Session Savvy: Avoiding a Common Choice-Giving Mistake in Child-Centered Play Therapy

In this Session Savvy episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I discuss the critical importance of phrasing choices correctly in child-centered play therapy (CCPT). While we often focus on including the word "choose" in our choice-giving, the phrasing itself is just as essential. I explain why questions like "Do you want to choose?" or "Would you like to choose?" are problematic, as they invite a "no" response and undermine the structure and empowerment that proper choice-giving offers.

I share clear examples of how to frame choices effectively to maintain the child’s sense of autonomy and ensure the therapeutic process stays consistent with CCPT principles. I also provide a bonus tip about handling situations where a child creatively solves a problem within the given limits, highlighting the flexibility and depth of the CCPT approach.

Sign up for my exclusive newsletter at playtherapynow.com. Stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice!

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 Brenna's CCPT Hub: https://www.playtherapynow.com 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 Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor Facebook: https://facebook.com/playtherapypodcast

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.