# 414 | When a Child Narrates Their Own Play - Trusting the Process

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/play-therapy-podcast-a-master-class-in-child-centered-play-therapy-5451171/414-when-a-child-narrates-their-own-play-trusting-the-process
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/play-therapy-podcast-a-master-class-in-child-centered-play-therapy-5451171/414-when-a-child-narrates-their-own-play-trusting-the-process.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: 2026-07-09T13:05:00+00:00
Episode link: https://9490a942-9aa8-4795-831a-19045bd9686f.libsyn.com/414-when-a-child-narrates-their-own-play-trusting-the-process
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/9490a942-9aa8-4795-831a-19045bd9686f/PlayTherapyPodcast_414_Narrates.mp3?dest-id=3452126
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Duration seconds: 796

## Resource

In this episode, I answer a question from a new CCPT therapist who wonders whether a child who quietly builds with Legos session after session is really doing therapeutic work. When play seems repetitive, surface-level, or disconnected from the child's personal life, it's easy to question whether meaningful progress is being made. I explain why narration, predictable play, and even seemingly simple activities can be important parts of the therapeutic process, especially early in treatment. Rather than looking for deeper themes before the child is ready, I encourage therapists to trust that every aspect of a child's play has purpose and value. I also discuss the difference between symbolic play and thematic play, why not all play is thematic, and how our own desire to understand or "figure out" the play can interfere with true child-centered practice. This episode is a reminder that we don't have to rush children toward deeper work or ask questions to move therapy forward. Our role is to remain fully accepting, trust the process, and believe that children will naturally work on what they need in their own way and in their own time. 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. 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 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 play therapy process, this book is designed…

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