Play Therapy Community

AutPlay® Therapy for Autistic Children and Adolescents

Here's my conversation with Dr. Robert Jason Grant as he shares about AutPlay Therapy. Robert Jason Grant is a licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Association for Play Therapy and is the creator of AutPlay Therapy.   To learn more, visit: AutPlay Handbook www.autplaytherapy.com AutPlay Therapy FB page and group AutPlay Therapy YouTube Channel   www.playtherapycommunity.com

EMDR Resources in Child Therapy with Christine Mark-Griffin, LCSW

Christine Mark-Griffin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My conversation with Christine was super exciting, I hope you find it exciting as well. Don't forget to visit Christine's website and show her some love! https://www.sparkallwellness.com/ Here's Marshall's website https://www.marshalllyles.com/

"I would literally fall to the ground because of it, but I had to get up." : from adversity to helping children with epilepsy through Play Therapy

Join me in conversation with Ryan Uner. I met him at the 2nd Annual Neuroscience of Play Therapy Summit.  His story is pretty inspirational.  He is a grad student at University of Central Florida https://playtherapycommunity.teachable.com/courses/ https://playtherapycommunity.com/

Play Therapists Sharing: Kentucky APT Community Outreach

 At the time of this recording I at a hotel in LaGrange Kentucky with the board members of Kentucky Association for Play Therapy.  I am so inspired by their passion for Play, dedication to helping others, and pure kindness for humanity.  If you'd like to learn more about them visit http://kyapt.org/ If you'd like to learn more about Play Therapy visit https://www.a4pt.org/? Visit www.playtherapycommunity.com for more of Jackie Flynn

Dissociation in Kids

This episode is with Annie Monaco, Ann Beckley-Forest, Fran Waters and Mark Nickerson! They are providing a training "Recognizing & Treating Youth with Dissociation" – 6 CEUs per day for March 10 - 12, 2023. For the Early Bird Discount, regiser by Sunday, March 5, 2023.   Register at emdradvancedtrainings.co https://emdradvancedtrainings.com/product/recognizing-treating-youth-with-dissociation/ playfulemdr.com playtherapycommunity.com    

Understanding Ableism & Disablism

Today I'm joined by Marshall Lyles, I am so excited to share this conversation with you today. If you want to learn more about Marshall Lyles you can visit his website at https://www.marshalllyles.com/ Ready to take your EMDR practice to the next level? Join the EMDR Learning Community https://emdr-learning.com/share/TzabloXTllAx8cpw?utm_source=manual  Interested in networking with other Therapists in the Play Therapy Community? Here’s our facebook group https://www.facebook.com/...

Practical Applications of the NeedsConnection Parenting Model

Today I'm having a conversation with Doctor Becky to discuss the NeedsConnection Parenting Model. I'm so excited to share this experience with you. If you want to learn more about Doctor Becky you can visit her website at https://doctorbecky.com/ Ready to take your EMDR practice to the next level? Join the EMDR Learning Community https://emdr-learning.com/share/TzabloXTllAx8cpw?utm_source=manual  Interested in networking with other Therapists in the Play Therapy Community? Here’s our...

EMDR Explained with Rotem Brayer

Rotem Brayer talks with me in person about EMDR Training, Rotem is responsible for creating the EMDR Learning community. If you've received EMDR training, you probably already know who Rotem is, if not make sure to listen closely this episode because he is so amazing. Make sure to bookmark Rotem's website https://emdartnscience.com/ Ready to take your EMDR practice to the next level? Join the EMDR Learning Community https://emdr-learning.com/share/TzabloXTllAx8cpw?utm_source=manual  ...

ADHD Realities From a Personal and Clinical Perspective with Leslie Doctor

Leslie Doctor joins me in St. Louis Missouri at the Association for Play Therapy Conference to talk about ADHD. She is so fun.  And, so very AUTHENTIC!  Leslie's group practice is https://nurturefamilycounseling.com/ Dr. Robert Jason Grant's website and book can be found at https://autplaytherapy.com/ Marhsall Lyles' website: https://marshalllyles.com Interested in networking with other Therapists in the Play Therapy Community? Here’s our facebook grouphttps://www.facebook.com/gr...

EMDR with young children with Anne, Annie, & Jackie

Today I am so excited to share my conversation with Anne Beckely Forest and Annie Monaco on the Podcast. The Playful EMDR Summit is coming up in just about a week, the in person tickets are sold out, but there's still time left to attend virtually. For those of you who are attending in person, I cannot wait to meet you, make sure if you see me to wave me down and say hello! Anne Beckley Forest's website is https://www.annbeckleyforest.com/ Annie Monaco's website is https://www.anniem...

Brainspotting: Irma Shares a Powerful Story of Healing & Hope

Irma is with us today to share her experience with brainspotting.  I met Irma at Dr. Karen Fried's Oaklander Model's training. Interested in networking with other Therapists in the Play Therapy Community? Here’s our facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/playtherapycommunity Ready to take your EMDR practice to the next level? Join the EMDR Learning Community https://emdr-learning.com/share/TzabloXTllAx8cpw?utm_source=manual  Here's the video I mentioned with the Polar Bear h...

A Heartfelt Story of the Power of PLAY

Melissa LaVigne shares a personal story of an accident her daughter experienced stumbling down the stairs, and how Play Therapy helped her process that trauma and heal from the incident. Want to learn more about Melissa? Here's her website https://www.melissalavignelcsw.com/ and her books can be found on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Melissa-LaVigne-LCSW-RPT/e/B08C9W285R%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share Interested in socializing with other Therapists in the Play Therapy Community? Here’s ...

Every Memory Deserves Respect

Today I'm so excited to share my conversation with Debbie Korn, Michael Baldwin, and Rotam Brayer with you. If you'd like to learn more about Michael and Debbie's book, you can go to https://www.everymemorydeservesrespect.com/, and there's a free preview for you to read on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Every-Memory-Deserves-Respect-Therapy/dp/1523511427 Interested in socializing with other Therapists in the Play Therapy Community? Here’s our facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups...

ALLMEE, a therapeutic doll to help children identify and express their inner world.

Ronda and Jacob join me to discuss their unique handcrafted play therapy doll designed for children who have a difficult time expressing their feelings. If you’d like to learn more about the ALLMEE doll, you should browse Ronda and Jacob’s website for more information: https://playtherapytrainingresources.com/all-mee-therapeutic-doll/ Interested in socializing with other Therapists in the Play Therapy Community? Here’s our facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/playtherapycommunit...

3 Lessons in Play Therapy for My Birthday

In this week’s episode I wanted to talk to everyone directly. I recently enjoyed another birthday, and felt I should share some of the lessons I’ve learned overtime as a Play Therapist. I explain 3 basic practices, applicable not only in our work, but also in our daily lives as human beings. When was the last time you had a chance to reflect on your life? Maybe today’s episode can help you to refresh and reorient yourself in preparation for the wonderful experiences we all have ahead of ...

Poke a Hole in Your Bucket with Nicole Looney

Join me in conversation with Nicole Looney. I recently met Nicole at an EMDR Advanced training with Dr. Dobo.  We hit if off right away.  She’s so passionate about what she does.  Her work ethic, skill level, experience, insight, and pure BRILLIANCE is incredible.  In this episode, she shares her bucket metaphor with us.  I love the way she describes how we can help our clients manage their stress levels.  This is just one of the many, many things she does well.  To learn more from her, visi...

A Chat with Bridger and Caleb about the Polyvagal Theory and PLAY Therapy

Join me in conversation about with Bridger Falkenstien and Caleb Boston as we chat about the Polyvagal Theory.  I met these guy through the Notice That podcast at Beyond Healing. I first met Bridger, then quickly met Caleb (his “twin flame”).  They are super passionate about anything and everything related to the Polyvagal Theory. They have such great energy together and are SUPER KNOWLEDGEABLE with it comes to the nervous system and about a gazillion other things.    To learn more, vis...

Grow Your Competence and Confidence in Play Therapy with Ann Beckley-Forest

Join me in conversation with Ann Beckley-Forest as we discuss what it’s like to be a beginner in the world of Play Therapy.  The path from being a beginner in the field to the felt sense of competence and confidence can be rather challenging for some. There’s so much to learn!  Play Therapy is a robust approach to child therapy and it’s at the core of Ann’s work. Ann is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice in the Buffalo area, and has focused on interventions with children a...

89. Grow Your Competence and Confidence in Play Therapy with Ann Beckley-Forest

Join me in conversation with Ann Beckley-Forest as we discuss what it’s like to be a beginner in the world of Play Therapy.  The path from being a beginner in the field to the felt sense of competence and confidence can be rather challenging for some. There’s so much to learn!  Play Therapy is a robust approach to child therapy and it’s at the core of Ann’s work. Ann is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice in the Buffalo area, and has focused on interventions with children a...

Supporting Parents in Play Therapy with Dr. Becki Welsh

Join me in conversation with Dr. Becki Welsh.  Becki is a dear friend of mine that I met through one of my 8 Phases of EMDR with Children and Adolescents trainings.  We’ve been connected ever since.  Her knowledge and skillset when it comes to helping children and families is immeasurable.  In this episode of the podcast, she shares with us all about her 316 Parenting model.  It’s fascinating!  One of the best, if not THE BEST, parent supports that I’ve ever learned about!     To learn ...

88. Supporting Parents in Play Therapy with Dr. Becki Welsh

Join me in conversation with Dr. Becki Welsh.  Becki is a dear friend of mine that I met through one of my 8 Phases of EMDR with Children and Adolescents trainings.  We’ve been connected ever since.  Her knowledge and skillset when it comes to helping children and families is immeasurable.  In this episode of the podcast, she shares with us all about her 316 Parenting model.  It’s fascinating!  One of the best, if not THE BEST, parent supports that I’ve ever learned about!     To learn ...

Sound in Sand Therapy with Masha Bennet

Join me in conversation with the amazing Masha Bennett.  She's doing some incredibly creative healing work in the UK with Sand and Sound.     Masha will present a 3 hour online workshop for the World Association of Sand Therapy Professionals, exploring aspects of Sound in Sand Therapy, including the symbolism of sound and its potential applications as a healing agent in the sandtray. This is an experiential workshop and you will be invited to create your own sandtray, explore its sounds ...

87. Sound in Sand Therapy with Masha Bennett

Join me in conversation with the amazing Masha Bennett.  She's doing some incredibly creative healing work in the UK with Sand and Sound.     Masha will present a 3 hour online workshop for the World Association of Sand Therapy Professionals, exploring aspects of Sound in Sand Therapy, including the symbolism of sound and its potential applications as a healing agent in the sandtray. This is an experiential workshop and you will be invited to create your own sandtray, explore its sounds ...

86. What is case conceptualization and WHY is it important?

Join me in conversation with Bridger from Beyond Healing.  He teaches us about the importance of case conceptualization and how it can really support the work we do to support our clients.  Bridger has such a community mindset in every way.  He operates from a Polyvagal Informed perspective and it shows on his emphasis on SAFETY AND CONNECTION.  Beyond Healing has a training coming up in Gainsville Florida that I plan on attending.  I'm so super excited.  Here are some links to learn more: ...

85. A Moving Experience that Will Last a Lifetime

Join me in conversation with Joye Newman, a co-author of the In-Sync Child book.  She's a delightful, brilliant human that teaches us how to help children through movement.  She describes the importance of movement for precious SAFETY and CONNECTION. Learn more: https://in-sync-child.com www.playtherapycommunity.com 

84. Resources for Caregivers & Families of Traumatized Children

Join me in conversation with Robyn Gobbel as she shares with us ways to support our clients when it comes to trauma.  She has lots of resources for us as clinicians and for the parents and families that we work with.  I love her energy, skill, and passion when it comes to helping traumatized children and their families.   To learn more about Robyn and to find her resources, visit: https://robyngobbel.com/about/#toggle-id-2   This episode is sponsored by the World Association for Sand Th...

83. Building Relationships through Digital Play Therapy with Fiona Hill

Join me in conversation with Fiona Hill as we describe a recent clinician game night together.  We specifically discuss how we love Dr.: Jessica Stone's work with Digital Play Therapy and how it can help.   https://jessicastonephd.com https://playtherapycommunity.com 

3 Tips for Child Therapists to Manage Stress

82. 3 Tips for Child Therapists to Manage Stress

Join me in conversation with Jen Taylor, Lisa Dion and Clair Mellenthin as we discusss their Anchoring in the Storm event in California to help manage stress and navigate the autonomic nervous system.

Integrating Art Into Your Child Therapy Practice

In this episode, Jocelyn Fitzgerald, a Board-Certified Art Therapist, shares with us simple and practical ways to integrate Art Therapy techniques into our work with kids!  I found out about her on ETSY through a search.  I was (and still am!!) in awe of her beautiful, artsy therapy tools.  I ordered the window of tolerance.  Be sure to check out her website https://www.jocelynfitzgerald.com and her book "Colorful Place: a Mindful Story and Art for Kids: on Amazon. Hop in our Play Therapy Co...

81. Integrating Art Into Your Child Therapy Practice

In this episode, Jocelyn Fitzgerald, a Board-Certified Art Therapist, shares with us simple and practical ways to integrate Art Therapy techniques into our work with kids!  I found out about her on ETSY through a search.  I was (and still am!!) in awe of her beautiful, artsy therapy tools.  I ordered the window of tolerance.  Be sure to check out her website https://www.jocelynfitzgerald.com and her book "Colorful Place: a Mindful Story and Art for Kids: on Amazon. Hop in our Play Therapy Com...

80. Helping Children Heal from Trauma through the Integration of EMDR & Play Therapy

This episode was sparked by the release of the book EMDR with Children in the Play Therapy Room by Ann Beckley-Forest and Annie Monaco.  They are responsible for educating child therapists all over the world on how to deliver EMDR therapy to children and teens through the integration of Play Therapy.  In this episode, prepare to be inspired by a conversation with Ann and Annie, as well as Lisa Dion, the creator of Synergetic Play Therapy.  Their passion for helping children heal from trauma ...

79: Healing Trauma with Expressive & Play Therapies with Marshall Lyles

In this episode, Marshall Lyles shares his passion for helping his clients heal from trauma through Expressive Arts.  When I reached out to Marshall to invite him on the podcast, I requested a conversation focusing on his use of poetry with his clients.  In this episode, you’ll notice that we cover much more than poetry.  Marshall is highly trained and well versed in so many healing traumas and approaches that it was difficult to limit our conversation.  I’m excited for you to experience our...

78: The Profound Healing Power of Virtual Sand Tray Therapy with Jessica Stone Ph.D

In this episode of Play Therapy Community podcast, Dr. Jessica Stone shares all about the healing power of Virtual Sandtray Therapy.  She is the brilliant creator of the Virtual Sandtray App used by an increasing number of clinicians around the globe. Development of the Virtual Sandtray app intentionally included the main tenets of Sandtray Therapy to preserve its profound therapeutic healing power.  You can find more about Dr. Stone, the Virtual Sandtray Therapy application, and her profess...

77: Nurturing Parent Engagement in Play Therapy with Clair Mellethin

In this episode, Clair Mellenthin guides us through the important pieces of parent consultation.  She highlights the importance of meeting parents with compassion and connection through support.  Through this approach, client’s tend to meet their treatment goals in a more thorough, faster way.  Clair offers support and coaching to parents and clinicians.  You can find more of what she has to offer at these links to her website, https://clairmellenthin.com/online-courses-for-professional/#pr...

76: Parent Play Therapy Consultation

In this Parent Play Therapy Consultation episode, you will learn about: ...what to cover in an initial phone call with parents/caregivers of potential child clients.  ...how to describe the process and benefits of Play Therapy to parents/caregivers. ...how to structure your parent consultation to best fit your therapeutic approach. ...how to nurture a trusting, secure relationship with parents and caregivers. ...how to communicate with parents/caregivers throughout the process with...

75: EMDR Therapy with Children

In this Episode, Jackie Flynn, EMDRIA approved consultant and a registered play therapist talks about EMDR therapy with kids. EMDR Therapy has 8 phases: 1. History Talking, 2. Preparation, 3. Assessment, 4. Desensitization, 5. Reprocessing, 6. Body Scan, 7. Closure, 8. Reevaluation.   Since children are not miniature adults, it's important to work with children in developmentally appropriate ways. Play Therapy techniques can be integrated into all 8 of the phases to support children's de...

74: Sandtray Therapy

In this episode, Jamie shares with us some basic information about Sandtray Therapy.   She discusses the importance of formalized training and warns against offering sandtray therapy to your clients if you have not received adequate training. Sandtray is a powerful tool that can open up and heal some painful issues that require specialized training to ensure client emotional safety.   Jamie Lynn Langley, LCSW, RPT-S has been a practicing child, family and play therapist in Tennessee fo...

73: Helping Children with Autism and other Social Communication Challenges

In this episode, Sarah Wayland shares with us a bit about the developing brain and the differing aspects of those with an autism spectrum disorder.   She shares personal stories about the importance of the child relationship and how fluctuations in the parents’ emotional regulation can effect the child.   Sarah discusses how children with an autism spectrum disorder often struggle with social situations and how we can support them through parent consultation and working directly with the...

72: Exploring the Therapeutic Benefits of Food

In this episode, Althea Simpson shares with us about how she uses food to support her clients in session when necessary.   She explains that some clients may have experienced the trauma of neglect and being without food in their past which can feel extremely dysregulating to clients.   When we use food in session, we help our clients to feel nurtured and cared about.  Althea Simpson is the founder of Brighter Day Therapeutic Solutions and Unicorn Life Play Therapy Training. She is a Li...

71: Supporting Our LGBTQ Youth

In this episode, Samantha Willis shares with us about the painful experiences that our LGBTQ youth often go through alone.  She stressed the importance of acceptance and compassion.   She mentions the benefits of displaying symbols, such as a rainbow, that communicate a message that she is a safe person to authentically share with.   She recommends that therapists connect with other therapists in their area to maximize benefits for clients in search of a therapist that can support their ...

70: Understanding the Aftermath of Shame

In this episode, Sandra explains how shame impacts a child’s development.  She offers some tips to process through shame as well as presents a technique that therapists can use to support their clients through the healing process.  Sandra B. Stanford, LMHC, has a heart for people who find themselves in hard situations. Because of this passion, she earned her Master’s Degree in Psychological Counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University (Orlando campus). She currently is a Licensed Mental ...

69: Synergetic Play Therapy with Lisa Dion

Lisa Dion is the creator of Synergetic Play Therapy and is the founder and director of the Play Therapy Institute of Colorado   She is experienced in many settings to include private practice, schools, social services, foster care agencies, and orphanages.    Synergetic Play Therapy’s name was influenced by Lisa’s love for the brain and understanding what happens in the nervous system.     The collaboration between the child and the therapist, and on a deeper level between the mi...

68: The Language of Adoption with Jill Aller, EdS

Jill Aller is an adoption consultant for A Step Ahead Adoption Services and is an adoptive mom of two children, ages 6 and 4.  Jill has a B.A. in Psychology, a Master’s degree in Teaching and an Ed.S. degree in Counseling. She adopted her two children through the help of A Step Ahead adoption services and had such a great experience with them that she went to work for them four years ago. Both children have very open adoptions, where they are still in touch with their biological families...

67: Jackie’s 15 Favorite Quotes with Jackie Flynn EdS, LMHC, RPT

“In between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space lies our power to choose our response.  In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”  ~ Viktor Frankl     "Nobody can bring you peace but yourself."  ~  Ralph Waldo Emerson   "Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love." ~  Mother Teresa     "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." ~ Lao-Tzu     "By changing nothing, nothing will change."  ~  Tony Ro...

66: Group Therapy with Children and Teens with Katie May MS, NCC, LPC, DBTC

Katie May is the “Group Guru”.   She works exclusively with teenagers in a teen support center in Flourtown, Pennsylvania.     Groups energize Katie. She says that groups can’ save th’e world.     In groups, people feel less alone in their struggles and they start to heal in ways that individual therapy can’t provide.    Her groups are focused on the ideas of connection.   She told us about a group that she runs that looks at being nonjudgmental for teens.  She talked abo...

65: Gottman’s Sound Relationship House with Jackie Flynn, Trained in Level 3 Gottman Method Couples Therapy

Build Love Maps Knowing each other’s world is so vital to the health of a relationship.  It’s important to make exploration of each other’s world an ongoing effort.  This can help strengthen the relationship and help each person in the relationship to feel felt and cared about. Share Fondness and Admiration Fondness and admiration is noticing what’s going right and what’s good rather than putting a focus on the negative.  If couples are in “Negative Sentiment Override” as Gottman calls...

64: Brief, Low Cost, Minimal Prep Play Therapy Techniques with Jackie Flynn EdS, LMHC, RPT

Double Mirror Doodle Using a large piece of paper and 2 crayons, have the student doodle a mirror image design. This helps with grounding, focus, and clarity through bilateral integration of both hemispheres of the brain.  Materials Large Paper  2 crayons What Happened Next Using a large piece of paper and something to write with, have the student sequentially tell the story of what happened from beginning to the end.  This narrative supports "top-down" processing of the event.  Mate...

63: Adlerian Play Therapy with Dalena Dillman Taylor, PhD, LPC, RPT

Dr. Taylor is an assistant professor at the University of Central Florida.   She’s also the Center for Play Therapy Training and Research Director, as well as the Play Therapy Certificate coordinator.     She earned her graduate degrees from the University of North Texas.    She learned from many of the leaders in the Play Therapy world.     Dr. Taylor is trained in Adlerian Play Therapy developed in the early 1990’s by Terry Kottman, Ph.D., Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor...

62: Understanding the Role of a School Counselor with Stacy Van Horn, PhD

Dr. Stacy Van Horn is currently a full-time faculty member and School Counseling Coordinator at the University of Central Florida in the Counselor Education and School Psychology Program within the Department of Child, Family and Community Sciences. She teaches graduate students at both the masters and doctoral level primarily in the areas of career development, counseling with children and adolescents, ethical and legal issues in professional school counseling, and coordination of comprehen...