298 | They Promised No Court—Then Sent a Subpoena: What Now? - Court and Legal Policy in CCPT
Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this episode, I respond to a question from Lujaina in Texas about what to do when you've clearly communicated that you won't participate in court proceedings—only to be served a subpoena anyway. I walk through how to handle the ethical, professional, and relational implications when parents agree to your boundaries and then later involve you in legal matters.
I also share strategies to minimize these scenarios, including how to write clear informed consent policies, communicate expectations confidently, and navigate interactions with attorneys. If you've ever felt blindsided or betrayed in a contentious custody case, this episode will help you feel more prepared, more protected, and more aligned with your CCPT role and scope.
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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.
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0 00:00:00,460 --> 00:00:04,309 You're listening to the Play Therapy Podcast with Dr. Brenna Hicks, 1 00:00:04,480 --> 00:00:08,210 your source for centered and focused play therapy coaching. 2 00:00:08,550 --> 00:00:08,670 Hi, 3 00:00:08,710 --> 00:00:09,729 I'm Dr. Brenna Hicks, 4 00:00:09,739 --> 00:00:10,470 The Kid Counselor. 5 00:00:10,590 --> 00:00:13,470 This is the Play Therapy Podcast where you get a master class in 6 00:00:13,470 --> 00:00:17,270 child-centered play therapy and practical support and application for your work. 7 00:00:17,389 --> 00:00:18,680 For children and their families. 8 00:00:19,049 --> 00:00:19,959 In today's episode, 9 00:00:20,129 --> 00:00:22,469 we are talking through a question 10 00:00:22,920 --> 00:00:27,959 about when we've made it clear to parents that we will not be involved in court, 11 00:00:28,290 --> 00:00:29,879 and then we end up 12 00:00:30,170 --> 00:00:31,639 later on in the process 13 00:00:32,090 --> 00:00:34,279 being roped into legal stuff. 14 00:00:34,729 --> 00:00:36,840 And this is from Lujaina in Texas, 15 00:00:36,889 --> 00:00:38,599 so thank you so much for this question. 16 00:00:39,259 --> 00:00:40,069 And 17 00:00:40,369 --> 00:00:42,939 as much as we try to avoid going to court, 18 00:00:43,569 --> 00:00:44,799 sometimes we can't avoid it, 19 00:00:44,970 --> 00:00:48,189 but when we specifically indicate and make it very clear that 20 00:00:48,400 --> 00:00:49,720 that's not our role, 21 00:00:49,909 --> 00:00:52,680 that's not where we're going to be involved, 22 00:00:52,970 --> 00:00:54,400 and then they try 23 00:00:54,610 --> 00:00:58,439 to contrive the circumstances so that we end up there anyway 24 00:00:58,889 --> 00:01:02,169 and how we handle that with parents and how that makes us feel. 25 00:01:02,439 --> 00:01:03,270 And all those things. 26 00:01:03,349 --> 00:01:05,230 So I really appreciate this question Louiana. 27 00:01:05,349 --> 00:01:06,500 Thank you for emailing. 28 00:01:07,069 --> 00:01:11,110 So I'm going to read parts of this and then we'll dive into the discussion. 29 00:01:12,449 --> 00:01:13,879 I've been working with a seven year old 30 00:01:13,879 --> 00:01:16,040 whose parents are undergoing a contentious divorce. 31 00:01:16,080 --> 00:01:17,349 During the initial intake, 32 00:01:17,559 --> 00:01:19,400 I informed the parents that it would be best to 33 00:01:19,400 --> 00:01:22,069 refer them to a therapist with experience in this area 34 00:01:22,360 --> 00:01:24,319 who is able to handle court orders, 35 00:01:24,519 --> 00:01:28,150 this is as this is outside my training and the services I provide. 36 00:01:28,559 --> 00:01:31,330 Both parents assured me that their main focus is their child and 37 00:01:31,330 --> 00:01:34,239 they have no intention of involving me in their court matters. 38 00:01:34,400 --> 00:01:36,309 Fast forward to a recent parent consultation, 39 00:01:36,400 --> 00:01:39,760 one of the parents was asking questions about their attorney reaching out to me. 40 00:01:40,500 --> 00:01:40,739 Again, 41 00:01:40,819 --> 00:01:43,190 I asked if they needed a therapist who would testify in court, 42 00:01:43,220 --> 00:01:45,250 reiterating that this is not a service I provide. 43 00:01:45,339 --> 00:01:47,050 They reassured me this was not the case. 44 00:01:47,739 --> 00:01:50,470 The following week I received a subpoena in the morning, 45 00:01:50,500 --> 00:01:52,510 but it was withdrawn by the afternoon 46 00:01:52,800 --> 00:01:55,080 because the parents had settled their issues. 47 00:01:55,830 --> 00:01:55,860 End quote. 48 00:01:57,139 --> 00:01:58,050 Did they really though? 49 00:01:59,110 --> 00:02:01,510 This incident strained my relationship with the parents, 50 00:02:01,629 --> 00:02:03,559 leading to discomfort and mistrust. 51 00:02:03,910 --> 00:02:06,419 While my primary focus remains on the child's well-being, 52 00:02:06,510 --> 00:02:09,258 I now feel uneasy about continuing to work with them. 53 00:02:09,750 --> 00:02:10,419 My question is, 54 00:02:10,460 --> 00:02:12,399 what's the best way to handle this situation? 55 00:02:12,589 --> 00:02:15,149 I'm concerned about the ethical and practical implications 56 00:02:15,149 --> 00:02:17,110 of terminating my work with this client, 57 00:02:17,350 --> 00:02:20,899 and I am considering termination because I've been feeling very uncomfortable, 58 00:02:21,020 --> 00:02:23,660 and my gut is uneasy after the last time I saw 59 00:02:23,660 --> 00:02:26,220 one of the parents during the drop off for a session. 60 00:02:26,550 --> 00:02:28,589 I'd greatly appreciate any advice you can offer. 61 00:02:29,600 --> 00:02:29,970 OK. 62 00:02:31,009 --> 00:02:36,259 So one of the really important pieces of this that I have learned 63 00:02:36,470 --> 00:02:39,979 is your intake paperwork needs to have very clear 64 00:02:40,949 --> 00:02:41,419 information 65 00:02:41,589 --> 00:02:42,860 in your informed consent 66 00:02:43,029 --> 00:02:44,740 and your policies and procedures 67 00:02:45,229 --> 00:02:47,940 about what you can and cannot provide to them. 68 00:02:48,630 --> 00:02:52,979 Our intake paperwork includes the role of a child-centered play therapist 69 00:02:53,710 --> 00:02:54,259 with 70 00:02:54,509 --> 00:02:56,869 under the umbrella of all of the other 71 00:02:56,869 --> 00:02:59,309 people that might be involved in legal matters. 72 00:02:59,509 --> 00:02:59,990 So it. 73 00:03:00,589 --> 00:03:04,080 Literally defines what's the role of a guardian ad liteumm, 74 00:03:04,550 --> 00:03:06,300 what's the role of a parenting coordinator, 75 00:03:06,490 --> 00:03:08,660 what's the role of a reunification counselor? 76 00:03:08,910 --> 00:03:10,580 What's the role of 77 00:03:10,750 --> 00:03:11,309 an attorney? 78 00:03:11,429 --> 00:03:13,710 What's the role of a child therapist? 79 00:03:13,910 --> 00:03:14,899 What's the role of this? 80 00:03:15,070 --> 00:03:18,589 So it kind of goes over all of this stuff and then we highlight. 81 00:03:19,580 --> 00:03:22,529 Here's our role as a child-centered play therapist, 82 00:03:22,979 --> 00:03:25,240 and here's what we can and cannot do 83 00:03:25,539 --> 00:03:26,369 in that role. 84 00:03:27,389 --> 00:03:27,750 Now, 85 00:03:27,869 --> 00:03:29,389 even when you do that, 86 00:03:29,669 --> 00:03:32,100 and you make parents initial that they understand that, 87 00:03:32,350 --> 00:03:33,460 and they consent to it. 88 00:03:34,330 --> 00:03:35,649 You might still get a subpoena. 89 00:03:36,509 --> 00:03:40,399 But the goal is that you do everything you can 90 00:03:40,809 --> 00:03:41,639 through verbal, 91 00:03:41,809 --> 00:03:42,550 written, 92 00:03:42,910 --> 00:03:44,889 and consent information. 93 00:03:45,949 --> 00:03:46,649 That 94 00:03:47,039 --> 00:03:49,630 if they have any intention of bringing you into court, 95 00:03:49,880 --> 00:03:51,970 that you can refer them to a therapist 96 00:03:52,199 --> 00:03:54,949 that works closely with the court as you do not. 97 00:03:55,479 --> 00:03:57,070 It will not be 100% 98 00:03:57,360 --> 00:03:58,110 failproof, 99 00:03:58,479 --> 00:03:59,720 but it's 100 00:04:00,080 --> 00:04:01,470 most of the way there. 101 00:04:01,839 --> 00:04:03,710 So again it comes back to 102 00:04:04,279 --> 00:04:06,830 making it very clear in the initial interactions, 103 00:04:07,320 --> 00:04:09,759 having it in your paperwork that they sign. 104 00:04:10,789 --> 00:04:15,570 And reinforcing that you are only there to advocate for the child 105 00:04:15,800 --> 00:04:17,010 and the child's well-being. 106 00:04:17,660 --> 00:04:19,140 Your neutrality matters, 107 00:04:19,260 --> 00:04:20,769 your confidence matters. 108 00:04:20,940 --> 00:04:23,529 So you have to confidently express 109 00:04:24,100 --> 00:04:24,609 why 110 00:04:24,899 --> 00:04:26,809 you are not going to testify. 111 00:04:27,059 --> 00:04:27,579 Now granted, 112 00:04:27,799 --> 00:04:29,290 they could force you with a subpoena, 113 00:04:29,619 --> 00:04:30,010 but 114 00:04:30,220 --> 00:04:31,010 I've, 115 00:04:31,420 --> 00:04:34,290 I've only been subpoenaed a handful of times in 20 years 116 00:04:34,859 --> 00:04:35,410 because 117 00:04:35,660 --> 00:04:38,549 I'm very clear about what parents can expect from me. 118 00:04:39,140 --> 00:04:41,010 And so it's about your confidence, 119 00:04:41,089 --> 00:04:42,579 it's about your articulation, 120 00:04:43,119 --> 00:04:44,839 it's about setting expectations early. 121 00:04:45,019 --> 00:04:45,450 Lujaina, 122 00:04:45,489 --> 00:04:49,640 it sounds like you did make it clear that you did not want to get involved in court 123 00:04:50,130 --> 00:04:51,559 and that you could refer out, 124 00:04:52,010 --> 00:04:55,000 but often when parents are in a contentious divorce, 125 00:04:55,130 --> 00:04:57,540 when they are in the midst of legal proceedings themselves, 126 00:04:58,049 --> 00:04:59,640 their attorneys push for 127 00:05:00,290 --> 00:05:01,049 your involvement. 128 00:05:01,579 --> 00:05:02,940 So even if they say, 129 00:05:03,149 --> 00:05:03,350 well, 130 00:05:03,510 --> 00:05:03,670 I don't, 131 00:05:03,709 --> 00:05:03,880 I mean, 132 00:05:03,950 --> 00:05:04,119 they, 133 00:05:04,149 --> 00:05:04,309 you know, 134 00:05:04,390 --> 00:05:07,149 the therapist said that they weren't really gonna get involved and blah, blah, blah, 135 00:05:07,230 --> 00:05:08,380 the attorney could just say, 136 00:05:08,549 --> 00:05:08,790 OK, 137 00:05:08,910 --> 00:05:09,220 well, 138 00:05:09,350 --> 00:05:10,390 we're going to subpoena them. 139 00:05:11,230 --> 00:05:13,730 And that kind of ties the parent's hands. 140 00:05:13,940 --> 00:05:16,000 So sometimes it's not that the parent 141 00:05:16,220 --> 00:05:20,799 is just completely violating your request to not be subpoenaed or involved in 142 00:05:21,019 --> 00:05:21,980 court proceedings. 143 00:05:22,299 --> 00:05:23,359 Sometimes the attorney says, 144 00:05:23,450 --> 00:05:25,420 we absolutely have to have their testimony. 145 00:05:26,190 --> 00:05:28,630 So it's not always that the parent just doesn't care. 146 00:05:28,709 --> 00:05:30,380 That's something else to keep in mind, 147 00:05:30,950 --> 00:05:31,299 but 148 00:05:31,640 --> 00:05:32,100 another 149 00:05:32,230 --> 00:05:33,700 piece of this puzzle is 150 00:05:34,230 --> 00:05:38,730 you also need to communicate with the subpoenaing attorney. 151 00:05:39,350 --> 00:05:41,260 So whenever we receive a subpoena, 152 00:05:41,510 --> 00:05:42,420 we don't just 153 00:05:42,739 --> 00:05:43,470 immediately say, 154 00:05:43,519 --> 00:05:44,200 OK, 155 00:05:44,589 --> 00:05:46,450 we reach out to the subpoenaing attorney 156 00:05:46,709 --> 00:05:47,540 and we say, 157 00:05:47,660 --> 00:05:49,179 I'm curious what you 158 00:05:49,470 --> 00:05:50,230 are requesting. 159 00:05:51,299 --> 00:05:54,809 Sometimes it's just something as simple as how many times have you seen the child? 160 00:05:55,820 --> 00:05:58,850 Sometimes it's something as simple as what was reported in intake. 161 00:05:59,380 --> 00:06:00,920 Sometimes it's as simple as 162 00:06:01,579 --> 00:06:04,369 how much money has been spent on your services. 163 00:06:04,899 --> 00:06:06,049 You never know 164 00:06:06,420 --> 00:06:09,609 what information they actually need and want for their case 165 00:06:09,940 --> 00:06:12,010 or for the trial or the hearing or whatever it is. 166 00:06:12,579 --> 00:06:13,649 So if you reach out, 167 00:06:13,859 --> 00:06:15,970 you can have them specifically tell you what they need. 168 00:06:15,980 --> 00:06:17,929 Now if they say we need your records, 169 00:06:18,250 --> 00:06:18,929 you can say, 170 00:06:19,049 --> 00:06:19,489 well, 171 00:06:19,739 --> 00:06:22,989 my records are held in confidence because of confidentiality. 172 00:06:23,350 --> 00:06:25,660 But I'm happy to provide a treatment summary for you. 173 00:06:26,190 --> 00:06:28,339 I'm happy to provide court notes for you. 174 00:06:28,510 --> 00:06:30,420 I'm specifically wondering what you need. 175 00:06:31,290 --> 00:06:31,739 So 176 00:06:31,929 --> 00:06:33,160 the conversation 177 00:06:33,369 --> 00:06:35,579 is not necessarily with parents at that point, 178 00:06:35,760 --> 00:06:39,920 it's with the attorney because almost always when you talk to them, 179 00:06:40,010 --> 00:06:43,010 you have better insight and awareness as to what they're seeking 180 00:06:43,209 --> 00:06:47,209 and therefore you can provide something that they need without having to testify. 181 00:06:48,239 --> 00:06:48,790 Now, 182 00:06:49,079 --> 00:06:51,359 there have been a handful of times that I have testified. 183 00:06:52,089 --> 00:06:53,839 But that's a very different conversation. 184 00:06:53,910 --> 00:06:54,869 In your context, 185 00:06:54,910 --> 00:06:56,019 you're saying now, 186 00:06:56,670 --> 00:06:58,500 even though the subpoena was withdrawn, 187 00:06:58,910 --> 00:07:02,529 you feel uneasy and uncomfortable because you feel that there, 188 00:07:02,589 --> 00:07:03,619 there was a betrayal. 189 00:07:04,470 --> 00:07:06,670 So that would be something that you need to 190 00:07:06,970 --> 00:07:09,559 have a discussion about in your consultation. 191 00:07:10,570 --> 00:07:14,049 So I would schedule a consultation and I would sit down and I would say. 192 00:07:15,070 --> 00:07:17,019 In the very first time that we ever met. 193 00:07:17,790 --> 00:07:22,040 I discussed the fact that it's outside my scope of practice to be called into court 194 00:07:22,779 --> 00:07:24,970 and that I would be happy to refer you 195 00:07:24,970 --> 00:07:28,010 to another therapist that works closely closely with the court 196 00:07:28,540 --> 00:07:31,369 and you said that your concern was only for your child. 197 00:07:31,589 --> 00:07:33,160 I've been working with your child 198 00:07:33,579 --> 00:07:37,089 and then I got a subpoena and if I'm being completely honest with you, 199 00:07:37,459 --> 00:07:39,660 I feel like that was a betrayal of trust because 200 00:07:39,660 --> 00:07:42,209 you assured me that you would not bring me into court 201 00:07:42,700 --> 00:07:44,100 and then you subpoenaed me. 202 00:07:44,459 --> 00:07:47,480 And so I'd like to understand what was going on, 203 00:07:47,649 --> 00:07:49,040 what was the rationale, 204 00:07:49,649 --> 00:07:50,859 how did that happen? 205 00:07:51,209 --> 00:07:52,880 Hear their side of the story. 206 00:07:53,329 --> 00:07:54,320 Because if they say, 207 00:07:54,609 --> 00:07:54,700 well, 208 00:07:54,809 --> 00:07:57,089 I actually told my attorney that you didn't want to be subpoenaed, 209 00:07:57,130 --> 00:07:59,279 but they said too bad we're subpoenaing you anyway. 210 00:08:00,059 --> 00:08:01,679 Then you realize that 211 00:08:01,940 --> 00:08:04,130 it was really out of their hands for the most part. 212 00:08:04,619 --> 00:08:08,450 If they say we really needed to hear how our child is doing, 213 00:08:08,859 --> 00:08:09,100 OK, 214 00:08:09,179 --> 00:08:09,250 well, 215 00:08:09,339 --> 00:08:11,250 I can provide you with a treatment summary 216 00:08:11,660 --> 00:08:13,220 to let you know how your child is doing. 217 00:08:13,230 --> 00:08:14,890 I don't need to be subpoenaed for that. 218 00:08:15,739 --> 00:08:17,779 So clear direct communication. 219 00:08:17,820 --> 00:08:17,980 I mean, 220 00:08:18,059 --> 00:08:18,970 I say this all the time, 221 00:08:19,059 --> 00:08:20,489 but I can't overstate it. 222 00:08:21,709 --> 00:08:22,829 Truth is kind, 223 00:08:23,149 --> 00:08:24,029 clear is kind. 224 00:08:24,880 --> 00:08:27,309 So you need to be truthful and you need to be clear, 225 00:08:27,579 --> 00:08:28,489 and you need to say, 226 00:08:28,700 --> 00:08:28,779 well, 227 00:08:28,820 --> 00:08:29,980 these are my concerns. 228 00:08:30,630 --> 00:08:32,890 I really would like to continue supporting your child. 229 00:08:32,979 --> 00:08:35,539 I really would like to continue working with your child. 230 00:08:36,330 --> 00:08:39,070 But I need to make sure that we're on the same page 231 00:08:39,400 --> 00:08:39,659 and I, 232 00:08:39,700 --> 00:08:42,150 and I need to know what to expect moving forward 233 00:08:42,520 --> 00:08:44,030 and I need to know that 234 00:08:44,200 --> 00:08:48,469 if you are going to end up in another court related scenario 235 00:08:48,840 --> 00:08:51,989 that I'm not going to get a random subpoena that catches me off guard. 236 00:08:52,510 --> 00:08:54,229 You have to be truthful and clear 237 00:08:54,479 --> 00:08:56,630 and just have a very direct conversation with them 238 00:08:56,919 --> 00:08:58,510 and I think if you hear their side 239 00:08:58,719 --> 00:09:01,630 and you make your needs and expectations known again 240 00:09:02,280 --> 00:09:03,919 with a little bit of uh. 241 00:09:05,580 --> 00:09:05,590 I 242 00:09:05,690 --> 00:09:07,179 I don't wanna say ultimatum. 243 00:09:07,210 --> 00:09:08,880 That's probably not the most helpful word, 244 00:09:09,049 --> 00:09:11,500 but with a very clear line of, 245 00:09:11,809 --> 00:09:11,969 you know, 246 00:09:12,090 --> 00:09:14,830 if you choose to involve me in court again 247 00:09:15,289 --> 00:09:17,159 and this is a pattern, 248 00:09:17,489 --> 00:09:20,539 unfortunately I'm going to have to refer you to another therapist and I 249 00:09:20,539 --> 00:09:23,719 would really like to preserve the relationship that I've built with your child, 250 00:09:24,289 --> 00:09:26,359 so I need to make sure we're all on the same page here. 251 00:09:27,349 --> 00:09:28,650 And if they know 252 00:09:28,900 --> 00:09:32,489 that if they violate or breach that trust that you're building with them again, 253 00:09:32,820 --> 00:09:35,409 that you're going to refer the child to someone else, 254 00:09:36,059 --> 00:09:38,659 that will be the litmus test of whether or not it's 255 00:09:38,659 --> 00:09:41,260 truly about the child or whether it's truly about court. 256 00:09:42,289 --> 00:09:44,640 So I think that's where this is going to land for you, 257 00:09:44,650 --> 00:09:44,960 Lujaina. 258 00:09:45,049 --> 00:09:48,330 I think that it's important that you have a very direct conversation. 259 00:09:48,989 --> 00:09:51,510 And you're able to be clear 260 00:09:52,039 --> 00:09:53,260 and hear their side 261 00:09:53,520 --> 00:09:54,820 and then come to 262 00:09:55,580 --> 00:09:57,250 Everyone's on the same page agreement. 263 00:09:57,460 --> 00:09:58,820 We know what's happening moving forward. 264 00:09:58,900 --> 00:10:00,210 We know what the stakes are, 265 00:10:00,419 --> 00:10:03,409 we know what will happen if certain things transpire in the future. 266 00:10:03,979 --> 00:10:05,820 Then there's no fear of the unknown. 267 00:10:05,900 --> 00:10:09,690 I think that's what I'm hearing in your email is now there's fear of the unknown 268 00:10:10,059 --> 00:10:14,099 and no one wants to have a therapeutic relationship like that. 269 00:10:14,340 --> 00:10:16,580 We have relationships with our parents as well, 270 00:10:16,700 --> 00:10:17,849 not just with our kids. 271 00:10:18,179 --> 00:10:19,659 So when that has been fractured, 272 00:10:19,679 --> 00:10:21,130 it's important to repair it, 273 00:10:21,340 --> 00:10:23,549 and that's just a conversation at the next consult. 274 00:10:23,580 --> 00:10:24,770 So I hope that that's helpful. 275 00:10:25,210 --> 00:10:28,609 I know many of us have been in that kind of situation before. 276 00:10:28,760 --> 00:10:29,830 I actually had 277 00:10:30,080 --> 00:10:34,479 a parent pound on my office door when I was in the middle of a session 278 00:10:35,200 --> 00:10:36,789 demanding that she meet with me 279 00:10:37,000 --> 00:10:37,960 mid-session 280 00:10:38,599 --> 00:10:39,150 because 281 00:10:39,479 --> 00:10:40,109 she 282 00:10:40,320 --> 00:10:42,340 had all of this stuff that she found out and I, 283 00:10:42,369 --> 00:10:42,599 I mean, 284 00:10:42,640 --> 00:10:43,349 it was like, 285 00:10:43,679 --> 00:10:43,799 I, 286 00:10:43,840 --> 00:10:44,900 I actually didn't feel safe. 287 00:10:44,960 --> 00:10:47,440 It's one of the few times in my entire career that I was like, 288 00:10:47,479 --> 00:10:49,429 I do not want to be here by myself right now. 289 00:10:50,080 --> 00:10:50,849 And 290 00:10:51,090 --> 00:10:52,849 there are moments when 291 00:10:53,130 --> 00:10:55,320 parents are in such chaos, 292 00:10:55,549 --> 00:10:56,520 such turmoil, 293 00:10:56,809 --> 00:10:57,799 such angst. 294 00:10:58,030 --> 00:11:00,320 I mean their whole lives are spiraling, 295 00:11:00,650 --> 00:11:01,159 and 296 00:11:01,489 --> 00:11:03,229 when you're in dysfunction and chaos, 297 00:11:03,289 --> 00:11:06,820 you typically end up trying to bring other people into your dysfunction and chaos. 298 00:11:06,869 --> 00:11:09,650 And so sometimes we get kind of swooped up in the middle of it 299 00:11:09,929 --> 00:11:11,890 and we have to be really intentional and careful 300 00:11:11,890 --> 00:11:14,799 with our boundaries and really clear with the expectations. 301 00:11:15,570 --> 00:11:16,750 So I hope that that's helpful. 302 00:11:17,020 --> 00:11:17,820 I love y'all. 303 00:11:18,219 --> 00:11:19,890 Don't forget about the live event, 304 00:11:20,059 --> 00:11:21,260 May 16th at 1:30, 305 00:11:21,419 --> 00:11:24,450 playtherapypodcast.com/live for a 300th episode. 306 00:11:24,619 --> 00:11:25,570 Please RSVP. 307 00:11:25,770 --> 00:11:26,570 We'll talk again soon. 308 00:11:26,739 --> 00:11:26,979 Bye. 309 00:11:28,090 --> 00:11:30,849 Thank you for listening to the Play Therapy Podcast with Dr. 310 00:11:31,010 --> 00:11:32,010 Brenna Hicks. 311 00:11:32,130 --> 00:11:34,119 For more episodes and resources, 312 00:11:34,210 --> 00:11:38,960 please go to www.playtherapypodcast.com.