In this Session Savvy episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I discuss a common habit in the playroom: saying "thank you" to children. While it might seem polite and appropriate in everyday conversations, thanking a child during a child-centered play therapy session can inadvertently shift the dynamics of the relationship. I explore how saying "thank you" can communicate conditional acceptance, suggesting that the child has pleased the therapist, which can unintentionally reinforce people-pleasing behaviors and perfectionism.

Instead of saying "thank you," I suggest focusing on tracking the child's choices with statements like, "You chose to give me the sword," or "You chose to clean up." This approach reinforces the child's sense of agency and keeps the focus on their actions and decisions rather than the therapist's approval. By being mindful of our language, we can support the child’s intrinsic motivation and maintain the child-centered nature of the playroom.

Sign up for my exclusive newsletter at playtherapynow.com. Stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice!

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.