Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist

S4E13 - How Do My Words Shape My Child's Self-Esteem?

In this episode, I answer a collection of parent questions around one central concern: what do we do when a child seems to be struggling with who they are? I talk about s

S4E12 - How Do I Reduce My Child's Screen Time Without Constant Battles?

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom who realizes that screens have gradually become a major part of her children's daily lives and now wants to make a change.

S4E11 - How Do I Help My Child With School Anxiety?

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom whose 9-year-old daughter experiences intense anxiety every morning before school—even though she does well once she gets

S4E10 - Why Is My Youngest Child Always Acting Out? - When a Child Uses Bad Behavior and Negative Attention to Find Their Place

In this episode, I answer a question from a homeschooling mom whose six-year-old becomes angry, disruptive, and resistant whenever it's time to do schoolwork. I explain w

S4E9 - How Do I Make Custody Exchanges Easier for My Toddler?

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom whose toddler struggles every time it's time to transition to the other parent's home for a custody exchange. We talk abou

S4E8 - Why Is My Child Aggressive and Sad?

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom whose son has struggled with aggression, sadness, and emotional regulation for years. She wonders why he's so different fr

S4E7 - How Do I Handle Aggressive Behavior Without Punishment?

In this episode, I answer a question from an adoptive mom who is learning how to use child-centered parenting techniques with her daughter, who struggles with aggression,

S4E6 - How Do I Stop Power Struggles With My Preteen?

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom who feels like she's constantly butting heads with her ten-year-old daughter. We talk about why the preteen years often br

S4E5 - Why Is My Child Always Fighting for Control?

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom whose five-year-old daughter seems to be caught in constant power struggles despite receiving choices throughout the day.

S4E4 - Why Does My Child Hold Their Pee?

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom whose seven-year-old daughter has struggled with pee withholding since potty training. We explore why toileting challenges

S4E3 - How Do I Stop Sibling Fighting and Rough Play?

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom who is worried about the relationship between her four-year-old son and his younger brother. If you've ever wondered wheth

S4E2 - How Does Trauma Affect a Child Years Later?

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom whose daughter witnessed the death of her father at a very young age. Now that her daughter is older, she's wondering how

S4E1 - Can Children Develop Internal Motivation Without Rewards?

In the first Q&A episode of Season 4, I answer a thoughtful question from a mom who is trying to help her eight-year-old daughter develop internal motivation for everyday

S3E46 - Wrapping Up the Parent Companion Series + What's In Store for Season 4!

In this final episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I reflect on why this season has mattered so much to me and to the field of child-centered play the

S3E45 - The Emotional Crash After Fun Activities: What Parents Need to Know

In this episode, I answer a question from an adoptive mom whose three-year-old becomes extremely dysregulated before and after exciting events like family camp, theme par

S3E44 - How Play Therapy Helps Even When Nothing in Their Environment Changes

In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I answer a common question parents ask: "How can play therapy help if nothing in my child's environment i

S3E43 - Reverse Pandora's Box: Can My Child Lose the Progress They've Made in Therapy?

In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I talk about one of the biggest fears parents have after things begin improving: "What if we go backwards

S3E42 - Can My Child Do Play Therapy and Occupational Therapy at the Same Time?

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom whose child is currently in play therapy and making great progress, but who is also considering adding occupational therap

S3E41 - How Kids Learn to Trust Themselves

In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I explain one of the most important shifts that happens for children in the play therapy process—the chan

S3E40 - The Roller Coaster of Child Counseling Progress

In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I explain why a child's growth and healing process is not linear, even though we often expect it to be. A