# 393 | When to Set Limits (and When Not To) in CCPT + Removing Toys Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/play-therapy-podcast-a-master-class-in-child-centered-play-therapy-5451171/393-when-to-set-limits-and-when-not-to-in-ccpt-removing-toys Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/play-therapy-podcast-a-master-class-in-child-centered-play-therapy-5451171/393-when-to-set-limits-and-when-not-to-in-ccpt-removing-toys.md Podcast: [Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy](https://stenobird.com/podcast/play-therapy-podcast-a-master-class-in-child-centered-play-therapy-5451171) Published: 2026-04-30T14:06:00+00:00 Episode link: https://9490a942-9aa8-4795-831a-19045bd9686f.libsyn.com/393-when-to-set-limits-and-when-not-to-in-ccpt-removing-toys Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/9490a942-9aa8-4795-831a-19045bd9686f/PlayTherapyPodcast_393_WhenToSetLimits.mp3?dest-id=3452126 Processing state: not_requested JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/play-therapy-podcast-a-master-class-in-child-centered-play-therapy-5451171/episodes/393-when-to-set-limits-and-when-not-to-in-ccpt-removing-toys Duration seconds: 1003 ## Resource In this Q&A episode, I respond to two questions that highlight common areas of uncertainty in child-centered play therapy. First, I address a case involving a 7-year-old with significant behavioral challenges across settings. The core issue isn't what to "do more," but whether a limit is actually necessary. I walk through the three reasons we set limits and the three questions we ask ourselves, emphasizing that if safety isn't compromised, restraint is often the more appropriate response. What may feel like behavior "on the edge" is often far from it—and staying grounded in the model, without becoming agenda-driven, is what allows the child to work through what they need. In the second question, I discuss playroom logistics—specifically, removing slime as a recurring activity. I explain why structuring the playroom for success is critical to maintaining permissiveness and therapist acceptance. If certain materials create stress, limits, or disruption, they may be getting in the way of CCPT rather than supporting it. I also explore what slime play may represent for children, such as competence, self-esteem, and comfort, and why removing it can actually open the door for important therapeutic work. Ultimately, this episode reinforces the importance of knowing yourself, trusting the process, and making thoughtful decisions that support both the child and your ability to remain fully present in the model. 2 SPOTS REMAINING - Six-Figure Play Therapist sixfigureplaytherapist.com . The next cohort for the Six-Figure Play Therapist coaching program starts on May 21st, on Thursdays @ 3pm EST. There are two spots left before enrollment closes. Visit the website, watch the video, and schedule your 30-minute Discovery Call. Topical Playlists! All of the podcasts are now groupe… ## Actions - request_transcript: `POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/play-therapy-podcast-a-master-class-in-child-centered-play-therapy-5451171/episodes/393-when-to-set-limits-and-when-not-to-in-ccpt-removing-toys/transcription-requests` — Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode. - read_markdown: `GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/play-therapy-podcast-a-master-class-in-child-centered-play-therapy-5451171/393-when-to-set-limits-and-when-not-to-in-ccpt-removing-toys.md` — Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource. A page view does not enqueue transcription. Agents should invoke `request_transcript` explicitly when they need this episode processed. ## Transcript Full transcripts are not published on public pages unless there is a clear rights basis.