Play Therapy Parenting Podcast
The path to calm, confident, and in-control parenting starts now
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Listen to the Latest Episode
Latest Podcast Episodes
S2E45 – “Stay With Me!”: Parenting Through Bedtime Battles with Confidence—Without Becoming the Crutch
In this episode, I answer a question from a mom navigating intense bedtime struggles with her highly anxious daughter. When emotions escalate and her child feels panicked or overwhelmed, she questions whether enforcing boundaries might seem insensitive. I break down...
S2E44 – Toilet Training Power Struggles: What to Say (and Not Say) to Avoid a Battle
In this episode, I respond to a question from Hannah in England about her 3.5-year-old son who is regressing in his toilet training—especially around poop. I walk through how power struggles, control, and developmental readiness all play a role in potty setbacks. I...
Trying to Reflect Feelings but Freezing in the Moment? You’re Not Alone
In this episode, I answer an email from Sarah, a mom whose two boys are in school-based play therapy and who is just beginning to learn about the child-centered approach. Sarah shares her excitement, questions, and challenges as she starts to apply what she’s...
S2E43 – My Child Hits Himself and Says He’s Bad—What Do I Do?
In this episode, I respond to a question from Whitney about her six-year-old son’s negative self-talk and self-harming behaviors—things like calling himself “stupid” or hitting himself after making a mistake. I explain why these behaviors are often rooted in low...
S2E41 – When Someone Dies: What to Say to Your Child and How to Say It
In this episode, I talk about how to have honest, age-appropriate conversations with your child when a death occurs—especially when it’s sudden and unexpected. I walk through how to talk to children in a way that gives them truth without overwhelming them, and why...
S2E40 – When Kids Won’t Sleep Alone: Helping Anxious Children Reclaim Their Room
In this episode, I respond to Sunny from Australia, who shares her family's ongoing bedtime struggle with her 6.5-year-old daughter—an intelligent, big-feeling child working through anxiety and night terrors. After a year of consistency that led to sleep deprivation...
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Foundational Play Therapy Parenting Concepts
S2E8 – Encouragement vs. Praise: The Key to Nurturing Self-Esteem in Your Child
I can't emphasize enough the profound impact of encouragement on a child's self-esteem, self-worth, and overall development. Unlike the other pillars we've discussed, encouragement stands alone as a powerful tool that shapes a child's understanding of their identity,...
Play Therapy Fundamentals
Below is a compilation of my best podcasts covering the most fundamental play therapy skills.All Feelings Are ValidThe Four "Pillars" of Play TherapyThe Importance of Learning to “BE” With Your KidThe “Magic” of Play TherapySay Goodbye to Power Struggles with your...
Rules of Thumb Podcasts
One of the services I offer at The Kid Counselor Center is a 10-week course called Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT). Each week of the course I cover a "rule of thumb" that is a little nugget of wisdom that gives you something to think about as you parent....