Mar 19, 2024
In today's
episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, we're diving into
the first pillar of child-centered play therapy, which is
reflecting feelings. This foundational skill is all about
acknowledging and validating our children's emotions. Remembering
that kids aren't rational beings, we have to meet them in their
emotional world rather than expecting them to understand ours. By
reflecting their feelings, we help them build an emotional
vocabulary and effectively communicate their needs, instead of
acting out their needs via unacceptable behavior. Through simple
steps like starting with "you" and accurately identifying their
emotions, we can make a big difference in our children's emotional
development. I challenge you to try reflecting your child's
feelings at least once a day this week and see the impact it has on
your relationship. Don't worry if it doesn't go perfectly at first,
just keep practicing. Feel free to reach out to me with any
questions or scenarios you'd like advice on, and don't forget to
sign up for my newsletter at www.playtherapyparenting.com for more
helpful content.
Ask Me Questions: Call (813) 812-5525, or email:
brenna@thekidcounselor.com
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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. (2002). Play therapy: The art of the
relationship (2nd ed.). Brunner-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.