313 | Art of the Session: Setting Up the CCPT Playroom With Purpose and Integrity
Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this first episode of the Art of the Session summer series, I walk through one of the most essential components of effective CCPT work: the playroom itself. I share the practical, intentional choices that make a playroom therapeutic—including size, layout, toy categories, visual neutrality, and why predictability matters more than decoration.
I also break down what permissiveness really requires: accessible, inviting, and affordable toys that don't need protection. From dollhouses to sandboxes, this episode is your go-to guide for creating a space that upholds the core values of CCPT and removes barriers to healing. Whether you're building your playroom from scratch or making the most of a borrowed storage closet, this conversation will help you return to the heart of why the environment matters so much.
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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 00:00:00,469 --> 00:00:04,309 You're listening to the Play Therapy Podcast with Dr. Brenna Hicks, 1 00:00:04,469 --> 00:00:08,210 your source for centered and focused play therapy coaching. 2 00:00:08,590 --> 00:00:08,750 Hi, 3 00:00:08,789 --> 00:00:09,829 I'm Dr. Brenna Hicks, 4 00:00:09,840 --> 00:00:10,590 The Kid Counselor. 5 00:00:10,710 --> 00:00:12,670 This is the Play Therapy Podcast where you get 6 00:00:12,670 --> 00:00:14,979 a master class in child-centered play therapy 7 00:00:15,229 --> 00:00:17,350 and practical support and application for your 8 00:00:17,350 --> 00:00:18,899 work with children and their families. 9 00:00:19,110 --> 00:00:19,989 In today's episode, 10 00:00:20,110 --> 00:00:22,379 we are moving into a new series. 11 00:00:23,010 --> 00:00:23,719 Last year, 12 00:00:23,760 --> 00:00:27,600 we did a Summer School Series and it was 13 00:00:27,850 --> 00:00:29,959 met with very positive feedback. 14 00:00:30,010 --> 00:00:32,000 That was a huge hit of a series. 15 00:00:32,409 --> 00:00:35,319 So we are going to do another summer series this year. 16 00:00:35,689 --> 00:00:38,220 This year is called Art of the Session. 17 00:00:39,250 --> 00:00:39,450 Yes, 18 00:00:39,529 --> 00:00:42,650 that's a play on Art of the Relationship for those of you that caught that. 19 00:00:43,490 --> 00:00:47,299 So this series is going to be about 20 00:00:47,810 --> 00:00:49,919 all things related to 21 00:00:50,130 --> 00:00:51,540 what needs to be 22 00:00:51,849 --> 00:00:53,520 for sessions to take place. 23 00:00:54,009 --> 00:00:55,400 And here's why 24 00:00:55,610 --> 00:00:56,680 we're talking about this. 25 00:00:57,479 --> 00:01:01,020 I've mentioned before the CCPT skills pyramid. 26 00:01:01,770 --> 00:01:03,930 And I went through the 4 levels, 27 00:01:04,138 --> 00:01:06,209 so you have the clinical skills at the bottom. 28 00:01:07,370 --> 00:01:08,709 And if you think about the pyramid, 29 00:01:08,790 --> 00:01:10,430 obviously it's going to come to an apex, 30 00:01:10,510 --> 00:01:10,889 yes, 31 00:01:11,110 --> 00:01:13,779 so really big at the bottom are the clinical skills. 32 00:01:14,230 --> 00:01:16,559 Then there's applied skills next, 33 00:01:16,660 --> 00:01:18,190 then there's refined skills, 34 00:01:18,430 --> 00:01:19,900 and then there's insight skills 35 00:01:20,230 --> 00:01:22,120 and I briefly touched on all of those 36 00:01:22,120 --> 00:01:24,500 and I've spoken about those in different workshops, 37 00:01:24,870 --> 00:01:26,750 but we've spent a lot of time 38 00:01:27,349 --> 00:01:29,180 doing all of the clinical skills. 39 00:01:30,190 --> 00:01:32,839 And I want to start moving in the direction 40 00:01:33,139 --> 00:01:34,809 of the application 41 00:01:35,220 --> 00:01:37,000 of some of these clinical skills, 42 00:01:37,019 --> 00:01:37,580 because first of all, 43 00:01:37,650 --> 00:01:38,970 there's always new listeners. 44 00:01:39,260 --> 00:01:39,809 Second of all, 45 00:01:39,860 --> 00:01:42,089 for those of you that have been around the block with me 46 00:01:42,339 --> 00:01:43,279 so many times, 47 00:01:43,699 --> 00:01:46,089 it is always helpful to have a refresher 48 00:01:46,370 --> 00:01:48,290 of some of the things that we've already learned, 49 00:01:48,540 --> 00:01:50,290 and I want this to be 50 00:01:50,459 --> 00:01:52,330 a summer series where 51 00:01:52,620 --> 00:01:55,180 we can take what we know clinically and 52 00:01:55,180 --> 00:01:57,779 actually make sure that we're practically applying it. 53 00:01:58,279 --> 00:01:59,949 And what I'm seeing over and over, 54 00:02:00,150 --> 00:02:02,580 especially in some of the play sessions that I'm watching, 55 00:02:03,029 --> 00:02:07,470 what I'm noticing is people that are very grounded in clinical skills 56 00:02:07,750 --> 00:02:10,270 are missing some of the application 57 00:02:10,630 --> 00:02:13,059 either because it's never been discussed, 58 00:02:13,270 --> 00:02:15,190 they've never been trained in it, 59 00:02:15,270 --> 00:02:17,000 it's not been made clear, 60 00:02:17,350 --> 00:02:19,660 so that's what this summer series is about. 61 00:02:19,750 --> 00:02:20,759 Art of the Session, 62 00:02:20,910 --> 00:02:22,059 what do we need 63 00:02:22,710 --> 00:02:25,399 to really make sure that our sessions are the best that they can be. 64 00:02:25,830 --> 00:02:26,259 So, 65 00:02:26,470 --> 00:02:27,990 let's talk about the playroom. 66 00:02:28,449 --> 00:02:31,440 I know that not everyone has their dream playroom. 67 00:02:31,559 --> 00:02:31,919 In fact, 68 00:02:32,070 --> 00:02:35,210 I would argue most CCPTs do not have their dream playroom. 69 00:02:36,360 --> 00:02:41,740 And I also am aware that often we are relegated to whatever spare 70 00:02:42,110 --> 00:02:42,750 closet, 71 00:02:42,949 --> 00:02:44,429 janitorial room, 72 00:02:44,550 --> 00:02:46,100 storage space, 73 00:02:46,509 --> 00:02:47,750 conference room, 74 00:02:47,800 --> 00:02:48,820 library. 75 00:02:48,869 --> 00:02:49,580 I've heard it all, 76 00:02:49,589 --> 00:02:49,789 y'all. 77 00:02:49,949 --> 00:02:54,869 You would not believe where CCPTs all over this world are trying to conduct 78 00:02:55,149 --> 00:02:55,940 play sessions. 79 00:02:56,389 --> 00:02:59,509 I know that often the environment is not ideal. 80 00:02:59,830 --> 00:03:02,750 I know it is not necessarily the way that we would choose. 81 00:03:03,440 --> 00:03:04,000 However, 82 00:03:04,119 --> 00:03:07,029 I want us to at least know what it needs to be 83 00:03:07,360 --> 00:03:07,990 to the 84 00:03:08,309 --> 00:03:09,910 most that we're able to get there. 85 00:03:10,350 --> 00:03:11,669 It may not be perfect. 86 00:03:11,720 --> 00:03:14,429 It may not be fully the way that it is recommended, 87 00:03:14,720 --> 00:03:18,589 but we need to do everything we can to know what a playroom should look like, 88 00:03:18,759 --> 00:03:19,149 how it, 89 00:03:19,320 --> 00:03:20,509 how it should be set up, 90 00:03:20,720 --> 00:03:22,190 what it needs to include, 91 00:03:22,399 --> 00:03:24,789 and the purpose behind all of these 92 00:03:25,440 --> 00:03:26,259 expectations. 93 00:03:26,720 --> 00:03:27,899 So first and foremost, 94 00:03:28,029 --> 00:03:29,850 the ideal playroom 95 00:03:30,320 --> 00:03:33,360 per Landreth is about 12 by 15. 96 00:03:34,479 --> 00:03:38,179 That is big enough for the child to have room to play, 97 00:03:38,479 --> 00:03:42,550 but small enough that it doesn't feel like this massive vacant space 98 00:03:42,800 --> 00:03:44,080 that isn't contained. 99 00:03:45,190 --> 00:03:46,710 So anything smaller than that 100 00:03:46,960 --> 00:03:51,669 could be a little bit difficult for a child to have freedom to do active play. 101 00:03:51,919 --> 00:03:52,990 Anything bigger than that, 102 00:03:53,000 --> 00:03:54,910 it feels like there's just 103 00:03:55,199 --> 00:03:57,949 too much room and it's not necessarily 104 00:03:58,320 --> 00:04:00,589 safe and cocoon-like enough. 105 00:04:00,759 --> 00:04:04,000 So 12 by 15 around that dimension is ideal. 106 00:04:05,210 --> 00:04:07,029 We also need to be mindful 107 00:04:07,460 --> 00:04:09,779 that when we are setting up our playroom. 108 00:04:10,720 --> 00:04:11,990 Regardless of where it is, 109 00:04:12,240 --> 00:04:13,509 regardless of the space. 110 00:04:14,380 --> 00:04:16,820 The intention is that it is neutral. 111 00:04:17,718 --> 00:04:19,738 And what I mean by that is, 112 00:04:20,308 --> 00:04:23,558 we want it to be a space where every child 113 00:04:23,868 --> 00:04:25,459 can make it his or her own. 114 00:04:26,799 --> 00:04:29,309 If we paint bold colors on a wall, 115 00:04:29,519 --> 00:04:31,429 if we paint murals on a wall, 116 00:04:31,640 --> 00:04:33,600 if we have phrases on a wall, 117 00:04:33,799 --> 00:04:35,459 if we have posters on a wall, 118 00:04:35,579 --> 00:04:37,390 if we have artwork on a wall, 119 00:04:37,640 --> 00:04:39,989 if we have anything on a wall. 120 00:04:40,890 --> 00:04:42,540 That is no longer neutral. 121 00:04:43,570 --> 00:04:47,820 So the purpose of setting up your playroom is not to decorate it, 122 00:04:48,390 --> 00:04:51,420 it's not to make it look like kids belong there. 123 00:04:51,630 --> 00:04:54,750 It's not to have giraffes and hippos and elephants, 124 00:04:54,869 --> 00:04:56,619 nor is it to have blocks, 125 00:04:56,829 --> 00:04:58,420 ABC blocks on the wall, 126 00:04:58,619 --> 00:05:00,510 nor is it to have little sayings, 127 00:05:00,589 --> 00:05:01,059 you know, 128 00:05:01,549 --> 00:05:04,579 I know all the places that you'll go, 129 00:05:04,709 --> 00:05:05,420 Doctor Seuss, 130 00:05:05,429 --> 00:05:05,940 whatever. 131 00:05:06,559 --> 00:05:08,779 The goal is complete neutrality. 132 00:05:08,869 --> 00:05:10,149 We want neutral paint. 133 00:05:10,559 --> 00:05:13,329 We want neutral walls with nothing on them. 134 00:05:13,619 --> 00:05:14,170 Why? 135 00:05:14,619 --> 00:05:19,529 Because the child needs to feel that it can be what they need or want it to be. 136 00:05:21,170 --> 00:05:22,579 This brings me to. 137 00:05:23,320 --> 00:05:24,929 We also do not 138 00:05:25,239 --> 00:05:27,709 have anything that a child makes 139 00:05:28,000 --> 00:05:29,279 displayed in the playroom. 140 00:05:30,559 --> 00:05:32,459 If they make art projects, 141 00:05:32,540 --> 00:05:33,410 if they paint, 142 00:05:33,500 --> 00:05:34,320 if they color, 143 00:05:34,420 --> 00:05:35,369 if they draw, 144 00:05:35,540 --> 00:05:37,059 if they make paper airplanes, 145 00:05:37,149 --> 00:05:38,339 if they make origami, 146 00:05:38,459 --> 00:05:39,579 if they make garlands, 147 00:05:39,679 --> 00:05:41,140 if they make snowflakes, 148 00:05:41,339 --> 00:05:43,529 if they make pipe cleaner creations, 149 00:05:43,700 --> 00:05:45,890 if they make pom-pom towers, 150 00:05:46,540 --> 00:05:47,250 whatever. 151 00:05:47,989 --> 00:05:51,230 They are not displayed or kept in a playroom. 152 00:05:51,480 --> 00:05:51,869 Why? 153 00:05:52,200 --> 00:05:53,869 Because the next child that comes in, 154 00:05:54,040 --> 00:05:55,290 it's no longer neutral. 155 00:05:56,850 --> 00:05:59,790 And the premise of this is, Landreth talks about this, 156 00:05:59,950 --> 00:05:59,959 that 157 00:06:00,079 --> 00:06:02,029 that would be like putting 158 00:06:02,679 --> 00:06:04,850 psychotherapy notes up on a wall. 159 00:06:05,750 --> 00:06:10,089 There's confidentiality in what a child makes in a playroom 160 00:06:10,649 --> 00:06:13,040 that is just between you and the child. 161 00:06:13,649 --> 00:06:16,440 And so even if they ask to keep it with you, 162 00:06:16,649 --> 00:06:17,799 you can keep it, 163 00:06:18,089 --> 00:06:21,920 but it should not remain in the playroom and I've seen so many playrooms 164 00:06:22,170 --> 00:06:25,290 where there are like essentially clotheslines strung up 165 00:06:25,290 --> 00:06:28,720 across the walls and there's 900 pieces of artwork 166 00:06:29,399 --> 00:06:31,290 clothes pinned across these. 167 00:06:32,010 --> 00:06:35,739 Clotheslines and then there's stuff on the windows and there's stuff 168 00:06:35,739 --> 00:06:38,359 on the shelves and there's stuff that kids have made. 169 00:06:38,649 --> 00:06:40,489 That is no longer CCPT. 170 00:06:41,950 --> 00:06:43,920 So we need to be very intentional 171 00:06:44,290 --> 00:06:45,600 about the neutrality 172 00:06:45,769 --> 00:06:46,649 of the playroom. 173 00:06:47,510 --> 00:06:50,109 Because that's the whole premise that the child comes 174 00:06:50,109 --> 00:06:54,260 in and every single child feels at home there. 175 00:06:54,549 --> 00:06:56,029 You realize if you paint 176 00:06:56,549 --> 00:06:57,980 polka dots on your wall, 177 00:06:58,350 --> 00:07:00,100 not every kid is going to like that. 178 00:07:00,350 --> 00:07:01,690 You paint stripes on your wall, 179 00:07:01,829 --> 00:07:03,350 not every kid's going to like that. 180 00:07:03,470 --> 00:07:04,920 You paint your walls purple, 181 00:07:05,149 --> 00:07:06,980 not every kid is going to like that. 182 00:07:07,630 --> 00:07:08,739 The goal is 183 00:07:08,959 --> 00:07:10,589 blank neutrality. 184 00:07:11,329 --> 00:07:13,179 And therefore every child 185 00:07:13,480 --> 00:07:15,380 can feel comfortable 186 00:07:15,790 --> 00:07:17,299 in their playroom. 187 00:07:17,549 --> 00:07:21,339 You do realize that every time a child walks in your playroom, 188 00:07:21,750 --> 00:07:24,420 it feels like it's theirs and only theirs. 189 00:07:24,709 --> 00:07:24,869 Yes, 190 00:07:24,950 --> 00:07:26,190 they know other kids come, 191 00:07:26,269 --> 00:07:27,739 they know other kids play with you. 192 00:07:28,529 --> 00:07:32,429 But it feels like theirs for that hour as it should. 193 00:07:33,010 --> 00:07:36,250 It doesn't when there's a whole bunch of stuff from other kids and there's a whole 194 00:07:36,250 --> 00:07:40,040 bunch of artwork on the walls and there's a whole bunch of crafts on display. 195 00:07:40,369 --> 00:07:43,109 Now that feels like a whole bunch of other people's playroom. 196 00:07:43,850 --> 00:07:45,519 So that's a really important piece. 197 00:07:46,670 --> 00:07:47,019 Also, 198 00:07:47,109 --> 00:07:48,500 there needs to be a rug 199 00:07:48,709 --> 00:07:50,390 on the floor in a playroom. 200 00:07:51,230 --> 00:07:52,850 It needs to be clear 201 00:07:53,059 --> 00:07:54,529 that there is a boundary 202 00:07:54,820 --> 00:07:57,049 for where play can take place. 203 00:07:57,290 --> 00:07:58,820 It doesn't matter what kind of flooring you have, 204 00:07:58,940 --> 00:08:02,940 whether it's carpet or hardwood or linoleum or laminate or whatever, 205 00:08:02,980 --> 00:08:03,890 it doesn't matter. 206 00:08:04,100 --> 00:08:06,510 You have a rug on the floor, 207 00:08:06,859 --> 00:08:08,179 and that makes it clear that 208 00:08:08,339 --> 00:08:10,850 that is a play area boundary. 209 00:08:11,299 --> 00:08:12,769 It's also comfortable. 210 00:08:13,380 --> 00:08:16,209 Kids spend a lot of time on playroom floors, 211 00:08:16,339 --> 00:08:17,929 so if you have a rug in there 212 00:08:18,179 --> 00:08:19,500 that's comfortable on their knees, 213 00:08:19,660 --> 00:08:21,369 on their hands when they lay down, 214 00:08:21,540 --> 00:08:22,579 when they crouch, 215 00:08:22,660 --> 00:08:24,290 when they do all the things that they do, 216 00:08:24,619 --> 00:08:25,850 there's a comfort factor, 217 00:08:26,059 --> 00:08:28,809 but it's very clear that there's a visual space 218 00:08:29,700 --> 00:08:30,890 for where play 219 00:08:31,230 --> 00:08:31,760 can happen. 220 00:08:31,859 --> 00:08:34,090 Now it can take place off of the rug too, 221 00:08:34,580 --> 00:08:38,369 but that just gives that defining visual boundary for a play area. 222 00:08:39,859 --> 00:08:40,650 Also, 223 00:08:41,020 --> 00:08:43,450 many of you have sand trays in your room. 224 00:08:44,830 --> 00:08:47,090 In true CCPT fashion, 225 00:08:47,169 --> 00:08:48,729 it is a sandbox. 226 00:08:49,250 --> 00:08:50,320 We haven't talked about this. 227 00:08:50,369 --> 00:08:52,000 I wanna make this really clear. 228 00:08:52,409 --> 00:08:55,619 It doesn't matter whether it's on a on a stand. 229 00:08:56,250 --> 00:08:58,820 And it's higher or if it's on the ground, 230 00:08:59,059 --> 00:09:02,390 if we are treating it as a CCPT tool. 231 00:09:03,619 --> 00:09:05,530 If we are using a sand tray 232 00:09:05,780 --> 00:09:07,890 from any other theoretical model, 233 00:09:08,380 --> 00:09:10,580 meaning if we have Jungian sandtray 234 00:09:11,380 --> 00:09:11,580 background, 235 00:09:11,659 --> 00:09:14,270 if we have Adlerian sand play background, 236 00:09:14,510 --> 00:09:18,929 if we have any kind of directive or prescriptive background in sand work, 237 00:09:19,500 --> 00:09:22,219 that should not be brought into a CCPT playroom. 238 00:09:22,940 --> 00:09:26,090 In the full and pure CCPT model, 239 00:09:26,130 --> 00:09:28,039 there's a sandbox on the floor. 240 00:09:28,650 --> 00:09:29,090 Therefore, 241 00:09:29,169 --> 00:09:30,200 kids can get in it, 242 00:09:30,450 --> 00:09:31,450 they can play in it, 243 00:09:31,609 --> 00:09:33,000 they can put toys in it. 244 00:09:33,799 --> 00:09:35,750 So it serves the same purpose, 245 00:09:35,799 --> 00:09:37,849 whether it's on a stand or on the floor. 246 00:09:39,309 --> 00:09:43,400 But there is no expectation of how the sand is to be used. 247 00:09:43,630 --> 00:09:44,969 They're not given prompts. 248 00:09:45,090 --> 00:09:46,650 They're not told to name their world. 249 00:09:46,729 --> 00:09:49,969 They're not told to choose figures that represent their family members. 250 00:09:50,130 --> 00:09:52,840 They're not asked to describe what's happening in the world. 251 00:09:53,049 --> 00:09:57,960 It's a tool and a toy just like anything else in a CCPT playroom. 252 00:09:58,489 --> 00:10:00,359 They can choose to play in the sand or not. 253 00:10:00,429 --> 00:10:03,440 They can choose to put toys and miniatures in the sand or not. 254 00:10:04,830 --> 00:10:05,479 But 255 00:10:06,210 --> 00:10:11,760 most of the CCPT playrooms at their purest form will have a box on the floor. 256 00:10:12,409 --> 00:10:14,719 You could certainly put a sand tray on the floor 257 00:10:14,929 --> 00:10:16,219 and it would serve the same purpose. 258 00:10:16,250 --> 00:10:17,609 It would just not be as big. 259 00:10:18,859 --> 00:10:21,669 But that needs to be made clear as well, 260 00:10:22,200 --> 00:10:24,630 because often people will try to incorporate, 261 00:10:24,679 --> 00:10:25,070 quote, 262 00:10:25,080 --> 00:10:26,309 sand play 263 00:10:26,599 --> 00:10:28,460 into a CCPT playroom, 264 00:10:28,599 --> 00:10:30,590 and that is anti-theoretical. 265 00:10:31,570 --> 00:10:34,270 It's just like anything else in the room, 266 00:10:34,380 --> 00:10:36,169 the child can choose to play with it or not. 267 00:10:37,479 --> 00:10:38,960 So I wanna make that really clear. 268 00:10:39,330 --> 00:10:39,960 Also, 269 00:10:40,530 --> 00:10:42,320 the setup of your toys. 270 00:10:43,599 --> 00:10:46,640 There is purpose and intention in the way you lay out your playroom. 271 00:10:47,710 --> 00:10:48,250 Ideally, 272 00:10:48,280 --> 00:10:50,479 you have a U-shaped configuration. 273 00:10:51,330 --> 00:10:52,700 So that each 274 00:10:53,049 --> 00:10:53,659 wall 275 00:10:53,950 --> 00:10:55,659 has a category of toys on it. 276 00:10:56,690 --> 00:10:59,190 If you're not familiar with the three categories of toys, 277 00:10:59,400 --> 00:11:00,929 which is why we're talking about this. 278 00:11:01,250 --> 00:11:03,049 We have acting out aggressive toys, 279 00:11:03,250 --> 00:11:04,719 we have real life toys, 280 00:11:04,929 --> 00:11:07,200 and we have creative artistic expressive toys. 281 00:11:08,250 --> 00:11:10,479 So if you walk into the room. 282 00:11:11,750 --> 00:11:12,510 Theoretically, 283 00:11:12,559 --> 00:11:16,669 you're going to have your acting out aggressive toys on the left wall, 284 00:11:17,000 --> 00:11:19,070 your real life toys on the middle wall, 285 00:11:19,320 --> 00:11:22,630 and your creative artistic expressive toys on your right wall. 286 00:11:22,960 --> 00:11:24,590 That creates your U. 287 00:11:25,760 --> 00:11:30,239 And what this does is it makes sense to a child's brain. 288 00:11:31,349 --> 00:11:35,330 That all of the acting out aggressive toys are over here 289 00:11:35,630 --> 00:11:37,659 and all of the real life toys are over here 290 00:11:37,659 --> 00:11:40,219 and all of the creative artistic toys are over here. 291 00:11:40,750 --> 00:11:43,849 If you have handcuffs next to baby dolls, 292 00:11:43,960 --> 00:11:45,059 next to markers, 293 00:11:45,270 --> 00:11:46,500 next to puppets, 294 00:11:46,510 --> 00:11:48,229 next to swords, 295 00:11:48,390 --> 00:11:49,559 next to 296 00:11:49,849 --> 00:11:52,179 tigers and hollow sharks, 297 00:11:52,590 --> 00:11:55,669 next to deer and baby chickens. 298 00:11:56,739 --> 00:12:01,130 That subconsciously is overwhelming and confusing for a child. 299 00:12:02,070 --> 00:12:04,250 And so we want to make sure 300 00:12:04,580 --> 00:12:06,289 that the toys are grouped 301 00:12:06,460 --> 00:12:07,599 intentionally 302 00:12:08,179 --> 00:12:09,099 so that it makes sense. 303 00:12:09,219 --> 00:12:09,450 Now, 304 00:12:09,700 --> 00:12:11,419 depending on the footprint of your items, 305 00:12:11,659 --> 00:12:13,289 depending on the size of your items, 306 00:12:13,539 --> 00:12:17,059 depending on where there are doors and windows and other things in your room. 307 00:12:18,059 --> 00:12:20,400 It's not always possible to fully 308 00:12:21,010 --> 00:12:24,080 have those categories exclusively grouped together. 309 00:12:24,330 --> 00:12:25,580 So for example, 310 00:12:25,890 --> 00:12:27,520 you might have to have, 311 00:12:27,530 --> 00:12:28,570 based on the size of it, 312 00:12:28,609 --> 00:12:30,840 you might have to have your puppet theater 313 00:12:31,130 --> 00:12:32,640 in one corner of the room 314 00:12:33,169 --> 00:12:36,919 and that may be kind of where the aggressive toys are on that wall. 315 00:12:37,530 --> 00:12:39,960 If there's only one spot for the puppet theater to go, 316 00:12:40,080 --> 00:12:42,179 the puppet theater goes where it has to go. 317 00:12:42,450 --> 00:12:44,080 But as much as possible, 318 00:12:44,169 --> 00:12:46,729 you want to make sure that your toys are grouped. 319 00:12:47,289 --> 00:12:48,760 According to category, 320 00:12:49,010 --> 00:12:52,000 and they function in that U configuration. 321 00:12:53,010 --> 00:12:54,159 Also, 322 00:12:54,489 --> 00:12:57,760 you wanna make sure that once your toys are set up, 323 00:12:58,090 --> 00:13:00,719 there's consistency and predictability 324 00:13:01,289 --> 00:13:03,890 with where they are when kids come into the playroom. 325 00:13:05,219 --> 00:13:07,479 So if you have your army cubby, 326 00:13:07,520 --> 00:13:08,429 for example, 327 00:13:09,000 --> 00:13:12,150 and you have all of your army related stuff in the 328 00:13:12,359 --> 00:13:15,630 2nd cubby from the floor all the way to the left. 329 00:13:16,630 --> 00:13:19,289 That's where your army stuff needs to be every single week. 330 00:13:19,780 --> 00:13:21,190 If you have your police stuff 331 00:13:21,669 --> 00:13:22,780 right next to that. 332 00:13:23,429 --> 00:13:27,219 You want to have all of your police stuff in that same cubby every single week. 333 00:13:27,469 --> 00:13:30,179 They don't have to be in exactly the same spot in the cubby, 334 00:13:30,710 --> 00:13:33,309 but kids need to be able to expect 335 00:13:33,630 --> 00:13:36,669 where the toys that they want to play with are going to be. 336 00:13:37,520 --> 00:13:40,229 This is another reason for the U configuration because 337 00:13:40,400 --> 00:13:41,750 you learn really quickly, 338 00:13:42,039 --> 00:13:42,400 OK, 339 00:13:42,559 --> 00:13:44,190 all that aggressive stuff goes over there, 340 00:13:44,359 --> 00:13:45,750 all that real life stuff goes there, 341 00:13:45,840 --> 00:13:47,489 all that creative artistic stuff goes there. 342 00:13:47,520 --> 00:13:49,700 It's very easy to pick up your playroom 343 00:13:50,239 --> 00:13:52,150 when they're grouped according to category, 344 00:13:52,359 --> 00:13:54,369 and then it becomes predictable for the child. 345 00:13:55,260 --> 00:13:58,530 Which brings me to this is a huge piece 346 00:13:58,859 --> 00:13:59,369 of 347 00:13:59,659 --> 00:14:00,169 your 348 00:14:00,419 --> 00:14:01,619 playroom and the session. 349 00:14:02,580 --> 00:14:04,059 You want to be consistent. 350 00:14:05,049 --> 00:14:06,520 You want to be stable, 351 00:14:06,849 --> 00:14:08,280 you want to be predictable. 352 00:14:09,260 --> 00:14:12,150 The playroom is going to look almost the same every single 353 00:14:12,150 --> 00:14:14,969 time you're going to say the same things every time. 354 00:14:15,190 --> 00:14:17,780 It's going to be laid out the same way every time. 355 00:14:18,570 --> 00:14:21,320 We don't introduce and change stuff in the playroom 356 00:14:22,090 --> 00:14:23,380 for this very reason, 357 00:14:23,619 --> 00:14:24,159 because 358 00:14:24,440 --> 00:14:27,409 kids need and want and crave. 359 00:14:28,150 --> 00:14:30,770 The predictability that the playroom affords them. 360 00:14:31,940 --> 00:14:35,460 So we're always trying to make sure that it is as static as possible. 361 00:14:35,510 --> 00:14:35,820 Now, 362 00:14:36,070 --> 00:14:39,390 do things get moved do things get hidden do things get 363 00:14:39,390 --> 00:14:42,380 put back in different spots that we don't realize right away? 364 00:14:42,630 --> 00:14:42,789 Yes, 365 00:14:42,869 --> 00:14:43,739 of course, 366 00:14:44,109 --> 00:14:44,549 but again, 367 00:14:44,659 --> 00:14:46,219 as much as we are able, 368 00:14:46,299 --> 00:14:50,200 we're trying to make sure that it's predictable and consistent for our kids. 369 00:14:51,609 --> 00:14:53,520 And another note about the toys, 370 00:14:53,799 --> 00:14:55,940 they need to be inviting, 371 00:14:56,520 --> 00:14:57,270 which means 372 00:14:57,520 --> 00:14:58,950 they're not in packaging, 373 00:14:59,200 --> 00:14:59,950 they're not 374 00:15:00,239 --> 00:15:01,150 still unwrapped, 375 00:15:01,320 --> 00:15:02,789 they don't have tags on them, 376 00:15:03,000 --> 00:15:05,229 they don't have the cellophane from the store, 377 00:15:05,640 --> 00:15:06,479 they're inviting, 378 00:15:06,590 --> 00:15:08,309 which means they're ready to be used. 379 00:15:09,270 --> 00:15:10,900 They are visible, 380 00:15:11,390 --> 00:15:13,859 which means they're easily seen. 381 00:15:14,880 --> 00:15:16,289 And they are accessible, 382 00:15:16,549 --> 00:15:17,859 meaning they're within reach. 383 00:15:18,650 --> 00:15:22,330 You don't want stuff super high up where a kid can't reach it. 384 00:15:22,500 --> 00:15:24,739 You don't want shelving units that are so tall 385 00:15:24,739 --> 00:15:27,210 that you are forced to get something for a child 386 00:15:27,409 --> 00:15:29,409 and or they can't even see what's up there. 387 00:15:30,270 --> 00:15:31,989 You don't want things in bins, 388 00:15:32,070 --> 00:15:33,789 you don't want things in cupboards, 389 00:15:33,869 --> 00:15:35,669 you don't want things in baskets, 390 00:15:35,789 --> 00:15:38,580 you don't want things behind doors or drawers. 391 00:15:38,869 --> 00:15:40,109 As much as possible, 392 00:15:40,150 --> 00:15:41,919 you want them accessible, 393 00:15:42,059 --> 00:15:42,820 visible. 394 00:15:43,530 --> 00:15:44,700 And inviting 395 00:15:45,289 --> 00:15:50,030 A child needs to be able to access the things that they need or want to play with. 396 00:15:50,280 --> 00:15:53,239 It is prohibitive if they have to rummage through bins, 397 00:15:53,280 --> 00:15:55,390 if they have to dig through boxes, 398 00:15:55,580 --> 00:15:57,780 if they have to open stuff up to find stuff, 399 00:15:57,840 --> 00:16:00,349 if it's too high for them to even reach or see it. 400 00:16:01,150 --> 00:16:03,820 Now all of a sudden there are barriers to their play. 401 00:16:05,030 --> 00:16:08,090 And therefore we want to make sure that as much as possible, 402 00:16:08,309 --> 00:16:08,799 everything 403 00:16:08,979 --> 00:16:11,419 is within reach and ready to be used. 404 00:16:12,770 --> 00:16:13,640 And then 405 00:16:13,890 --> 00:16:14,950 finally, 406 00:16:15,330 --> 00:16:16,809 another thought about toys. 407 00:16:17,640 --> 00:16:18,789 You need to have 408 00:16:18,940 --> 00:16:20,590 your playroom set up 409 00:16:20,919 --> 00:16:23,000 and the toys within your playroom. 410 00:16:24,099 --> 00:16:25,890 Where it allows you to be permissive. 411 00:16:26,840 --> 00:16:27,900 In other words, 412 00:16:28,159 --> 00:16:30,109 you don't want stuff in your room 413 00:16:30,400 --> 00:16:31,869 that costs a lot of money. 414 00:16:32,500 --> 00:16:35,830 You don't want stuff in your room that you have an emotional attachment to? 415 00:16:36,640 --> 00:16:38,590 And you don't want stuff in your room that you 416 00:16:38,590 --> 00:16:41,380 have to constantly be worried about or try to protect. 417 00:16:42,809 --> 00:16:46,460 So if you are in an environment where there's all kinds of stuff that 418 00:16:46,869 --> 00:16:48,419 requires a lot of limits, 419 00:16:48,789 --> 00:16:50,900 see if you can find a different space. 420 00:16:52,080 --> 00:16:55,270 Because the premise of a CCPT playroom is 421 00:16:55,440 --> 00:16:56,309 there's freedom, 422 00:16:56,719 --> 00:16:57,590 there's autonomy, 423 00:16:57,799 --> 00:16:58,909 there's permissiveness. 424 00:16:59,609 --> 00:17:02,349 Do not buy a $300 doll house 425 00:17:03,080 --> 00:17:05,949 if that $300 is going to 426 00:17:06,170 --> 00:17:06,989 make you 427 00:17:07,439 --> 00:17:12,069 want to die inside every time a kid wants to throw it to the ground or stomp on it 428 00:17:12,319 --> 00:17:12,910 or 429 00:17:13,880 --> 00:17:16,108 hit it with a sword or whatever if you're thinking, 430 00:17:16,239 --> 00:17:16,640 oh my gosh, 431 00:17:16,680 --> 00:17:20,189 don't break my $300 doll house every time a kid goes to play with it. 432 00:17:21,050 --> 00:17:23,020 You shouldn't have bought a $300 dollhouse. 433 00:17:24,520 --> 00:17:24,810 Now, 434 00:17:24,920 --> 00:17:25,199 if, 435 00:17:25,358 --> 00:17:25,479 look, 436 00:17:25,510 --> 00:17:26,589 doll houses are not cheap, 437 00:17:26,680 --> 00:17:27,229 I get it. 438 00:17:27,358 --> 00:17:29,359 If you spend $300 on a doll house, 439 00:17:29,439 --> 00:17:32,000 you have to be OK with the fact that it might get ruined. 440 00:17:32,939 --> 00:17:37,079 Do not bring expensive stuff into the playroom that you feel compelled to protect. 441 00:17:37,689 --> 00:17:41,599 Don't have stuff that you have to constantly be worried about in your playroom. 442 00:17:41,930 --> 00:17:43,959 This is going to require either 443 00:17:44,569 --> 00:17:46,880 you can no longer accept the child's behavior 444 00:17:47,109 --> 00:17:49,130 and or you have to set too many limits. 445 00:17:50,130 --> 00:17:53,479 And that all of a sudden now is going to get in the way 446 00:17:53,479 --> 00:17:56,270 and be a barrier to the work that the child needs to do. 447 00:17:58,000 --> 00:17:58,709 So, 448 00:17:58,959 --> 00:18:00,469 that is my 449 00:18:00,839 --> 00:18:03,359 go to list of all things you need to know 450 00:18:03,359 --> 00:18:07,469 related to setting up your playroom and maintaining your playroom, 451 00:18:07,760 --> 00:18:11,310 so that it can be the most helpful and therapeutic environment 452 00:18:11,479 --> 00:18:12,310 that it can be 453 00:18:12,479 --> 00:18:13,170 for our kids. 454 00:18:13,939 --> 00:18:18,579 So I hope that that is helpful as we go through this summer series Art of the Session, 455 00:18:18,770 --> 00:18:21,479 we're going to be tackling all kinds of things 456 00:18:21,969 --> 00:18:24,680 and it's really going to hopefully equip you 457 00:18:24,969 --> 00:18:28,479 to make sure that everything about your session from 458 00:18:28,699 --> 00:18:30,319 the start to the end, 459 00:18:30,569 --> 00:18:32,280 from the first session to the last, 460 00:18:32,689 --> 00:18:33,479 everything about it, 461 00:18:33,699 --> 00:18:35,359 you know that you have 462 00:18:35,530 --> 00:18:38,000 intentional choices that you've made 463 00:18:38,689 --> 00:18:40,119 that are adherent to the model 464 00:18:40,390 --> 00:18:41,880 so that it supports you in your work. 465 00:18:43,050 --> 00:18:43,209 All right, 466 00:18:43,329 --> 00:18:44,170 if you want to reach out to me, 467 00:18:44,209 --> 00:18:45,280 I would love to hear from you, 468 00:18:45,369 --> 00:18:47,319 brenna@thekidcounselor.com. 469 00:18:47,569 --> 00:18:49,119 If you'd want to ask a question, 470 00:18:49,410 --> 00:18:52,040 please email me and I'll be happy to cover it on an episode. 471 00:18:52,329 --> 00:18:53,010 I love y'all. 472 00:18:53,250 --> 00:18:54,239 Keep doing what you're doing, 473 00:18:54,489 --> 00:18:55,439 keep serving kids, 474 00:18:55,530 --> 00:18:56,800 keep serving families, 475 00:18:57,130 --> 00:18:59,640 keep working to be adherent to CCPT. 476 00:19:00,209 --> 00:19:03,260 It is incredible seeing what is going on. 477 00:19:03,369 --> 00:19:03,989 Oh my gosh, 478 00:19:04,089 --> 00:19:04,689 speaking of which, 479 00:19:04,770 --> 00:19:06,060 I just got an email today. 480 00:19:06,209 --> 00:19:07,040 Here's a little 481 00:19:07,489 --> 00:19:08,079 pep talk, 482 00:19:08,119 --> 00:19:09,599 make you feel good before we 483 00:19:10,089 --> 00:19:11,079 end for the day. 484 00:19:11,560 --> 00:19:14,140 I just got an email from Tracy in New Zealand. 485 00:19:14,369 --> 00:19:17,660 New Zealand just launched a new play therapy association 486 00:19:17,949 --> 00:19:20,390 and it is wholly CCPT. 487 00:19:21,760 --> 00:19:23,579 So I just went on the website, 488 00:19:23,660 --> 00:19:24,689 I checked it out, 489 00:19:24,900 --> 00:19:26,890 and New Zealand now has launched 490 00:19:27,099 --> 00:19:29,089 an association for play therapy 491 00:19:29,300 --> 00:19:33,540 that is 100% CCPT in theoretical orientation. 492 00:19:34,140 --> 00:19:34,670 So, 493 00:19:34,900 --> 00:19:39,969 Kia ora to all of my Kiwis and all of my people on the other side of the world, 494 00:19:40,140 --> 00:19:43,420 I'm so excited for you all and what 495 00:19:43,420 --> 00:19:47,050 an incredible moment of celebration for our field, 496 00:19:47,260 --> 00:19:48,369 for your country, 497 00:19:48,619 --> 00:19:49,729 for our kids. 498 00:19:50,020 --> 00:19:52,050 This is what we need more of in the world, 499 00:19:52,660 --> 00:19:53,859 people that get it, 500 00:19:53,900 --> 00:19:55,780 associations that support it, 501 00:19:56,099 --> 00:19:58,569 and the training that we all need and want. 502 00:19:58,699 --> 00:19:59,109 So, 503 00:19:59,260 --> 00:20:00,660 really excited for New Zealand. 504 00:20:00,880 --> 00:20:01,219 Tracy, 505 00:20:01,260 --> 00:20:02,900 thank you for emailing and letting me know that. 506 00:20:03,250 --> 00:20:04,989 And this is what we're working toward, 507 00:20:05,000 --> 00:20:05,469 y'all. 508 00:20:05,839 --> 00:20:06,880 One step at a time, 509 00:20:06,920 --> 00:20:10,349 we want to see changes like this take place across the world. 510 00:20:10,560 --> 00:20:10,920 Love y'all. 511 00:20:11,000 --> 00:20:11,839 We'll talk again soon. 512 00:20:12,079 --> 00:20:12,280 Bye. 513 00:20:13,339 --> 00:20:16,099 Thank you for listening to the Play Therapy Podcast with Dr. 514 00:20:16,260 --> 00:20:17,199 Brenna Hicks. 515 00:20:17,380 --> 00:20:19,369 For more episodes and resources, 516 00:20:19,459 --> 00:20:24,180 please go to www.playtherapypodcast.com.