Why Children Don’t Clean Up the Playroom in Child-Centered Play Therapy

Play Therapy Podcast

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer another insightful question from Danielle in Georgia about managing cleanup in child-centered play therapy (CCPT). Danielle shared that she typically gives children the choice of whether or not to clean up, but she's curious if this aligns with CCPT principles. I explain that in CCPT, the therapist is responsible for cleaning up, while the child’s role is to play. This approach allows children to leave their feelings and experiences in the playroom, providing a cathartic release without the burden of “tidying up” their emotions.

I emphasize that when children ask if they need to clean up, it's important to reassure them that cleanup is the therapist's responsibility. For children who still choose to clean up due to anxiety or perfectionism, we can acknowledge their choice while reinforcing that it is not an expectation. This episode also highlights the importance of explaining the cleanup process to parents so they don’t inadvertently pressure the child into cleaning, which can disrupt the therapeutic process.

If you would like to ask me questions directly, check out www.ccptcollective.com, where I host two weekly Zoom calls filled with advanced CCPT case studies and session reviews, as well as member Q&A. You can take advantage of the two-week free trial to see if the CCPT Collective is right for you.

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Common 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. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). 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.