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Play Therapy Parenting Podcast

Play Therapy Parenting Podcast

By: Dr. Brenna Hicks
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The path to calm, confident, and in-control parenting starts now. The Play Therapy Parenting Podcast is hosted by Dr. Brenna Hicks, The Kid Counselor®. All content, no fluff.© 2023 The Kid Counselor® Parenting & Families Relationships
Episodes
  • S3E6 - Parent Companion for Play Therapy: The Four Phases of Child-Centered Play Therapy
    Oct 8 2025

    In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I walk through the four phases of the child-centered play therapy process. Understanding these phases helps parents know what to expect as their child progresses through therapy — from the initial connection to the completion of treatment.

    I explain each stage — initiation, resistance, work, and termination — and describe what happens in each. Parents often wonder how play therapy unfolds and why behaviors may shift along the way. This episode will help you recognize that change takes time, that resistance is a natural part of healing, and that every phase has a purpose in helping your child grow into a happier, healthier version of themselves.

    Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
    My Book: Device Detox: A Parent's Guide To Reducing Usage, Preventing Tantrums, And Raising Happier Kids - https://a.co/d/bThnKH9
    Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/
    My Newsletter Signup: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/newsletter/
    My Podcast Partner, Gabb Wireless: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/gabb/

    Common References:
    Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge.
    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.

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    14 mins
  • S3E5 - Parent Companion for Play Therapy: What the Therapist Does in Session
    Oct 2 2025

    In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I answer one of the most common questions parents have: What does a child-centered play therapist actually do? From the outside, it might look like kids are just playing, but in reality, everything the therapist says and does is intentional, skill-based, and grounded in the child-centered psychological theory.

    I explain how therapists use reflective responses, offer choices, set limits when needed, and create a safe environment of trust, respect, and unconditional acceptance. I also share the deeper ways a child experiences the therapist’s presence, engagement, and care. The playroom is not about random play — it’s about creating the relationship and environment where your child can become the best version of themselves.

    Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
    My Book: Device Detox: A Parent's Guide To Reducing Usage, Preventing Tantrums, And Raising Happier Kids - https://a.co/d/bThnKH9
    Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/
    My Newsletter Signup: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/newsletter/
    My Podcast Partner, Gabb Wireless: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/gabb/

    Common References:
    Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge.
    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.

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    18 mins
  • S3E4 - Parenting Through Co-Parenting Struggles and Sibling Fights
    Sep 26 2025

    In this episode, I answer a question from Barry in the UK about co-parenting struggles, sibling conflict, and feeling overwhelmed when kids fight. I share encouragement from another listener’s success story and then walk through Barry’s challenges step by step. Together, we look at how to stay calm, use reflective responses, set clear limits, and avoid falling into power struggles.

    I also explain why kids often grasp for power and control when life feels uncertain, and how creating household rules, building consistent special time, and repairing after mistakes can make all the difference. Parenting isn’t about being perfect — it’s about having a plan, sticking with it, and trusting that connected relationships help kids grow into their best selves.

    Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
    My Book: Device Detox: A Parent's Guide To Reducing Usage, Preventing Tantrums, And Raising Happier Kids - https://a.co/d/bThnKH9
    Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/
    My Newsletter Signup: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/newsletter/
    My Podcast Partner, Gabb Wireless: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/gabb/

    Common References:
    Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge.
    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.

    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
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