282 | CCPT Purism: From Rogers to Axline and the Eight Principles That Shaped the Child-Centered Play Therapy Model
Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this episode of the CCPT Purism series, I take you through the foundational role of Virginia Axline in translating Carl Rogers' person-centered theory into what we now know as Child-Centered Play Therapy. Axline worked closely with Rogers and applied his concepts to children by introducing her Eight Principles of Non-Directive Play Therapy—a philosophy describing how we show up and relate to children in session, not a list of techniques or tools.
I briefly walk through each of Axline's eight principles, highlight their connections to Rogers' core conditions, and explain how they continue to shape our model today. This episode is a reminder that CCPT isn't something we do—it's a way of being, requiring trust in the child, a release of control, and an unwavering presence. If you practice CCPT, you're not just using Axline's methods—you're carrying on her legacy.
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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.
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0 00:00:00,439 --> 00:00:04,320 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 00:00:08,670 --> 00:00:08,840 Hi, 3 00:00:08,920 --> 00:00:09,979 I'm Dr. Brenna Hicks, 4 00:00:09,989 --> 00:00:10,720 The Kid Counselor. 5 00:00:10,840 --> 00:00:12,680 This is the Play Therapy Podcast where you 6 00:00:12,680 --> 00:00:15,069 get a masterclass in child-centered play therapy 7 00:00:15,359 --> 00:00:17,549 and practical support and application for your 8 00:00:17,549 --> 00:00:19,270 work with children and their families. 9 00:00:19,639 --> 00:00:20,549 In today's episode, 10 00:00:20,680 --> 00:00:24,309 we are continuing in our CCPT purism series. 11 00:00:25,250 --> 00:00:27,350 And we're going to dive into 12 00:00:27,600 --> 00:00:29,469 how we went from Rogers 13 00:00:29,760 --> 00:00:32,369 into what we know today as CCPT, 14 00:00:32,479 --> 00:00:34,119 which is through Virginia Axline. 15 00:00:35,259 --> 00:00:36,419 But before we get into that, 16 00:00:36,540 --> 00:00:38,540 I want to give a little shout out. 17 00:00:38,740 --> 00:00:42,220 I just yesterday graduated another group 18 00:00:42,459 --> 00:00:44,610 out of the Play Therapy Professional program 19 00:00:45,060 --> 00:00:45,610 and 20 00:00:45,860 --> 00:00:47,169 so excited for them, 21 00:00:47,380 --> 00:00:50,220 their confidence and their communication. 22 00:00:50,689 --> 00:00:54,279 And their efficacy just wanted to say congratulations 23 00:00:54,279 --> 00:00:57,029 to my newest Play Therapy Professional graduates, 24 00:00:57,439 --> 00:01:02,150 and there's just been such a transformation to watch and it's been such a joy, 25 00:01:02,200 --> 00:01:05,629 and they're all saying that they want to keep going for another 6 months. 26 00:01:05,680 --> 00:01:06,279 So 27 00:01:06,720 --> 00:01:07,989 I don't know what that's gonna look like, 28 00:01:08,080 --> 00:01:08,750 but anyway, 29 00:01:08,839 --> 00:01:10,440 congrats to y'all and. 30 00:01:11,069 --> 00:01:11,709 It's 31 00:01:11,910 --> 00:01:13,029 one of my favorite things. 32 00:01:13,129 --> 00:01:13,330 I, 33 00:01:13,430 --> 00:01:15,099 I have a lot of favorite things these days, 34 00:01:15,230 --> 00:01:15,550 but 35 00:01:15,830 --> 00:01:17,699 podcasting is definitely one of them, 36 00:01:17,830 --> 00:01:19,580 and then the Collective is one of them, 37 00:01:19,669 --> 00:01:21,300 and then my coaching groups, 38 00:01:21,389 --> 00:01:21,900 so 39 00:01:22,370 --> 00:01:23,180 excited for 40 00:01:23,309 --> 00:01:24,260 new graduates. 41 00:01:24,790 --> 00:01:25,029 OK, 42 00:01:25,150 --> 00:01:26,370 so last episode, 43 00:01:26,750 --> 00:01:27,339 we 44 00:01:27,589 --> 00:01:28,569 looked at 45 00:01:28,949 --> 00:01:30,419 the core conditions 46 00:01:30,830 --> 00:01:33,269 and the actualizing tendency. 47 00:01:34,349 --> 00:01:36,489 And we looked at how that crossed over. 48 00:01:37,309 --> 00:01:38,029 And 49 00:01:38,199 --> 00:01:40,790 we've been following Roger's influence, 50 00:01:41,080 --> 00:01:43,480 and now we're moving into Axline. 51 00:01:43,599 --> 00:01:44,989 So here's what you need to know. 52 00:01:45,819 --> 00:01:46,870 Axline 53 00:01:47,180 --> 00:01:52,529 was the pioneer who brought Roger's person-centered play therapy 54 00:01:52,989 --> 00:01:54,059 into the playroom. 55 00:01:55,239 --> 00:01:56,889 And essentially gave us 56 00:01:57,260 --> 00:02:00,110 the earliest version of what we know now 57 00:02:00,419 --> 00:02:01,500 as CCPT. 58 00:02:02,860 --> 00:02:05,669 So let's go back to look at her backstory, 59 00:02:05,760 --> 00:02:07,430 and then we'll look at how 60 00:02:07,720 --> 00:02:09,389 this actually practically speaking, 61 00:02:09,399 --> 00:02:10,070 took place. 62 00:02:10,279 --> 00:02:14,479 So she actually worked closely with Rogers at Ohio State. 63 00:02:15,660 --> 00:02:18,979 And then at the University of Chicago as well. 64 00:02:19,300 --> 00:02:21,509 And she had an interesting background. 65 00:02:21,740 --> 00:02:23,449 She came from education 66 00:02:23,820 --> 00:02:25,020 and psychology. 67 00:02:25,960 --> 00:02:28,449 I know many of you all have a background in education, 68 00:02:28,580 --> 00:02:30,919 so that's actually a pretty consistent path, 69 00:02:31,660 --> 00:02:34,009 but it uniquely positioned her. 70 00:02:35,059 --> 00:02:36,929 To take Roger's work 71 00:02:37,179 --> 00:02:39,009 and modify it for children. 72 00:02:40,220 --> 00:02:42,699 She published two landmark works, 73 00:02:42,820 --> 00:02:44,210 which I own both, 74 00:02:44,380 --> 00:02:45,289 so should you. 75 00:02:45,899 --> 00:02:46,660 They're out of print, 76 00:02:46,699 --> 00:02:48,009 but you can get them used. 77 00:02:48,619 --> 00:02:50,570 She published Play Therapy 78 00:02:50,899 --> 00:02:52,210 in 1947. 79 00:02:53,369 --> 00:02:53,759 Which, 80 00:02:53,889 --> 00:02:54,410 by the way, 81 00:02:54,570 --> 00:02:55,369 just pause there, 82 00:02:55,529 --> 00:02:56,000 that's 83 00:02:56,210 --> 00:02:58,199 2 years after the World War. 84 00:02:59,179 --> 00:02:59,940 And 85 00:03:00,179 --> 00:03:06,130 we're looking at a really interesting scenario for her to have published that in 47. 86 00:03:06,669 --> 00:03:10,889 And then she published Dibs In Search of Self in '64. 87 00:03:11,339 --> 00:03:11,970 And 88 00:03:12,460 --> 00:03:13,770 Dibs is, 89 00:03:14,289 --> 00:03:14,729 gosh, 90 00:03:14,779 --> 00:03:15,000 91 00:03:15,130 --> 00:03:17,050 a groundbreaking book. 92 00:03:17,380 --> 00:03:19,460 Every play therapist should read it. 93 00:03:19,860 --> 00:03:20,330 It, 94 00:03:20,619 --> 00:03:21,970 Dibs was a real child, 95 00:03:22,820 --> 00:03:25,330 and it looked at 96 00:03:25,979 --> 00:03:27,470 specific sessions 97 00:03:27,820 --> 00:03:28,899 with Dibs. 98 00:03:29,759 --> 00:03:32,869 As an example of what CCPT looks like 99 00:03:33,039 --> 00:03:34,160 in a playroom. 100 00:03:34,990 --> 00:03:35,860 That book 101 00:03:36,149 --> 00:03:37,699 changed my life legitimately. 102 00:03:37,880 --> 00:03:38,190 I, 103 00:03:38,309 --> 00:03:39,100 I still 104 00:03:39,300 --> 00:03:40,820 look at it every once in a while. 105 00:03:41,070 --> 00:03:41,509 That 106 00:03:41,949 --> 00:03:44,779 is an incredible book to own and to read. 107 00:03:45,429 --> 00:03:46,699 Probably once a year. 108 00:03:46,789 --> 00:03:48,110 You should probably read it every year. 109 00:03:48,970 --> 00:03:49,470 OK, 110 00:03:49,740 --> 00:03:50,350 so then. 111 00:03:51,820 --> 00:03:53,460 Axline took 112 00:03:53,699 --> 00:03:55,970 person centered therapy approaches. 113 00:03:56,929 --> 00:03:57,860 And 114 00:03:58,179 --> 00:03:59,899 created 8 principles. 115 00:04:00,869 --> 00:04:02,740 Of non-directive play therapy. 116 00:04:03,029 --> 00:04:06,619 So this is originally published in her 1947 work. 117 00:04:07,429 --> 00:04:08,429 And essentially, 118 00:04:08,539 --> 00:04:10,259 here's what you need to know about these principles. 119 00:04:10,970 --> 00:04:12,759 I actually encourage you to memorize them, 120 00:04:12,960 --> 00:04:14,529 but if you don't memorize them, 121 00:04:14,839 --> 00:04:17,279 here's what you need to know about their function. 122 00:04:18,528 --> 00:04:19,039 It 123 00:04:19,168 --> 00:04:19,699 explained 124 00:04:20,088 --> 00:04:21,998 how a therapist shows up 125 00:04:22,408 --> 00:04:23,088 in the playroom. 126 00:04:24,029 --> 00:04:26,820 That's really what these 8 principles are all about. 127 00:04:27,149 --> 00:04:29,700 How a play therapist shows up 128 00:04:30,029 --> 00:04:30,859 and how 129 00:04:31,190 --> 00:04:31,700 they 130 00:04:31,959 --> 00:04:33,790 participate in the relationship. 131 00:04:33,829 --> 00:04:35,579 It's not about what we do, 132 00:04:36,190 --> 00:04:38,959 it's about how we show up and pour into the relationship. 133 00:04:39,799 --> 00:04:42,239 So I'm going to quickly go through each of the 8. 134 00:04:42,690 --> 00:04:43,399 You should 135 00:04:43,649 --> 00:04:45,600 know them and memorize them yourself. 136 00:04:46,589 --> 00:04:48,109 But we'll hit highlights. 137 00:04:48,369 --> 00:04:49,200 So the first, 138 00:04:49,209 --> 00:04:49,220 the 139 00:04:49,450 --> 00:04:51,209 therapist must develop a warm, 140 00:04:51,369 --> 00:04:53,279 friendly relationship with the child, 141 00:04:53,730 --> 00:04:56,519 in which good rapport established as soon as possible. 142 00:04:57,540 --> 00:04:57,910 OK, 143 00:04:58,040 --> 00:04:58,839 why does this matter? 144 00:04:59,130 --> 00:05:00,510 Because this is essentially the 145 00:05:00,619 --> 00:05:02,399 therapeutic relationship 146 00:05:02,799 --> 00:05:04,869 as the primary vehicle for change, 147 00:05:05,320 --> 00:05:06,959 as Rogers presented. 148 00:05:08,549 --> 00:05:12,329 And the play therapist offers the warm presence 149 00:05:12,929 --> 00:05:15,040 where the child feels emotionally safe. 150 00:05:16,649 --> 00:05:18,279 That that's as simple as it can be. 151 00:05:18,609 --> 00:05:22,160 We're just creating a relationship where the child feels safe. 152 00:05:22,480 --> 00:05:24,130 They'll naturally self-actualize. 153 00:05:25,149 --> 00:05:26,489 It all begins with connection. 154 00:05:27,339 --> 00:05:27,589 OK, 155 00:05:27,670 --> 00:05:28,279 #2, 156 00:05:28,429 --> 00:05:31,220 the therapist accepts the child exactly as they are. 157 00:05:31,869 --> 00:05:35,470 This is essentially unconditional positive regard from Rogers. 158 00:05:37,029 --> 00:05:38,589 The therapist shows up 159 00:05:39,130 --> 00:05:39,859 and 160 00:05:41,059 --> 00:05:43,529 Accepts every bit of the child. 161 00:05:43,899 --> 00:05:44,869 The child's behaviors, 162 00:05:44,980 --> 00:05:46,179 the child's emotions, 163 00:05:46,260 --> 00:05:47,570 the child's personality, 164 00:05:48,019 --> 00:05:50,440 doesn't matter if it's aggressive or whatever. 165 00:05:50,700 --> 00:05:50,709 The, 166 00:05:50,720 --> 00:05:51,970 the child comes, 167 00:05:52,130 --> 00:05:53,779 the therapist accepts the child, 168 00:05:53,850 --> 00:05:54,630 no matter what. 169 00:05:55,869 --> 00:05:58,459 This allows the child to be authentic. 170 00:05:59,559 --> 00:06:00,299 And again, 171 00:06:00,510 --> 00:06:02,820 if the child feels safe and can be authentic, 172 00:06:03,029 --> 00:06:04,869 the child will naturally self-actualize. 173 00:06:06,250 --> 00:06:06,510 OK, 174 00:06:06,559 --> 00:06:07,019 #3, 175 00:06:07,190 --> 00:06:11,290 the therapist establishes a feeling of permissiveness in the relationship. 176 00:06:12,329 --> 00:06:15,760 So that the child feels free to express their feelings completely. 177 00:06:17,359 --> 00:06:18,779 Kids will only express 178 00:06:19,000 --> 00:06:20,230 how they really feel 179 00:06:20,480 --> 00:06:22,109 if they know it's safe to do so. 180 00:06:23,690 --> 00:06:26,190 And so basically what's happening in this one, 181 00:06:26,679 --> 00:06:30,679 the play therapist communicates both verbally and nonverbally. 182 00:06:32,790 --> 00:06:35,029 You can feel however you need to feel in here. 183 00:06:37,119 --> 00:06:37,769 And 184 00:06:37,959 --> 00:06:39,549 here's where we get 185 00:06:40,000 --> 00:06:42,529 a lot of barbs thrown at us. 186 00:06:44,290 --> 00:06:45,519 This does not mean 187 00:06:45,850 --> 00:06:47,649 that chaos ensues in the playroom. 188 00:06:48,910 --> 00:06:50,529 It means emotional freedom. 189 00:06:51,420 --> 00:06:52,019 Child, 190 00:06:52,260 --> 00:06:53,470 any feeling is valid. 191 00:06:53,700 --> 00:06:54,820 All feelings are valid. 192 00:06:56,910 --> 00:06:58,579 The child can feel anything. 193 00:06:59,880 --> 00:07:01,869 But there are relational boundaries. 194 00:07:02,750 --> 00:07:03,910 In the way of limits. 195 00:07:05,359 --> 00:07:07,100 But it does not mean chaos. 196 00:07:07,179 --> 00:07:10,019 It does not mean child gets to do whatever child wants. 197 00:07:10,160 --> 00:07:12,579 It does not mean that there are no expectations. 198 00:07:13,750 --> 00:07:15,040 None of those are true. 199 00:07:15,309 --> 00:07:16,619 It just means 200 00:07:16,920 --> 00:07:18,100 that we allow 201 00:07:18,230 --> 00:07:20,100 for the child to feel 202 00:07:20,670 --> 00:07:22,140 anything that they need to feel 203 00:07:22,709 --> 00:07:25,220 because permissiveness is a principle. 204 00:07:26,640 --> 00:07:27,269 Fourth, 205 00:07:27,440 --> 00:07:31,399 the therapist is alert to recognize the feelings the child is expressing. 206 00:07:32,420 --> 00:07:35,269 And reflects those feelings back to the child in such 207 00:07:35,269 --> 00:07:38,059 a way that the child gains insight into their behavior. 208 00:07:39,829 --> 00:07:41,339 This is essentially 209 00:07:41,670 --> 00:07:42,190 empathy. 210 00:07:43,549 --> 00:07:45,269 Empathic understanding 211 00:07:45,619 --> 00:07:46,769 practically applied. 212 00:07:48,899 --> 00:07:49,489 We 213 00:07:49,779 --> 00:07:50,329 track. 214 00:07:51,549 --> 00:07:52,179 Behavior, 215 00:07:52,750 --> 00:07:53,820 we reflect 216 00:07:54,290 --> 00:07:54,820 content, 217 00:07:55,149 --> 00:07:57,019 but we also reflect feelings. 218 00:07:57,760 --> 00:08:00,459 And what that does is it provides meaning 219 00:08:00,750 --> 00:08:01,660 to the child 220 00:08:01,910 --> 00:08:04,980 that they may not have words for that feeling yet. 221 00:08:07,179 --> 00:08:07,839 And 222 00:08:08,040 --> 00:08:10,600 we do not interpret what's going on. 223 00:08:11,440 --> 00:08:12,640 But we just 224 00:08:13,200 --> 00:08:14,470 reflectively respond 225 00:08:15,040 --> 00:08:19,049 in such a way that the child gains clarity on their emotions 226 00:08:19,399 --> 00:08:21,269 and they better understand themselves. 227 00:08:23,209 --> 00:08:23,410 OK, 228 00:08:23,510 --> 00:08:24,040 5th, 229 00:08:24,260 --> 00:08:27,720 the therapist maintains a deep respect for the child's ability to 230 00:08:27,720 --> 00:08:30,959 solve their own problems if given an opportunity to do so. 231 00:08:31,760 --> 00:08:35,650 The responsibility to make choices and institute change is the child's. 232 00:08:37,058 --> 00:08:38,330 This is essentially 233 00:08:38,739 --> 00:08:39,690 communicating 234 00:08:39,940 --> 00:08:42,179 that the child will self-actualize. 235 00:08:43,229 --> 00:08:43,948 And it 236 00:08:44,217 --> 00:08:44,888 believes 237 00:08:45,059 --> 00:08:47,068 that the child has the capacity for growth. 238 00:08:49,080 --> 00:08:49,830 Therefore, 239 00:08:50,030 --> 00:08:53,400 we'd resist the urge to solve problems. 240 00:08:54,169 --> 00:08:57,750 We resist the urge to teach coping skills. 241 00:08:58,049 --> 00:09:00,840 We resist the urge to redirect play. 242 00:09:02,570 --> 00:09:04,260 We trust the process. 243 00:09:05,250 --> 00:09:07,919 And we resist adult-driven 244 00:09:08,239 --> 00:09:08,760 goals. 245 00:09:10,450 --> 00:09:10,770 Why? 246 00:09:11,049 --> 00:09:12,640 Because let's go back to the principle. 247 00:09:12,929 --> 00:09:16,609 We maintain a deep respect for the child's ability to solve their own problems. 248 00:09:17,890 --> 00:09:20,159 We don't need to solve the problems for the child. 249 00:09:20,250 --> 00:09:22,409 This is going straight back to Rogers 250 00:09:22,690 --> 00:09:23,919 when we talked about 251 00:09:24,099 --> 00:09:26,090 the psychoanalysts and the behaviorists. 252 00:09:27,250 --> 00:09:29,309 We just get out of the way 253 00:09:29,669 --> 00:09:32,099 and the child does what the child needs to do. 254 00:09:33,359 --> 00:09:33,989 #6, 255 00:09:34,159 --> 00:09:36,390 the therapist does not attempt to direct 256 00:09:36,619 --> 00:09:39,549 the child's actions or conversation in any manner. 257 00:09:39,799 --> 00:09:42,190 The child leads the way the therapist follows. 258 00:09:44,000 --> 00:09:45,390 The defining feature 259 00:09:45,559 --> 00:09:46,679 of CCPT 260 00:09:47,039 --> 00:09:48,309 is being non-directive. 261 00:09:49,460 --> 00:09:51,369 We don't ask leading questions, 262 00:09:51,580 --> 00:09:52,849 we don't suggest 263 00:09:53,140 --> 00:09:54,469 what the child should do. 264 00:09:55,179 --> 00:09:55,969 We don't 265 00:09:56,299 --> 00:09:58,590 nudge them in a specific direction. 266 00:09:59,760 --> 00:10:00,239 Why? 267 00:10:00,580 --> 00:10:01,090 Because. 268 00:10:02,539 --> 00:10:04,409 We witness what's going on, 269 00:10:04,859 --> 00:10:06,609 we support what's going on. 270 00:10:07,900 --> 00:10:09,500 But we don't lead. 271 00:10:10,640 --> 00:10:14,010 The child is the expert on their own inner world. 272 00:10:15,440 --> 00:10:17,859 So we don't attempt to do anything 273 00:10:18,380 --> 00:10:20,330 other than witness and support 274 00:10:20,619 --> 00:10:21,729 the work that's being done. 275 00:10:23,090 --> 00:10:23,729 #7, 276 00:10:24,010 --> 00:10:24,330 this is, 277 00:10:24,409 --> 00:10:25,390 this is the big one. 278 00:10:25,570 --> 00:10:28,239 The therapist does not hurry the therapy along. 279 00:10:29,219 --> 00:10:33,890 It is a gradual process and it is recognized as such by the therapist. 280 00:10:34,880 --> 00:10:35,419 All right, 281 00:10:35,599 --> 00:10:37,270 we all know what it's like. 282 00:10:37,599 --> 00:10:39,109 We all feel pressure 283 00:10:39,479 --> 00:10:41,359 for progress or outcomes. 284 00:10:42,530 --> 00:10:43,679 Sometimes from within, 285 00:10:44,010 --> 00:10:45,049 sometimes from without, 286 00:10:45,450 --> 00:10:46,289 from stakeholders, 287 00:10:46,450 --> 00:10:47,210 from teachers, 288 00:10:47,369 --> 00:10:48,159 from parents, 289 00:10:48,450 --> 00:10:50,080 from pediatricians, 290 00:10:50,330 --> 00:10:51,599 from judges, 291 00:10:51,809 --> 00:10:52,880 from ourselves, 292 00:10:53,090 --> 00:10:53,969 from whoever. 293 00:10:54,289 --> 00:10:55,440 We all have 294 00:10:55,650 --> 00:10:56,719 this pressure 295 00:10:57,250 --> 00:10:58,679 for progress and outcomes. 296 00:11:00,270 --> 00:11:02,669 And this principle counters 297 00:11:02,940 --> 00:11:03,880 the urge 298 00:11:04,380 --> 00:11:06,140 to do something about that pressure. 299 00:11:07,750 --> 00:11:12,270 Essentially what we're doing is trusting the child's internal timeline. 300 00:11:13,429 --> 00:11:15,479 And we can't measure progress 301 00:11:15,849 --> 00:11:17,289 by external standards. 302 00:11:18,619 --> 00:11:21,650 Because healing happens in the child's time. 303 00:11:23,140 --> 00:11:23,890 So therefore, 304 00:11:23,950 --> 00:11:25,729 we have to honor the process. 305 00:11:27,440 --> 00:11:28,359 And finally, 306 00:11:28,690 --> 00:11:31,369 therapy is limited only by the boundaries required 307 00:11:31,369 --> 00:11:33,809 for the child to feel free and protected. 308 00:11:34,369 --> 00:11:38,359 The child's freedom is restricted only when necessary to protect the child, 309 00:11:38,369 --> 00:11:38,900 others, 310 00:11:39,010 --> 00:11:40,280 or the physical environment. 311 00:11:42,010 --> 00:11:44,119 Structure is important, 312 00:11:44,609 --> 00:11:46,320 safety is important. 313 00:11:46,969 --> 00:11:48,570 Security is important. 314 00:11:50,020 --> 00:11:50,479 But 315 00:11:51,619 --> 00:11:52,729 It must be 316 00:11:53,219 --> 00:11:54,169 minimal, 317 00:11:54,460 --> 00:11:55,929 it must be predictable. 318 00:11:56,780 --> 00:11:58,150 It must be respectful. 319 00:12:00,859 --> 00:12:01,549 And 320 00:12:02,309 --> 00:12:03,619 We understand 321 00:12:03,950 --> 00:12:07,340 that there is only safety and security and structure. 322 00:12:08,289 --> 00:12:10,719 Within boundaries in a relationship. 323 00:12:12,010 --> 00:12:12,619 But 324 00:12:12,750 --> 00:12:13,739 we also know. 325 00:12:14,539 --> 00:12:15,049 That 326 00:12:15,270 --> 00:12:17,869 those boundaries need to be minimal, 327 00:12:18,219 --> 00:12:19,010 predictable, 328 00:12:19,219 --> 00:12:20,130 and respectful. 329 00:12:22,369 --> 00:12:23,090 There's 330 00:12:23,289 --> 00:12:24,419 the fine line. 331 00:12:24,809 --> 00:12:25,919 There's the tightrope 332 00:12:26,130 --> 00:12:27,650 that we find ourselves walking. 333 00:12:28,989 --> 00:12:32,500 Because limits are set only when they're absolutely necessary 334 00:12:32,830 --> 00:12:34,429 in a consistent format. 335 00:12:35,500 --> 00:12:35,799 Right? 336 00:12:35,840 --> 00:12:36,809 3 steps. 337 00:12:37,260 --> 00:12:38,250 Reflect the feeling, 338 00:12:38,530 --> 00:12:40,570 acknowledge what the limit is neutrally, 339 00:12:40,739 --> 00:12:42,169 and then provide choices. 340 00:12:42,340 --> 00:12:42,659 OK, 341 00:12:42,820 --> 00:12:46,969 we know there needs to be structure and safety and security. 342 00:12:47,419 --> 00:12:49,609 We know that sometimes limits are necessary. 343 00:12:50,780 --> 00:12:51,630 But they're minimal, 344 00:12:51,710 --> 00:12:52,270 predictable, 345 00:12:52,309 --> 00:12:53,219 and respectful. 346 00:12:53,469 --> 00:12:54,000 Why? 347 00:12:54,599 --> 00:12:55,020 Because 348 00:12:55,309 --> 00:12:56,429 the therapeutic environment, 349 00:12:56,729 --> 00:12:57,750 specifically the playroom. 350 00:12:58,919 --> 00:13:02,890 It is always intended to be emotionally permissive. 351 00:13:04,059 --> 00:13:07,750 It's always intended to be behaviorally permissive. 352 00:13:09,400 --> 00:13:10,390 While being 353 00:13:10,640 --> 00:13:13,229 physically and relationally safe. 354 00:13:15,340 --> 00:13:16,119 I'm gonna say that again, 355 00:13:16,239 --> 00:13:17,070 because that's, 356 00:13:17,640 --> 00:13:18,549 that's pretty much 357 00:13:19,039 --> 00:13:20,150 a mantra. 358 00:13:21,650 --> 00:13:22,919 So the playroom 359 00:13:23,330 --> 00:13:26,559 is meant to be emotionally permissive 360 00:13:26,969 --> 00:13:28,739 and behaviorally permissive. 361 00:13:30,669 --> 00:13:34,380 While being physically safe and relationally safe. 362 00:13:36,059 --> 00:13:37,960 And that's what the 8th principle is about. 363 00:13:38,130 --> 00:13:40,520 It's about when we need to set limits and how. 364 00:13:42,150 --> 00:13:42,510 All right, 365 00:13:42,750 --> 00:13:45,630 so I told you that was a very brief cliffs notes, 366 00:13:45,830 --> 00:13:46,190 but. 367 00:13:47,489 --> 00:13:49,080 Let's be really clear 368 00:13:49,330 --> 00:13:51,130 on why these eight principles matter. 369 00:13:51,330 --> 00:13:53,119 Not only do they serve as 370 00:13:53,369 --> 00:13:55,409 our guide rails of how to show up. 371 00:13:56,760 --> 00:13:58,679 But these are not techniques. 372 00:13:59,619 --> 00:13:59,869 I, 373 00:13:59,880 --> 00:14:02,229 I want that to be abundantly clear. 374 00:14:02,440 --> 00:14:04,030 These are not techniques. 375 00:14:05,099 --> 00:14:06,989 She was defining 376 00:14:07,280 --> 00:14:08,789 the way of being 377 00:14:09,239 --> 00:14:09,969 with children. 378 00:14:11,099 --> 00:14:13,500 That echoed Roger's principles. 379 00:14:15,070 --> 00:14:17,489 So she took Roger's principles 380 00:14:17,770 --> 00:14:20,179 and defined the way of being 381 00:14:20,570 --> 00:14:21,880 in relation to children. 382 00:14:23,119 --> 00:14:27,609 Just like Rogers defined the way of being with an adult client 383 00:14:27,840 --> 00:14:29,229 in the person centered approach. 384 00:14:30,599 --> 00:14:33,299 And these 8 principles essentially 385 00:14:33,830 --> 00:14:35,179 became the foundation 386 00:14:35,469 --> 00:14:37,460 for CCPT as we know it today. 387 00:14:39,000 --> 00:14:40,010 And here's 388 00:14:40,299 --> 00:14:42,330 in summary what these 8 principles do. 389 00:14:43,950 --> 00:14:46,070 They challenge us as play therapists. 390 00:14:47,359 --> 00:14:49,400 To first trust the child. 391 00:14:51,570 --> 00:14:52,049 Second, 392 00:14:53,070 --> 00:14:54,419 To let go of control. 393 00:14:55,260 --> 00:14:55,690 Yikes, 394 00:14:55,700 --> 00:14:56,559 that's a hard one. 395 00:14:57,809 --> 00:14:58,880 And 3rd, 396 00:14:59,239 --> 00:15:01,200 to show up with presence 397 00:15:01,760 --> 00:15:02,630 instead of agenda. 398 00:15:04,849 --> 00:15:06,320 Those are the three 399 00:15:06,719 --> 00:15:07,450 challenges. 400 00:15:08,659 --> 00:15:11,609 That comes straight out of those eight principles 401 00:15:11,940 --> 00:15:13,210 we trust the child, 402 00:15:13,580 --> 00:15:15,200 we let go of control, 403 00:15:15,460 --> 00:15:18,090 and we show up with presence instead of agenda. 404 00:15:20,919 --> 00:15:22,950 She stayed so true 405 00:15:23,400 --> 00:15:24,840 to Roger's theory. 406 00:15:26,580 --> 00:15:27,940 But translated it 407 00:15:28,179 --> 00:15:29,650 into the world of children. 408 00:15:30,830 --> 00:15:31,750 And 409 00:15:32,020 --> 00:15:33,950 honored the fact that children will play 410 00:15:34,380 --> 00:15:35,260 rather than speak. 411 00:15:37,570 --> 00:15:38,380 So, 412 00:15:38,609 --> 00:15:40,200 what does this mean in 413 00:15:40,330 --> 00:15:43,039 the grand scheme other than we now have 414 00:15:43,369 --> 00:15:44,440 a sense of 415 00:15:44,690 --> 00:15:46,359 the way to be with children. 416 00:15:47,309 --> 00:15:47,849 And 417 00:15:48,429 --> 00:15:50,619 To meet those challenges that we just talked about, 418 00:15:50,750 --> 00:15:51,140 but 419 00:15:51,309 --> 00:15:52,619 you have to keep in mind, 420 00:15:53,429 --> 00:15:54,460 before Axline, 421 00:15:54,549 --> 00:15:55,750 similarly to Rogers, 422 00:15:55,789 --> 00:15:55,989 right? 423 00:15:56,010 --> 00:15:58,940 We looked at psychoanalytic and behaviorists, 424 00:15:59,630 --> 00:16:01,679 that was the standard before Rogers. 425 00:16:01,750 --> 00:16:01,869 Well, 426 00:16:01,989 --> 00:16:02,739 similarly, 427 00:16:03,070 --> 00:16:05,000 child therapy before Axline. 428 00:16:05,989 --> 00:16:08,340 Was either psychoanalytic or behavioral, 429 00:16:08,950 --> 00:16:09,979 but in either case, 430 00:16:10,030 --> 00:16:11,619 they were both highly directive. 431 00:16:13,070 --> 00:16:16,239 So Axline shifts the focus to the child's inner world, 432 00:16:16,330 --> 00:16:19,849 just like Rogers shifted the focus to the adult's inner world. 433 00:16:20,979 --> 00:16:21,469 But 434 00:16:21,640 --> 00:16:22,390 uniquely, 435 00:16:22,609 --> 00:16:24,229 Axline said play 436 00:16:24,520 --> 00:16:26,750 is the medium for growth and healing for children. 437 00:16:27,960 --> 00:16:28,890 And she 438 00:16:29,270 --> 00:16:31,780 fully and wholly trusted and believed 439 00:16:32,150 --> 00:16:35,900 that what Roger said about adults applied equally to children. 440 00:16:36,960 --> 00:16:37,539 And 441 00:16:37,789 --> 00:16:38,010 what, 442 00:16:38,119 --> 00:16:41,880 what did Rogers put out into the world that was so groundbreaking and 443 00:16:42,150 --> 00:16:42,940 such a shift? 444 00:16:42,950 --> 00:16:43,349 Well, 445 00:16:44,320 --> 00:16:45,640 That people need acceptance, 446 00:16:45,760 --> 00:16:46,520 not fixing. 447 00:16:48,520 --> 00:16:51,210 And they grow when they feel safe 448 00:16:51,539 --> 00:16:52,049 and 449 00:16:52,340 --> 00:16:53,659 seen and understood. 450 00:16:55,109 --> 00:16:57,690 And those are true for children as well. 451 00:16:58,059 --> 00:16:59,020 They don't need to be fixed, 452 00:16:59,099 --> 00:17:00,159 they need acceptance. 453 00:17:00,969 --> 00:17:02,429 And they will naturally grow, 454 00:17:02,640 --> 00:17:04,270 become a better version of themselves 455 00:17:04,598 --> 00:17:06,550 if they feel safe in the relationship, 456 00:17:06,618 --> 00:17:07,890 if they feel seen by the 457 00:17:08,170 --> 00:17:08,979 therapist, 458 00:17:09,098 --> 00:17:10,439 and if they feel understood. 459 00:17:12,108 --> 00:17:12,589 So 460 00:17:13,930 --> 00:17:15,339 Axline's legacy. 461 00:17:16,660 --> 00:17:22,239 Essentially laid the groundwork for Landreth and other pioneers to follow. 462 00:17:23,598 --> 00:17:25,689 Her 8 principles are still taught today. 463 00:17:26,489 --> 00:17:27,368 Consistently 464 00:17:28,808 --> 00:17:32,798 Dibs is often the first book that CCPT therapists read. 465 00:17:32,928 --> 00:17:33,649 It was for me. 466 00:17:33,769 --> 00:17:37,038 It was required coursework in my graduate certificate program. 467 00:17:38,329 --> 00:17:39,020 And 468 00:17:39,250 --> 00:17:40,359 it is, 469 00:17:40,650 --> 00:17:45,719 it stands the test of time because it is so helpful to understand what it looks like 470 00:17:46,089 --> 00:17:49,729 with a case that you actually get to follow from beginning to end. 471 00:17:50,800 --> 00:17:51,770 But here's the thing, 472 00:17:52,020 --> 00:17:53,939 her work is often misunderstood. 473 00:17:54,680 --> 00:17:54,910 I, 474 00:17:54,920 --> 00:17:55,479 I want 475 00:17:55,680 --> 00:17:57,359 to pause on this for a second. 476 00:17:58,359 --> 00:18:00,880 A lot of times therapists will read Dibs. 477 00:18:01,699 --> 00:18:03,250 And and see 478 00:18:03,489 --> 00:18:05,760 it as an opportunity to take techniques away. 479 00:18:07,890 --> 00:18:08,729 But here's the thing, 480 00:18:08,800 --> 00:18:10,719 if you take techniques away 481 00:18:11,250 --> 00:18:12,520 without embracing 482 00:18:12,770 --> 00:18:15,719 the non-directive child-centered, 483 00:18:15,890 --> 00:18:16,880 child-led 484 00:18:17,089 --> 00:18:18,400 philosophy behind it. 485 00:18:19,660 --> 00:18:20,219 Then 486 00:18:20,619 --> 00:18:21,680 you're just eclectic. 487 00:18:24,150 --> 00:18:27,109 And Axline was not creating a toolbox. 488 00:18:27,359 --> 00:18:29,709 That's not what her work was about. 489 00:18:30,560 --> 00:18:31,989 She laid a foundation 490 00:18:32,239 --> 00:18:34,589 for a way of being with children. 491 00:18:35,020 --> 00:18:36,270 We talk about that all the time. 492 00:18:36,319 --> 00:18:37,660 This is a way of being. 493 00:18:37,959 --> 00:18:38,920 We don't do this, 494 00:18:39,040 --> 00:18:39,839 we are this. 495 00:18:40,630 --> 00:18:42,250 This is a way of being. 496 00:18:42,560 --> 00:18:43,670 This way of being 497 00:18:44,209 --> 00:18:45,069 requires 498 00:18:45,680 --> 00:18:46,489 presence. 499 00:18:46,800 --> 00:18:48,439 It requires trust. 500 00:18:49,199 --> 00:18:50,800 It requires humility. 501 00:18:52,219 --> 00:18:54,239 That's why CCPT isn't for everyone. 502 00:18:56,459 --> 00:18:58,459 It requires things of us, 503 00:18:58,790 --> 00:19:01,420 and we have to be able to give those things. 504 00:19:03,160 --> 00:19:03,670 So, 505 00:19:03,880 --> 00:19:04,989 here's the takeaway. 506 00:19:06,069 --> 00:19:09,270 You're not just using Axline's techniques. 507 00:19:11,280 --> 00:19:13,560 When you are fully CCPT 508 00:19:14,119 --> 00:19:16,319 you are continuing Axline's legacy. 509 00:19:17,229 --> 00:19:18,300 If you are 510 00:19:18,430 --> 00:19:19,430 CCPT. 511 00:19:20,760 --> 00:19:23,430 You need to understand Axline's 512 00:19:23,880 --> 00:19:24,310 influence, 513 00:19:24,479 --> 00:19:25,790 where this model came from. 514 00:19:26,800 --> 00:19:27,550 Why 515 00:19:27,800 --> 00:19:29,920 the non-directive component matters. 516 00:19:31,180 --> 00:19:32,829 And resist the temptation 517 00:19:33,199 --> 00:19:36,349 to guide or interpret or analyze what's going on. 518 00:19:36,910 --> 00:19:37,380 Why? 519 00:19:37,790 --> 00:19:40,979 Because everything about Axline's work trusted the child. 520 00:19:41,770 --> 00:19:42,670 And we should too. 521 00:19:44,010 --> 00:19:44,170 Yes, 522 00:19:44,250 --> 00:19:46,199 we trust the process all the time, 523 00:19:47,050 --> 00:19:49,000 but we also have to trust the child. 524 00:19:50,010 --> 00:19:50,650 That's, 525 00:19:50,849 --> 00:19:52,839 that's what Axline put out into the world. 526 00:19:53,369 --> 00:19:54,520 Just trust the child. 527 00:19:55,640 --> 00:19:57,569 So I hope that that helps you 528 00:19:58,099 --> 00:19:58,650 see 529 00:19:59,219 --> 00:20:00,020 where we've been. 530 00:20:00,770 --> 00:20:01,930 And next episode, 531 00:20:02,000 --> 00:20:03,270 we're going to look at 532 00:20:03,560 --> 00:20:04,949 Bernard and Louise Guerney. 533 00:20:05,849 --> 00:20:07,859 And how they expanded this model 534 00:20:08,349 --> 00:20:11,900 and brought parents into the process through 535 00:20:12,150 --> 00:20:13,380 filial play therapy, 536 00:20:13,670 --> 00:20:16,939 teaching parents to use CCPT principles with their own children. 537 00:20:18,339 --> 00:20:21,089 So I'd love to hear from you if you have thoughts about this series, 538 00:20:21,170 --> 00:20:22,560 if you have thoughts about 539 00:20:22,829 --> 00:20:25,160 Axline or anything that we've been talking about, 540 00:20:25,770 --> 00:20:26,290 shoot me an email. 541 00:20:26,329 --> 00:20:29,250 I'd love to receive it brenna@thekidcounselor.com. 542 00:20:29,520 --> 00:20:30,489 If you wanna ask me a question, 543 00:20:30,569 --> 00:20:31,160 you can do that. 544 00:20:31,250 --> 00:20:34,880 If you'd like to leave a voicemail for me to answer a question, 545 00:20:35,089 --> 00:20:38,609 you can call 813-812-5525 in the states. 546 00:20:39,339 --> 00:20:40,579 And I love y'all, 547 00:20:40,790 --> 00:20:43,390 and I can't wait to dive into this series more. 548 00:20:43,510 --> 00:20:46,510 Thank you for letting me know that this series is meaningful and helpful to you. 549 00:20:46,550 --> 00:20:48,459 A lot of you have reached out and I appreciate that. 550 00:20:48,989 --> 00:20:50,079 You're why I do this, 551 00:20:50,229 --> 00:20:51,030 so we're, 552 00:20:51,109 --> 00:20:53,219 we're in this CCPT thing together. 553 00:20:53,390 --> 00:20:53,709 Love y'all. 554 00:20:53,790 --> 00:20:54,550 We'll talk again soon. 555 00:20:54,750 --> 00:20:54,949 Bye. 556 00:20:56,239 --> 00:20:59,000 Thank you for listening to the Play Therapy Podcast with Dr. 557 00:20:59,160 --> 00:21:00,119 Brenna Hicks. 558 00:21:00,239 --> 00:21:02,199 For more episodes and resources, 559 00:21:02,359 --> 00:21:07,099 please go to www.playtherapypodcast.com.