# 415 | Advanced "I Wonder" and Whisper Technique in Role Play

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/play-therapy-podcast-a-master-class-in-child-centered-play-therapy-5451171/415-advanced-i-wonder-and-whisper-technique-in-role-play
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/play-therapy-podcast-a-master-class-in-child-centered-play-therapy-5451171/415-advanced-i-wonder-and-whisper-technique-in-role-play.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: 2026-07-10T13:20:00+00:00
Episode link: https://9490a942-9aa8-4795-831a-19045bd9686f.libsyn.com/415-advanced-i-wonder-and-whisper-technique-in-role-play
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/9490a942-9aa8-4795-831a-19045bd9686f/PlayTherapyPodcast_415_AdvancedRolePlay.mp3?dest-id=3452126
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/play-therapy-podcast-a-master-class-in-child-centered-play-therapy-5451171/episodes/415-advanced-i-wonder-and-whisper-technique-in-role-play
Duration seconds: 891

## Resource

In this episode, I answer a question about using whispering and "I wonder" statements during role play in child-centered play therapy. One of the biggest challenges therapists face is knowing when to continue in a role the child has assigned versus when to seek additional direction. I explain why our goal is never to improvise or steer the play, but rather to follow the child's cues while remaining fully adherent to the CCPT model. Sometimes the most therapeutic response isn't another question or wonder statement—it's simply reflecting what the child has already established and patiently waiting for the next cue. I also discuss how to know when a whisper or wonder statement is appropriate, why rushing role play can unintentionally influence the child's process, and how to avoid taking the play in a direction the child never intended. This episode offers practical guidance for navigating one of the most nuanced aspects of CCPT while reinforcing a simple principle: our role is to support the child's play, not shape it. 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 to support parent engagement, improve buy-in, and reduce attrition throughout the therapeutic journey. As a listener…

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