a journey towards becoming an exceptional play therapist as we navigate the next level strategies that lead to profound healing and growth for children and their families.

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