Repetitive Play and/or Self-Soothing in Early Sessions

Play Therapy Podcast

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I address a question from Suzanne in Maryland, who has been working with a six-year-old child that engages in repetitive dressing and undressing of Barbie dolls in each session. Suzanne wonders how to interpret this behavior and whether it aligns with themes like nurturing and caregiving. I explain that this type of repetitive play can often be a form of self-soothing, especially in early sessions when a child is still in the initiation and rapport-building phase. This repetitive, ritualistic behavior can be common for children experiencing high levels of anxiety as it creates a sense of control and comfort.

I also touch on why the playroom is a screen-free zone and how to handle requests for music or technology in the playroom. While a child’s desire for music may also be a self-soothing strategy, introducing technology can be a distraction from the therapeutic process.

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Common References: Cochran, N., Nordling, W., & Cochran, J. (2010). Child-Centered Play Therapy (1st ed.). Wiley. VanFleet, R., Sywulak, A. E., & Sniscak, C. C. (2010). Child-centered play therapy. Guilford Press. Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge. Bratton, S. C., Landreth, G. L., Kellam, T., & Blackard, S. R. (2006). Child parent relationship therapy (CPRT) treatment manual: A 10-session filial therapy model for training parents. Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group. Benedict, Helen. Themes in Play Therapy. Used with permission to Heartland Play Therapy Institute.