Play Therapy Community Inspiration, Information, & Connection For Child Therapists Around The World | Adhd, Autism Spectrum

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 more, visit: https://www.316counselingcenter.org/about-1 http://www.playtherapycommunity.com https://playtherapycommunity.com/training/    Join us in our facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/playtherapycommunity Join our EMDR Learning Community at https://emdr-learning.com/share/TzabloXTllAx8cpw?utm_source=manual  Join the Beyond Healing Community at https://beyondhealingcommunity.com/share/fHxpN42T3SaHAAh9?utm_source=manual

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:   Our website is connectbeyondhealing.com   The registration for the training in July that you will be attending is available here: https://www.learnbeyondhealing.org/browse/beyond-healing-institute/bhi-courses/courses/72122---72322-somatic-integration-and-processing-i-trn-202---sec-002   NOTE FROM BRIDGER after our recording: "Please note that there are payment plans associated with every training and project we sell! No barriers ever!" Oh my goodness, I love their generosity.  They are such giving humans!   The link for

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 

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 Therapy Professionals.  Visit: https://worldsandtherapy.com/about-us/

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 Community Facebook group to share some of your ideas on how to bring Art into your child therapy space!   Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzm_jOqzM_L6oTMRe5FOa1A Online Play Therapy Demo Videos with Jackie Flynn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OVmQY94GEU&t=466s  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlCKzB31z0Y&t=3089s Play Therapy Members Community www.playtherapycommunity.com Jackie Flynn's Consultation and Training www.jackieflynnconsulting.com Jackie Flynn's Private Practice www.counselinginbreva

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 through Play Therapy and EMDR is unbelievably beautiful.  Visit more information on their work and training information, be sure to visit www.synergeticplaytherapy.com and https://www.anniemonaco.com/trainings/emdr-trainings

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 conversation about how he used expressive arts to heal trauma.  He is an EMDRIA approved consultant and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, among many other credentials that speak to his capacity to treat trauma.  Be sure to visit www.marshalllyles.com www.therapistsworkshop.com to learn more about him and to see his beautiful expressive arts studio.

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 professional trainings at: www.jessicastonephd.com www.sandtrayplay.com https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Play-Therapy-Jessica-Stone/dp/0367001926/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 https://apps.apple.com/us/app/virtual-sandtray/id916460128 https://www.facebook.com/VirtualSandtray https://www.facebook.com/digitalplaytherapy/

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/#professional and https://clairmellenthin.com/online-learning-for-parents/ 

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 without breaching your child clients' limited confidentiality. ...how to communicate with parents/caregivers, and other helpers, within ethical and legal parameters when providing consultation. ...where to find effective parenting strategies and quality resources to share with parents/caregivers.

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 developing brains. Be sure to check out www.jackieflynnconsulting.com if you are an EMDR trained therapist in search of advanced training to teach you how to adapt your work to fit the needs of your child and teen clients.  

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 for almost 30 years. For most of that time she worked in community mental health before going into private practice in late 2016. Jamie is also an adjunct professor for two universities in Tennessee (Middle TN State University and Lipscomb University). She co-founded and serves as the President of the Tennessee branch of the Association for Play Therapy and is a charter member of the Children & Nature Network founded by RIchard Louv. Jamie specializes in working with children and their families who have undergone trauma, loss,

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 child themselves. Sarah Wayland is a certified RDI™ Consultant, parent coach, and Special Needs Care Navigator at the company she founded, Guiding Exceptional Parents. She helps parents of children with ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, and other brain-based differences learn how to confidently and effectively help their children at home, at school, and in the community. As an RDI™ consultant, Dr. Wayland works with parents of kids who have trouble connecting with others to show them how to teach their children the essenti

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 Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor. Additionally, Althea has a B.S. in Business Management; MBA in Marketing: and MSW in Organizational Leadership. Althea’s passion for helping individuals go from “Hurt to Healed” aided in her decision to return to George Mason University to complete requirements to become a Clinical Social Worker and specialize in trauma recovery. Althea’s experience in the fields of business and mental health spans 20 years. Althea is pursuing her PhD in Business Psychology

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 unique needs.  Samantha earned a Master’s of Education in Counseling and Guidance with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health from the University of Montevallo. She also earned Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology and Social Work with a Minor in Philosophy and Religion from the University of Montevallo. Samantha is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Alabama, a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), and Registered Play Therapist. Samantha has a certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-

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 Health Counselor practicing at Charis Counseling Center in Titusville, FL. Sandra is certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) which helps in the healing process for people who have experienced traumatic events. She is a Daring Way Facilitator in Brene Brown’s organization which focuses on “I am enough…now! Sandra also works with couples and is the founder of Our Marriage Matters retreats and conferences. Sandra received her BS in Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University (Palm Beach campus) in 1

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 mind, breath, body is an important support in the therapeutic process.  Through this realization, she was drawn to the word “synergy” since it is the idea that when 2 parts come together, the effect is so much greater than what they are individually.   Collaboration within the therapist, child and between them both is cultivated.   Through Lisa’s work, before she created Synergetic Play Therapy, she felt like something was missing.  She had a personal experience with her daughter that gave her an intuitive felt sense of the importance o

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. Jill has lived all over the U.S. but is now happily settled in Florida with her extended family. Jill is passionate about helping others navigate their adoption journeys in a mindful, balanced way. The language that we use helps shape the way we think about adoption. The feeling that the language reflects becomes our children’s inner voice. “She gave up the baby for adoption” sounds like a rejection.  “She placed the baby for adoption” or she made an adoption plan” is a much better way to phrase it.  This sounds helpful and

“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 Robbins   "You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation."  ~  Plato   "Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, I will try again tomorrow."  -  Mary Anne Radmocher   “I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.”  - Maya Angelou When parents offer their children empathy and help them to cope with negative feelings like anger, sadness, and fear, parents build bridges of loyalty and affection.” - Gottman