In this episode, I explore a fascinating concept that helps explain why child-centered play therapy is so powerful in shaping a child's identity: **the Looking Glass Self**. Originally introduced by sociologist Charles Cooley, this concept suggests that we develop our sense of who we are through the messages and perceptions reflected back to us by others. For children, those messages aren't always positive. Whether they're repeatedly told they're difficult, incapable, too young, or not good enough, those experiences can become part of how they see themselves. I explain how these external messages influence a child's developing self-concept and why the formative years are especially important.
I also discuss how CCPT offers children something they may rarely experience elsewhere: a relationship and environment that reflect an entirely different view of who they are. Through unconditional acceptance, empathy, encouragement, and trust, children begin to see themselves as capable, competent, and worthy. I connect the Looking Glass Self to Rogers' person-centered theory, the ideal versus actual self, and the self-fulfilling prophecy to illustrate how children can begin to redefine their identity through the therapeutic relationship. This is also a valuable concept to share with parents because it helps explain how CCPT creates meaningful, lasting change in the way children see themselves.
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2nd Annual CCPT: The Field of Dreams Conference
January 30-31st, 2027. 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 play therapy process, this book is designed to support parent engagement, improve buy-in, and reduce attrition throughout the therapeutic journey. As a listener of the Play Therapy Podcast, you can order a copy for just $8 (our cost plus shipping).
Click here to order your author-priced copy. ** Limit 1 per therapist, offer valid in the Continental U.S. only.
Order copies for your practice and save with discounted bulk pricing. Bulk ordering makes it easy to place Parent Companion for Play Therapy directly into the hands of the parents you serve.
If you would like to ask me questions directly, check out www.ccptcollective.com, where I host two weekly Zoom calls filled with advanced CCPT case studies and session reviews, as well as member Q&A. You can take advantage of the two-week free trial to see if the CCPT Collective is right for you.
Ask Me Questions: Call (813) 812-5525, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
Brenna's CCPT Hub: https://www.playtherapynow.com
CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://www.ccptcollective.com
Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com
APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com
Common References:
Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge.
Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315537948
Benedict, Helen. Themes in Play Therapy. Used with permission to Heartland Play Therapy Institute.