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Podcast: Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
Episode: 345 | When a Child Won't Go Back to the Playroom: Navigating the "Lobby" Session with the Child and Parents
Description: In this episode, I walk you through one of the most challenging—but entirely normal—scenarios in child-centered play therapy: when a child refuses to go back to the playroom. Whether it's the lobby, hallway, or even the car, I share how we can handle these moments with confidence, clarity, and congruence. I outline how to prepare yourself, prepare parents, and uphold the model without bribes, coercion, or negotiating—while still gently guiding the child toward the playroom over time. We cover key strategies like pairing reflective statements with gentle invitations to the playroom, keeping parents from interf...