Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy Excellence
Published by Cathi Spooner, LCSW, RPT-S
Education
How To
Health & Fitness
Mental Health
Join me on Next Level Play Therapy, a podcast for child and adolescent therapists seeking to elevate your play therapy services. Hosted by Cathi Spooner, LCSW, RPT-S, at Renewing Hearts Play Therapy Training. Each episode delves into the nuances of play therapy, exploring innovative techniques, evidence-based practices, and practical strategies for providing exceptional therapeutic experiences. These engaging discussions cover a wide range of topics, including building rapport with children, how to make sure you get great outcomes for clients, therapeutic toys and tools and strategies to use in sessions, addressing trauma and attachment issues, engaging parents, promoting emotional regulation, and nurturing resilience for children and their families. Whether you're an experienced therapist looking to refine your skills or a novice clinician venturing into the world of play therapy, the Next Level Play Therapy podcast equips you with the knowledge and insights to enhance your play therapy practice. With interviews featuring experts in play therapy, exploration of best practices, discussion of game-changing principles and strategies, this podcast equips you with the tools to unlock the amazing power of play therapy to transform the lives of children, adolescents, and families. Tune in to Next Level Play Therapy and take a journey towards becoming an exceptional play therapist as we navigate the next level strategies that lead to profound healing and growth for children and their families.
The #1 Mistake Play Therapists Make on Parent Calls
Send us Fan Mail Getting frantic phone calls from parents about meltdowns, outbursts, and behavior problems is a stressful reality for play therapists. When a parent says, “My doctor (or therapist) said play therapy isn’t working,” it’s easy to feel the weight of responsibility to fix everything immediately. In this week’s podcast episode, Cathi Spooner of Renewing Hearts Training teaches you how to handle these "dreaded" calls with confidence, even when you don't have all the answers yet. You’ll learn how to shift from being an "answer-giver" to a "container-holder," building trust and maintaining clinical authority. In this podcast, we cover: Step 1: Regulate First – Why one intentional breath changes your nervous system and the entire tone of the call. Step 2: Validate Before You Explain – The #1 mistake therapists make when parents say therapy isn’t working. Step 3: Honest Uncertainty – How to name what you know (and what you don’t) to actually strengthen a parent's confidence in you. Stop navigating these challenging clinical moments alone. Learn how to transform stressful phone calls into opportunities for deeper clinical connection. Ready to stop feeling isolated and alone as a play therapist and get access to feedback and support? If you want to move from knowing these steps to executing them with a community of play therapists backing you up, check out the Play Therapy Elevation CIRCLE. Something exciting is coming soon—don’t miss out! Join the waitlist for Play Therapy Elevation CIRCLE and be the first to know when enrollment opens: https://www.rhplaytherapytraining.com/f/ptec-waitlist Connect with Cathi: www.rhplaytherapytraining.com #PlayTherapy #ChildTherapy #ParentConsultation #TherapistTips #MentalHealthProfessionals #CathiSpooner #RenewingHeartsTraining Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills
More Years of Experience Won't Fix What's Actually Making You Doubt Yourself as a Play Therapist
Send us Fan Mail I want to talk about something that a lot of play therapists are silently betting their entire career on — the idea that *more time and more experience* is what's going to eventually make them feel confident and capable in the play therapy room. That one day they'll hit some magic number of years and the self-doubt will just... disappear. The second-guessing will stop. The anxiety before parent calls will go away. They'll finally feel like they know what they're doing. And I want to lovingly, respectfully push back on that — because I think that belief is keeping a lot of really talented play therapists stuck for longer than they need to be. During this week’s podcast episode, I want to talk about what we silently say in our minds and don’t dare talk about it for fear of judgment and rejection. This week I want to talk about what are the beliefs and behaviors feeding the self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and second-guessing clinical decisions keeping amazing play therapists from achieving confidence. If you’ve secretly thought experience is the only reason you’re lacking confidence as a play therapist, then you don’t want to miss this episode. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills
5 Signs You’re a Play Therapist Struggling with Clinical Isolation
Send us Fan Mail Do you find yourself replaying play therapy sessions on your drive home, wondering if you made the right clinical decision? You aren't alone. In this free weekly podcast episode, we’re diving into the 5 signs you’re second-guessing yourself as a play therapist and why clinical isolation might be your biggest hurdle. Being the only play therapist in your building can be incredibly lonely. When you don't have a peer group who speaks the language of sand trays and metaphors, it’s easy for "reflective thinking" to turn into an "anxious loop." Today, we walk through the clinical signs of self-doubt and how to shift from isolation to confidence. What You’ll Learn: Sign 1: The difference between healthy reflection and the "anxious loop." Sign 2: Why you dread parent phone calls (it’s not why you think!). Sign 3: Why Google isn't a substitute for a play therapy community. Sign 4: Addressing the "Am I actually helping?" doubt. Sign 5: The "Blank Phone List" – identifying your clinical support system. How to move from isolation to clinical confidence. Join the Podcast (or watch the replay) If you’re tired of carrying the full clinical burden alone, it’s time to find your people. ✨ Join the Play Therapy Elevation CIRCLE Waitlist here: https://www.rhplaytherapytraining.com/f/ptec-waitlist Connect with Cathi Spooner - Renewing Hearts Training: www.rhplaytherapytraining.com #PlayTherapy #ChildTherapy #TherapistSelfCare #ClinicalSupervision #MentalHealthProfessionals Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills
Why Play Therapists Shouldn't Work Alone: Overcoming Clinical Isolation
Send us Fan Mail Are you the only play therapist in your agency? Or perhaps you're in private practice and feel like you're navigating complex cases entirely on your own? Many play therapists accept isolation as "just the reality" of the field. We push through, hoping that with enough time and experience, we’ll eventually "figure it out." But here is the honest truth: Clinical isolation is a liability—for you and your clients. In this free weekly podcast, we’re breaking down why the "solo endeavor" mindset is holding you back and how connecting with a play therapy community is the key to better clinical results and reduced burnout. In this episode, we discuss: The Structure of Isolation: Why graduate programs and agencies often leave play therapists without the specific support they need. The Clinical Cost: How second-guessing your decisions and processing complex issues, like trauma, in a vacuum slows down client progress. The Mindset Shift: Moving from "I can handle this" to "I need a community that speaks play therapy." Clinical Confidence: How having a "backup plan" and a peer network improves the quality of your work in the playroom. Stop second-guessing your clinical decisions and start building the support network you deserve. Your clients (and your personal life) will thank you. Connect with Cathi & Renewing Hearts Training: www.rhplaytherapytraining.com #PlayTherapy #ChildTherapy #PlayTherapistSupport #ClinicalIsolation #TherapistBurnout #RenewingHeartsTraining Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills
The Isolated Play Therapist Syndrome: Why You’re Feeling Burned Out
Send us Fan Mail If you're a play therapist — especially in your first few years — and you're the only one in your agency or you're in private practice figuring this out by yourself, this is for you. You went into this work because you genuinely believe in the power of play therapy to heal kids. You're passionate about this. You're not here because it was easy — you're here because it matters to you And the reality is that you’re probably the only “kid therapist” in your agency or maybe you’re in private practice in an office surrounded by adult therapists asking you to keep the noise down in your office because it’s distracting their sessions. In today’s free podcast episode we’re talking about what’s not being talked about out loud 👇 the cost of trying to be a play therapist without a strong community to support you and the impact this has on your clinical decision-making (and if we’re being honest - your own emotional well-being). We’re discussing The Isolated Play Therapist Syndrome. What it is and why it’s keeping your clients from making progress and leaving you feeling overwhelmed, second-guessing your clinical decisions, and wondering if you’re good enough. If you’re feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and frustrated as a play therapist, then you don’t want to miss this episode. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills
Jungian Play Therapy 101: Symbols, Archetypes & Clinical Ideas
Send us Fan Mail What is Jungian Analytic Play Therapy, and how does it actually work in the playroom? In this podcast, we dive deep into the symbolic world of Jungian theory with guest Jared Andes, LCSW, RPT-S. We explore how Jungian Analytical Play Therapy uses archetypes and other concepts to facilitate healing, and we compare this model to other popular play therapy approaches. Join us for an insightful conversation as we explore the transformative power of Jungian Play Therapy! Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or new to this model, this episode will provide you with practical ideas. In this free weekly podcast episode, we’ll cover: What is Jungian Play Therapy? An introduction to the core concepts. Practical Ideas for the Playroom: Symbolic play and therapeutic techniques you can use. Comparative Analysis: How Jungian Play Therapy differs from—and where it aligns with—other popular models. Live Q&A: Get your questions answered by Jared! Connect with Jared Andes: Website: www.fullspectrumcounseling.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584175263892 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jared_andes_therapy Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills
The Trauma Roadmap: Using Neuroscience & Attachment in Play Therapy
Send us Fan Mail Are you tired of leaving your play therapy sessions wondering if you’re actually helping or just "playing"? You’ve invested in the play therapy training, you’ve gathered the strategies, and you have a playroom full of tools. But if you’re like many play therapists, having more information has only led to more confusion. When you’re in the middle of a play therapy session with a traumatized child or teen, it’s easy to second-guess your decisions and feel overwhelmed by which direction to take. The secret isn’t another weekend workshop or a new set of play therapy activities—it’s having a reliable Play Therapy Roadmap. In this week’s podcast, we’re discussing how to move from clinical overwhelm to grounded confidence. We’ll explore why a trauma-informed play therapy model acts as your professional GPS, guiding your decision-making through every stage of the healing process. We’ll be diving into: The Play Therapy GPS: Why a play therapy model is essential for knowing exactly where you are (and where you’re going) in treatment. The Neuroscience & Attachment Lens: How grounding your work in these two pillars simplifies your clinical choices. Healing the "Second-Guessing": How to tell if your interventions are truly helping your traumatized clients heal. The Power of Community: Why the "secret ingredient" to clinical success is never practicing in isolation. Stop wondering if you’re doing enough and start using a play therapy framework that provides clarity for you and better outcomes for your clients. Don't forget to subscribe and follow for more weekly insights on mastering trauma-informed play therapy! #PlayTherapy #Neuroscience #AttachmentTheory #TraumaInformed #CathiSpooner #ClinicalSupervision #PlayTherapistLife #MentalHealthProfessionals Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills
Is Trauma Really Stored in the Body? New Science for Play Therapists
Send us Fan Mail Is trauma actually "stored" in our organs, or have we been looking at it all wrong? For years, play therapists have repeated the mantra that "trauma is stored in the body," but a groundbreaking 2026 peer-reviewed article is challenging this foundational belief. If you’ve ever felt like the "storage" explanation didn't quite click, this episode is for you. Join me, Cathi Spooner, for this week’s podcast as we explore the evolution of trauma research and what it means for your playroom interventions. We’re diving deep into the science of Predictive Coding and Metastability to understand why the autonomic nervous system actually activates during traumatic triggers. In this episode, we’ll explore: The "Storage" Myth: Why trauma is likely a "disorder of prediction," not physical storage in organs. Predictive Coding 101: How the brain-body feedback loop assesses danger before conscious awareness. Healing Through "Flow": How flow states and high-challenge activities can disrupt rigid neural patterns. Smarter Psychoeducation: How to explain these complex shifts to parents and caregivers using clear, accurate language. As play therapists, staying current with evolving research is critical to providing the best care for traumatized children and teens. Let’s ground your approach in the latest science and move toward more effective, somatic-based regulation strategies. Don't forget to subscribe to Cathi Spooner - Renewing Hearts Training for weekly play therapy clinical tips! Citation: Kolter, S., Mannino, M., Fox, G., and Friston, K. (2026). The body does not keep the score: Trauma, predictive coding, and the restoration of metastability. Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience . doi.10.3389/fnsys.1812957 #PlayTherapy #TraumaInformed #Neuroscience #PredictiveCoding #CathiSpooner #MentalHealthProfessionals #TraumaHealing Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills
Beyond Labeling: Why Emotional Granularity is the Key to Resilience in Play Therapy
Send us Fan Mail Helping children and teens identify and label their emotions is a core therapeutic goal in play therapy, but simply naming a feeling isn't enough. In fact, an overfocus on "feeling good" can sometimes hinder the healing process. To build true resilience, we need to help clients move from basic affect to high emotional granularity. In this free weekly podcast, we dive into the science of how emotions are constructed and how play therapists can move beyond simple labeling to help traumatized children differentiate between real and perceived threats. What you’ll learn: What is Emotional Granularity? Why the ability to distinguish "frustrated" from "sad" is a predictor of better mental health and regulation. Affect vs. Emotion: Exploring Lisa Feldman Barrett’s research on how emotions are mental constructions based on past experience and culture. The Role of Emotions in Play Therapy: Using strategies that promote resilience in play therapy Common Mistakes with Trauma: Why we must address the belief systems (cognitions) tied to emotions to avoid over-focusing on the feeling alone. Predictive Brain & Safety: Using the therapeutic relationship and co-regulation to help children rewire their brain's predictive responses to trauma. About Cathi Spooner: I help play therapists and mental health professionals master the art of play therapy with children and families. Subscribe for weekly discussions on building resilient hearts through play therapy. Citation: Feldman Barrett, L. How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain (2017) Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills
The Missing Piece: How to Include Parents in Play Therapy for Children with Trauma
Send us Fan Mail Using play therapy with traumatized children and teens is complex, and many play therapists find themselves asking: "Where do the parents fit in?" “What do I do if my client is in foster care? How do I include parents?” Too often, parents or caregivers are left out of the process or integrated without a clear plan. This can lead to missed healing opportunities or accidentally triggering trauma. In this free weekly podcast, we’re diving deep into the critical role of parents (caregivers) in the trauma healing process. I’ll walk you through a fictitious case study (Carla) to show you exactly how to move from case conceptualization to successful treatment planning, including parent integration. 🎯 In this week’s episode, we discuss: The Conceptualization Process: How to identify the "what" and "how" of parent inclusion. Neuroscience & Attachment: Understanding the parent's role through a biological and relational lens. Practical Strategies: Key things to consider when bringing parents into the playroom. Stop feeling overwhelmed and start building a clear plan for your clients' success. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills
Play Therapy Case Conceptualization: Trauma, Attachment & Behavior
Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever left a play therapy session thinking… “I see the behaviors—but what’s actually driving them?” You’re not alone. And more importantly—you’re not supposed to stay stuck there. In this podcast episode, we break down how to use case conceptualization in play therapy through a neuroscience and attachment lens so you can finally understand what’s at the root of a child’s behavior — not just what’s showing up on the surface. Using a case study of a 7-year-old child in foster care (fictitious client), you’ll learn how trauma, attachment disruption, and the nervous system shape behaviors like clinginess, withdrawal, food hoarding, and sleep difficulties — and how to respond in a way that actually promotes healing. Because here’s the shift: 👉 Behavior isn’t the problem. It’s the clue. 🎯 In this week’s podcast episode, we’re discussing: What case conceptualization in play therapy actually is (and why it changes everything) How to move from surface behaviors → root causes using a trauma-informed lens How the nervous system drives behavior in children with trauma histories How attachment patterns show up in the playroom and at home What to look for in play themes and symbolic expression How to stop guessing in play therapy sessions — and start making confident clinical decisions 🧠 Why This Matters Without a clear case conceptualization, it’s easy to: Chase behaviors Second-guess your interventions Feel like your sessions lack direction But when you understand the why behind the behavior, everything shifts. You become more grounded. More intentional. More effective. 👩⚕️ Who This Is For: ✔ Play therapists working with traumatized children and teens ✔ Child therapists feeling unsure what’s happening in play therapy sessions ✔ Clinicians wanting to integrate neuroscience + attachment into play therapy ✔ Play therapists ready to move beyond “just using activities” If you’re ready to stop guessing in the playroom and start seeing what’s really happening beneath the behavior… This is where it starts. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills
Polyvagal Theory Is Being Challenged… What Play Therapists Need to Know
Send us Fan Mail Is Polyvagal Theory still valid? And what does the latest scientific debate mean for your play therapy practice? Polyvagal Theory (PVT), developed by Stephen Porges, has become one of the most widely used frameworks in trauma-informed therapy. But recent critiques from neuroscientists and researchers are challenging key assumptions about the vagus nerve, autonomic nervous system hierarchy, and the evidence behind PVT. If you’re a play therapist using Polyvagal Theory — or teaching it to parents — you’ve probably felt that quiet question in the back of your mind: “Am I explaining this accurately… or just repeating what I was taught?” You’re not alone. In this podcast episode, we break down the current Polyvagal Theory debate in a way that actually makes sense — without requiring a neuroscience degree or a second cup of coffee just to survive it. Because here’s the truth: Even when theories are debated, your clinical work still needs to be grounded, ethical, and effective. 🎯 In this week's episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ A clear, simplified explanation of Polyvagal Theory ✔️ The main scientific critiques of PVT (what’s being questioned—and why) ✔️ What parts of Polyvagal Theory still hold clinical value ✔️ How to responsibly use nervous system concepts in play therapy ✔️ How to explain regulation and safety to children and parents with confidence 💡 Whether you’re feeling confused, curious, or slightly betrayed by your favorite theory (yeah… we went there), this episode will help you separate what’s useful from what’s uncertain — so you can keep showing up as a grounded, confident play therapist. 👇 Tell me in the comments: Are you using Polyvagal Theory in your play therapy sessions? What questions has this debate brought up for you? Here are some resources if you’d like to explore the issues in more depth: Grossman, P., et. al. (2026). Why Polyvagal Theory is untenable. Clinical Neuropsychiatry, 23, (1), 100-112. doi: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20260111 Porges, W. S. (2026). when a critique becomes untenable: a scholarly response to Grossman et al.’s evaluation of Polyvagal Theory. Clinical Neuropsychiatry, 23(1), 113-128. doi.org/10.36131/cnfioritieditore20260111 Ana Lund Substack articles are an interesting read from a clinician’s perspective Scientists vs. The Polyvagal Industrial Complex is Autonomic Nervous System Literacy for Therapists: The Lowdown Dr. Birthe Macdonald has also written and shared some interesting articles on Substack (my new nerdy place to get some neuroscience scoop from the scientific community) Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills
Sand Tray Therapy: Should You Interpret a Child’s Play? (3 Things to Consider)
Send us Fan Mail You just know what your client’s sand tray means… but should you say it? In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest clinical dilemmas in play therapy: 👉 Do you share your interpretation of a child’s sand tray scene—or hold it? If you’ve ever felt that pull—the moment where everything clicks and you want to connect the dots for your client—this conversation is for you. Because here’s the truth: What you say (and when you say it)… can either deepen the healing—or shut it down. In this free podcast episode, you’ll learn how to hold the sand tray process in a way that protects the therapeutic space while strengthening your clinical decision-making. 🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn: • The real role of interpretation in sand tray therapy • Why timing matters more than insight • 3 key factors to consider before sharing what you see • How to avoid disrupting the child’s internal healing process • What to do when you’re tempted to say something 🧠 This is for play therapists who: • Second-guess what to say in play therapy sessions • Feel unsure about interpreting sand tray scenes • Want to move beyond “just observing” into intentional, theory-driven work using play therapy • Are ready to trust their clinical judgment with more confidence ✨ Whether you’re new to sand tray therapy or refining your skills, this episode will help you stay grounded, intentional, and aligned with the healing process—without rushing to interpret. 🔔 Subscribe for more play therapy trainings on sand tray, trauma, attachment, and working with children & teens. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills
Virtual Play Therapy Explained: Tools, Tips & Platforms for Play Therapists
Send us Fan Mail Virtual play therapy isn’t the future anymore… it’s already here. But let’s be real for a second— Most platforms weren’t built for play therapists. They weren’t designed to engage children using play therapeutically. For expressive play. For the kind of symbolic, relational work you do every single day. So what happens when a platform is built with play therapists in mind? That’s exactly what we’re diving into in this special podcast episode with Brendan Herjavec, Chief Innovation Officer at PlaySpace. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking… → How do I actually DO play therapy virtually? → How do I stay engaging and effective through a screen? → Is there a better way than trying to make traditional telehealth platforms “work”? …this conversation is for you. Because here’s the truth: Virtual play therapy isn’t going away. And when done well—it can be powerful, connected, and deeply therapeutic. ✨ In this episode, we’ll explore: ✓ What PlaySpace is and how it was designed specifically for play therapists ✓ How a virtual play therapy platform can support symbolic play, creativity, and engagement ✓ The biggest challenges play therapists face when working virtually—and how to overcome them ✓ How to maintain connection, attunement, and safety in an online playroom ✓ Why using the right tools can change how effective your sessions feel We’re not just talking about “making do” with virtual therapy. We’re talking about creating a playroom… just in a different dimension. 🎯 Whether you’re already doing virtual play therapy—or still unsure how it could even work— this episode will give you a new lens (and maybe a little hope) for what’s possible. Because the question isn’t if play therapy can happen online. It’s how to do it in a way that actually works. Connect with Brendan Herjave on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/in/brendanherjavec Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills
Sand Tray Therapy: How to Identify Themes in a Play Therapy Session
Send us Fan Mail How do you identify themes in sand tray therapy sessions? One of the most important skills for play therapists is learning how to recognize themes in play therapy, especially when working with sand tray therapy. Themes reveal the deeper emotional experiences children are trying to process through symbolic play. In this week’s free weekly podcast episode, you’ll learn how to identify themes in sand tray therapy sessions and what to look for when a child creates a sand tray scene. We’ll explore: What a theme in play therapy actually is and how to identify them How symbols in the sand tray communicate meaning What to notice about placement of miniatures (buried, elevated, outside the tray, or stacked) How use of space and proximity between symbols can reveal relational dynamics Why what a child says—and doesn’t say—during the play therapy session matters How your theoretical play therapy model influences how you understand themes You’ll also learn the important theoretical distinctions between sandplay therapy and sand tray therapy. Understanding themes in play therapy helps play therapists move beyond simply observing play to developing a clinical lens for case conceptualization and therapeutic intervention. If you’re a play therapist who has ever wondered: "What does this sand tray scene mean?" That’s exactly what we’re discussing during this week’s free podcast episode that will help you begin recognizing the patterns and themes that emerge in symbolic play. Resources for Play Therapists If you're looking to deepen your play therapy skills, explore training opportunities, consultation, and community support: 🌿 Play therapy and sand tray therapy trainings 🌿Play Therapy Academy for strategic play therpay skill building 🌿Play Therapy Elevation CIRCLE community for support and feedback 🌿 Resources for working with children and adolescents Visit: https://rhplaytherapytraining.com Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills
Play Therapy Assessment Explained: How to Know If Your Play Therapy Sessions Are Working
Send us Fan Mail You can have the most beautiful playroom… the best toys… even strong rapport… But if you’re not assessing what’s actually happening beneath the play, you might be missing the very thing your client needs most. In this episode of Next Level Play Therapy , we’re breaking down one of the most overlooked (and misunderstood) skills in play therapy: assessment—and why it directly impacts your case conceptualization, treatment planning, and outcomes. If you’ve ever wondered: → “How do I know if play therapy is actually working?” → “What are kids really communicating through their play?” → “Do I need formal assessment tools to be effective?” This conversation will shift how you see your role as a play therapist—moving you from guessing… to grounded clinical clarity. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: ✔ The difference between formal vs. informal assessment in play therapy—and when each matters ✔ Why assessment isn’t a one-time event (and how it evolves across the entire treatment process) ✔ How your theoretical model shapes what you notice—and what you might be missing ✔ The connection between assessment → case conceptualization → treatment decisions ✔ How to identify the root causes behind behaviors like tantrums, emotional dysregulation, and oppositional patterns ✔ When to refer for standardized assessments (and why missing this step can stall progress) WHY THIS MATTERS: Without clear assessment, play therapy can easily become a collection of play therapy activities instead of a targeted, theory-driven process. Because here’s the truth… Two children can present with the exact same behavior — …but have completely different underlying needs. And if you’re treating the behavior instead of the root? You’ll feel stuck. Your clients will plateau. And that quiet voice of self-doubt starts creeping in. Assessment is what turns you into a clinical detective—helping you understand not just what is happening… but why . 🌱 READY TO GO DEEPER? If you’re ready to stop second-guessing and start practicing with confidence, check out my course: 👉 Getting Grounded in Play Therapy Case Conceptualization Learn the core skills every play therapist needs to build a strong clinical framework and create meaningful, lasting change. 🔗 Explore here: https://www.rhplaytherapytraining.com/courses/case-conceptualization 👉 Want support from a community of like-minded play therapists? I have two types of memberships depending on your needs. Here’s the link for more information about Play Therapy Academy and Play Therapy Elevation CIRCLE: https://www.rhplaytherapytraining.com/supervision Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills
Case Conceptualization in Play Therapy: Why You Feel Stuck (and How to Fix It)
Send us Fan Mail Are you feeling stuck in your play therapy sessions… unsure what to do next or why your play therapy interventions aren’t working? You might be missing the most important step in the entire play therapy treatment process: case conceptualization in play therapy. In this episode, you’ll learn what case conceptualization actually is (without the grad school confusion) and how it becomes your clinical roadmap for helping children and teens heal. Because here’s the truth—when you skip this step, you’re not just guessing… you’re treating the 🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ What case conceptualization in play therapy really means ✔️ How to identify the root causes behind a child’s behavior ✔️ Why information gathering alone is NOT enough ✔️ How your play therapy theoretical model shapes what you see (and miss) ✔️ How to create a working hypothesis that guides your sessions ✔️ Why strong case conceptualization 🧠 Why this matters: Case conceptualization isn’t just a clinical task—it’s the foundation of effective play therapy. When you understand what’s happening underneath the behavior, you can: → Target the right play therapy interventions → Stop feeling lost in play therapy sessions → Build confidence in your clinical decisions → Actually see meaningful change in your clients The mistake most play therapists make: They jump into play therapy sessions without fully understanding the why behind the child’s struggles. And that’s when therapy starts to feel confusing, overwhelming… and ineffective. Ready to go deeper? If you want a clear, step-by-step framework for building strong case conceptualizations: 👉 Check out Getting Grounded in Play Therapy Case Conceptualization https://www.rhplaytherapytraining.com/courses/case-conceptualization 👉 Learn more about Play Therapy Academy (advanced consultation & skill-building) https://www.rhplaytherapytraining.com/play-therapy-academy Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills
How to Use Attachment-Based Sand Tray Therapy with Teens
Send us Fan Mail What do you do after you’ve identified the symptoms in a struggling teen? Failing grades. Emotional withdrawal. “I don’t care.” High-conflict divorce. Estrangement from a parent. Identity confusion. It’s one thing to recognize the patterns. It’s another to know how to turn that understanding into a clear, effective plan to help your teen clients heal. In this week’s podcast episode, I walk through a case example of “Ethan,” a 16-year-old navigating academic decline and emotional shutdown in the aftermath of parental conflict and attachment rupture. Using a neuroscience and attachment-informed lens, we explore how case conceptualization directly shapes clinical decision making in adolescent play therapy. You’ll learn: How your play therapy theoretical model influences what you prioritize in treatment How to sequence expressive arts interventions instead of reacting to symptoms What progress actually looks like when working with withdrawn teens How to avoid pulling random expressive arts activities “hoping something works” I’ll also share two attachment-based sand tray interventions designed specifically for adolescents — grounded in nervous system regulation and identity integration. Because effective treatment planning isn’t about doing more play therapy techniques. It’s about choosing expressive arts interventions that align with your clinical hypothesis. Join me for this week's podcast! When your play therapy theory guides your decisions, your sessions become intentional, strategic, and far more impactful. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills
Play Therapy with Adolescents: Why Teen Symptoms Are Easy to Misread
Send us Fan Mail What do you do when a 16-year-old walks into your office, shrugs, and says, “I don’t care”? Low motivation. Failing grades. Emotional shutdown. Estrangement from a parent after divorce. On the surface, it can look like depression, defiance, or typical teen apathy. But what if those symptoms are telling a much more layered story? In this free livestream episode, I’m walking you through a real-world adolescent case study to demonstrate why case conceptualization is the backbone of effective play therapy with teens. Without a clear framework, it’s easy to chase symptoms, try random expressive arts interventions, or second-guess every clinical decision. With a solid case conceptualization, your play therapy sessions become intentional, focused, and grounded in theory. Before you pull out your best expressive arts activities – like art or the sand tray – you need to get clear on what’s at the root of the problem and that’s your case conceptualization (aka - working hypothesis) We’ll explore: Why symptom-based thinking keeps play therapists stuck How your theoretical lens shapes the way you interpret adolescent behaviors Practical tips for formulating a culturally relevant case conceptualization Key questions to ask before choosing expressive arts or play therapy interventions If you’ve ever left a session with a teen wondering, “What just happened—and what do I do next?” this conversation is for you. Case conceptualization isn’t paperwork. It’s your clinical GPS. Learn how to move from reacting to symptoms… to leading with clarity and confidence in your adolescent play therapy work. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills
Sand Tray Therapy with Teens: How to Use It Effectively in Play Therapy
Send us Fan Mail Can you really use sand tray therapy with adolescents? Absolutely—and when you understand how to adapt it developmentally, sand tray becomes one of the most powerful expressive arts tools to use with teens. In this podcast episode, I’m diving into how to use sand tray with teens in a way that respects their autonomy, supports emotional regulation, and deepens therapeutic insight. If you’re a play therapist who has ever wondered whether sand tray feels “too young” for adolescents—or you’re unsure how to introduce it without resistance—this conversation is for you. You’ll learn: Practical tips for introducing sand tray therapy to adolescents How to frame sand tray in a developmentally appropriate way Sand tray prompts designed specifically for teens Adolescents often struggle with traditional talk therapy when their nervous system is overwhelmed. Sand tray therapy provides a non-threatening, expressive pathway that allows teens to communicate complex internal experiences without relying solely on words. Join me for this free weekly podcast! Whether you’re new to sand tray therapy or looking to strengthen your clinical confidence using sand tray with teens, this episode will give you practical strategies you can use immediately in your next play therapy session. If you work with adolescents in play therapy and want fresh sand tray ideas that actually engage teens, join us for this training. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills
