404 | What If a Child Brings Schoolwork Into the Playroom?
From Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy by Dr. Brenna Hicks
June 11, 2026 · 14 min · Season 1 · Episode 404
About this episode
Dr. Brenna Hicks discusses the significance of children bringing schoolwork into play therapy sessions and the implications for their therapeutic journey.
In this episode, I answer a follow-up question about children bringing items from home into the playroom and explore a specific scenario involving a child who brings schoolwork and homework into session. I discuss why children often bring meaningful objects from their lives outside the playroom and why those items can serve important purposes, including self-soothing, safety, connection, and communication. Rather than focusing on whether an item is traditionally considered a "play therapy toy," I encourage therapists to consider the deeper significance of why the child chose to bring it and what need it may be meeting in that moment. I also share my perspective on children reading books, completing homework, or engaging in other nontraditional activities during session. When we truly trust the child and trust the process, we recognize that every choice the child makes is meaningful and necessary for their therapeutic journey. Whether a child spends the session playing, reading, coloring, doing homework, sitting quietly, or simply being present, our role remains the same: provide acceptance, reflect the child's experience, and honor their autonomy. I also discuss how to navigate…
People in this episode
Host: Dr. Brenna Hicks
Topics covered
- play therapy
- child development
- schoolwork in therapy
- therapeutic process
- parent expectations
Keywords
- play therapy
- child-centered
- schoolwork
- self-soothing
- therapeutic journey
- parent reactions
- autonomy
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