# 413 | CCPT Mythbusters: Child-Centered Play Therapy Doesn't Work with Older Kids

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/play-therapy-podcast-a-master-class-in-child-centered-play-therapy-5451171/413-ccpt-mythbusters-child-centered-play-therapy-doesn-t-work-with-older-kids
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/play-therapy-podcast-a-master-class-in-child-centered-play-therapy-5451171/413-ccpt-mythbusters-child-centered-play-therapy-doesn-t-work-with-older-kids.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: 2026-07-07T12:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://9490a942-9aa8-4795-831a-19045bd9686f.libsyn.com/413-ccpt-mythbusters-child-centered-play-therapy-doesnt-work-with-older-kids
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/9490a942-9aa8-4795-831a-19045bd9686f/PlayTherapyPodcast_413_OlderKids.mp3?dest-id=3452126
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Duration seconds: 791

## Resource

In this episode of the CCPT Mythbusters series, I tackle a misconception that exists even within the child-centered play therapy community: the belief that CCPT doesn't work with older children. Too many therapists assume that once children reach nine or ten years old, they have "outgrown" play therapy and need a more traditional talk therapy approach. I explain why this simply isn't true. While older children may express themselves differently and rely more on conversation and activity-based play, the foundational principles of CCPT remain exactly the same. Healing has never depended on toys—it has always depended on the therapeutic relationship. I also share practical insights from working with older children and adolescents, including why so many initially resist play but eventually embrace it as they experience genuine acceptance and emotional freedom. Whether you're working with a 4-year-old or a 14-year-old, the core conditions that Carl Rogers identified still apply. This episode is an encouragement to trust the model, challenge your own adulthood bias, and confidently offer child-centered play therapy to older children who need it just as much as their younger peers. Podcast Meetups! Come hang out with me. I'm hosting casual Play Therapy Podcast listener meetups in Denver and Seattle on Aug. 4th and 6th. I'd love to connect with you in person! Learn more and RSVP at https://www.playtherapypodcast.com/meetup/ New Live Training Events Announced: Indiana, New Jersey & Tampa dates are locked in and registration is open for Indiana. Go to iamccpt.live for more information. New Resource for Play Therapists: The Parent Companion for Play Therapy is now available at author pricing for therapists. Created specifically to help parents better understand the child-centered…

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