425 | How to Coach Parents Through Severe Power Struggles

In this episode, I answer a question about helping parents whose child has gradually taken control of the entire home. When a child constantly interrupts conversations, makes relentless demands, or escalates until everyone gives in, it's tempting to focus on stopping the behavior. Instead, I explain why we have to begin by understanding what's driving it. I discuss how power and control needs, inconsistent boundaries, and fractured relationships can combine to create these patterns, and why lasting change starts by helping parents see their child through a different lens—not by teaching them a list of techniques.

I also walk through how therapists can coach parents to rebuild connection before focusing on behavior management. We explore why relationship always comes before skills, how giving children appropriate opportunities for choice and control can reduce power struggles, and why parents must be prepared for behaviors to intensify before they improve as new boundaries are established. This episode is a reminder that our greatest gift to parents isn't teaching them CCPT skills—it's helping them understand their child in a way that transforms the relationship.

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 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.

Parent Companion for Play Therapy Implementation Guide. Suggested ways to use the book in your practice to increase parent engagement.

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.

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