In this episode, I answer a question from a mom who is trying to decide whether to pursue an ADHD evaluation for her six-year-old while he is already in play therapy. I walk through the larger issue many parents face — the pressure to evaluate, diagnose, and medicate quickly — and how that differs from a child-centered approach that looks at the whole child first. I explain why behavior should never be reduced to a snapshot moment in time and why dysregulation, anxiety, power struggles, and lack of emotional vocabulary can often look like ADHD on the surface.

I also clarify that an evaluation is simply a tool for information. It does not force you to medicate, label, or take any specific path. You remain in control of what you do with the results. My perspective is to pursue the least invasive support first — allowing play therapy to address regulation, self-esteem, and emotional development — and then make informed decisions if concerns remain. This episode is about helping parents slow down, think holistically, and make decisions from clarity rather than pressure.

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. Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge.

In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I talk about relational issues — when children struggle socially, don't seem to connect with peers, or have difficulty maintaining friendships. I explain that these struggles are often rooted in a lack of identity or self-concept. When a child doesn't know who they are, they try on different roles from day to day, which makes it hard for other children to relate to them. In other cases, a child may have a consistent pattern of maladaptive behavior that creates distance in relationships.

I walk through how child-centered play therapy helps. In the playroom, children experience unconditional acceptance and freedom from pressure. Over time, they begin to recognize how they want to show up in relationships. Without being forced or corrected, they develop self-awareness, self-concept, and a clearer sense of identity. As they grow into who they want to be, relational struggles begin to shift because other children can finally connect with someone who knows and accepts themselves.

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. Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge.

In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I talk about aggression — one of the most common concerns that brings children into child-centered play therapy. I explain that aggression is usually rooted in one of two things: dysregulation combined with a lack of emotional vocabulary, or a mask for vulnerability. When children don't have the words for what they're feeling and don't yet know how to regulate those feelings, aggression becomes the physical way they show distress. Other times, aggression is a shield — a way to avoid the vulnerability underneath disappointment, hurt, or betrayal.

I also explain why aggression in play is not something to fear. In the playroom, children are given safe outlets to release aggression and learn to regulate it appropriately. Through limits, relationship, and emotional vocabulary building, children naturally reduce maladaptive aggression over time. Research shows that children who enter CCPT for aggression become less aggressive — not more — because they are given the space and support to become better versions of themselves.

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. Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge.

In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I talk about internalizing behaviors and how they often go unnoticed because these kids keep everything inside. Internalizing children feel just as deeply as externalizing children, but instead of showing their distress outwardly, they stuff it. Over time, that stored-up emotion builds tension until it finally breaks through in a flood of tears or overwhelm. I explain how family roles, subtle pressure, and unmet needs often contribute to this pattern. I also walk through what happens in the playroom for internalizing kids. In child-centered play therapy, they begin developing emotional vocabulary, ownership, and assertiveness. Instead of staying passive or believing they must hold everything together, they learn that their feelings can be expressed safely and that their needs can be met. Over time, they move toward balance — not stuffing emotions, and not exploding — but communicating them in healthy ways.

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. Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge.

In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I explain externalizing behaviors — what they are, why they happen, and how child-centered play therapy helps. Externalizing kids show their distress outwardly through behaviors like yelling, hitting, throwing, running, or melting down. These children are big feelers with intense internal experiences, and their behavior is their way of showing how overwhelmed they feel. They aren't trying to manipulate or get attention — they're trying to get relief from feelings they don't know how to manage yet.

I walk through what happens in the playroom for externalizing children and why CCPT works. Through reflective responding, clear limits when needed, and lots of choice, children slowly develop emotional vocabulary, regulation, and a sense of control. Over time, the extreme highs and lows begin to level out, and children learn to express feelings with words instead of behavior. This episode helps parents understand what externalizing behavior really means and why play therapy supports lasting change.

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. Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge.

In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I focus on power and control — one of the most common reasons children enter child-centered play therapy. I explain why kids who constantly push, demand, and fight for control are not being manipulative or defiant, but are responding to a deep sense of powerlessness in their lives. Children have very little control over their daily world, and when circumstances feel overwhelming or unpredictable, they grab control wherever they can.

I walk through how power and control struggles show up in the playroom and how CCPT allows children to safely work through this need. In play, children often swing from having no power to taking all the power, before eventually settling into a balanced middle ground. Through choice, trust, and a neutral therapeutic relationship, children learn they don't need to dominate or resist to feel secure. This episode helps parents understand why power struggles happen and how play therapy helps children naturally move toward balance and regulation.

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. Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge.

In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I focus on anxiety — one of the most common reasons parents seek child-centered play therapy for their children. I explain how anxiety usually isn't something that suddenly appears, but instead reflects an underlying predisposition that has been present for a long time. Often, a single event brings that anxiety to the surface, and from there, children begin fearing the fear itself. As anxiety increases, so does a child's need for control, which is why anxiety and power struggles so often show up together.

I walk through what anxiety looks like inside the playroom, including resistance, hesitation, and the slow pace anxious children need in order to feel safe. I explain how fear-facing play, repetition, and desensitization help children rebuild trust in themselves. Over time, as anxiety decreases, we also see a decrease in control behaviors, alongside increases in self-esteem and emotional vocabulary. This episode helps parents understand what anxiety really is, how CCPT addresses it, and how growth in therapy leads to lasting change beyond the playroom.

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. Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge.

In this episode, I answer a question from Melissa about children who are possessive of their things and struggle with sharing. I explain why phrases like "that's mine" are often tied to power and control, and why this behavior is also developmentally appropriate, especially for younger children. Kids only have control over a few areas of their lives, so when they feel powerless, they grab control wherever they can — including toys and people. Understanding this helps parents respond without frustration or shame.

I walk through how to use reflection of feeling, choice giving, and clear limits to support sharing in a child-centered way. Instead of forcing compliance, these tools return a sense of control to the child while still teaching turn-taking, empathy, and waiting. This episode helps parents see possessiveness not as a character flaw, but as a normal developmental response that can be guided calmly and effectively.

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. Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge.

In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I explain the idea of layers of an onion and how it helps parents understand what's really happening as children work through challenges in child-centered play therapy. Each issue a child brings — anxiety, control, regulation, self-esteem, fear — is its own layer, but none of them exist in isolation. They are all connected and influence each other as part of the child's overall growth.

I walk through how these layers develop and shift together over time, alongside the four universal outcomes of play therapy. When a child works on one area, it naturally impacts others. This episode builds on the waffles and spaghetti concept and helps parents understand why play therapy leads to broad, meaningful change rather than isolated fixes — and why children don't work through issues one at a time, even if it looks that way from the outside.

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. Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge.

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom navigating a difficult co-parenting situation during divorce. Her young children are repeating things they've been told at the other parent's house — including statements that aren't true and comments that put them in the middle of adult conflict. I explain why shielding children from divorce details is not only appropriate, but essential for their emotional safety, and why kids should never feel responsible for adult problems.

I walk through child-centered ways to respond when children repeat things they shouldn't know or accuse a parent of lying. I explain how to reflect feelings when emotions are present, how to respond neutrally when they're not, how to return responsibility back to adults, and how calm, consistent truth builds trust over time. This episode helps parents protect the parent-child relationship, support their child's emotional safety, and stay grounded when kids are caught between conflicting messages.

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. Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge.

In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I explain how a child's brain works differently from an adult's brain in therapy — and why that difference matters so much. Many parents assume therapy is therapy, but children don't process experiences through logic, language, or abstract thinking the way adults do. I compare adult brains to waffles and children's brains to cooked spaghetti to show how adults can compartmentalize issues, while children experience everything as connected and happening all at once.

I walk through why verbal prompts and talk-based therapy work for adults but fail for young children, and how child-centered play therapy matches the way kids actually process experiences. When a child works on one issue in play, it naturally pulls other issues along with it — building momentum and growth across multiple areas at the same time. This episode helps parents understand why CCPT works with children and why play, not talking, is the most effective way for kids to heal and grow.

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. Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge.