S2E42 - Trying to Reflect Feelings but Freezing in the Moment? You're Not Alone

Episode summary

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 learned—especially the difficulty of knowing what to do in the moment with strong emotions.

I talk about the common struggle parents face when trying something new: your brain goes blank. I explain why that happens, how CCPT is like learning a new language, and what to do instead of getting discouraged. I offer practical tips for early success, including choosing one skill to focus on, mentally rehearsing outside of real-time moments, and trusting the process—even when it feels like nothing is working. This episode is encouragement and guidance for any parent just starting the journey of CCPT-inspired parenting.