Episode 26- Returning to the Playroom: What Really Matters in the First Session Back

Welcome back to 2026! This episode offers a calm, grounded transition back into the playroom for 2026. We explore the “fresh start” myth, the pressure to return energised, confident, and immediately ‘on’, and why many of us actually come back needing time to recalibrate. This is a reminder that doubt after a break is often state-based, not a reflection of your skills. We’ll focus on what’s enough in the first week back: a regulated nervous system, a consistent presence, and a willingness to follow the child. We also discuss what you might see from children after a break (unchanged, moving forward, or regressing) and how CCPT’s core conditions, empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard support reconnection. Expect practical anchors (tracking, reflecting feelings, and using silence intentionally), a gentle invitation to choose your word for 2026, and a reminder that the relationship remembers itself. Follow along on socials and send through topic requests for upcoming episodes.