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Welcome to playful beginnings. Within this podcast, Dr. Kristie Opiola and Dr. Maggie Parker explore the magic of play therapy, the why behind what we do, and how play therapy helps children heal and grow. This podcast is helpful for current play therapists, students and professionals interested in working with children or becoming play therapists, and anyone who is interested in creating transformative relationships with children. Parents and teachers can gain insights into what play therapy is, how it works, and why- helpful if they know children who could benefit from play therapy, and for those who are not sure if it would be helpful for the children in their lives. We are excited to share with you what we do and why we do it! Welcome to the magical world of play therapy!
51 Episodes
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In this episode, Maggie and Kristie explore the categories of toys in a Child Centered Play room and their reasonings for being included. They discuss ways to set up the toys and the purpose behind each category and type of toy. This episode can assist play therapists and professionals interested in setting up their own playroom or those who want to adapt theirs to Child Centered. This episode can also help parents better understand what Play therapy is and how their kids play in the space.
In this episode, Kristie and Maggie discuss their ideal playroom, what the room would look like, and do a deep dive into their thought processes and rationale for including and excluding items such as tents, puppet theaters, and rugs. We also discuss how to adapt rooms to meet the child's needs- and how you can adapt any space into a play therapy space- because we've done it all! From janitors closets to making our own kitchens out of refrigerator boxes, we explore ways to provide space and materials for children to express themselves fully.
Kristie and Maggie explore what initially spiked their interest in play therapy. They share their experiences in school, how it facilitated their perspective of children, and meaningful experiences in play therapy. Maggie and Kristie share stories of their first play sessions as well as the ones that really showed the power of play for children. This episode will help listeners understand what play therapy is, why it is important, and how it assists children in their healing journey. Whether you want to be a play therapist or you are wondering if your child should go to play therapy, this episode will share the magic of play therapy.
Maggie and Kristie share how they explain play therapy, how it aligns with child development, and the importance of the relationship. Listeners will gain a greater understanding of what play therapy is, how it aligns to adult therapy, and some of the differences between being a play therapist and someone who works with children.
Within this episode, Kristie and Maggie explain what play therapists due in the room and how that helps children heal and grow. Examining the different skills used, the ways in which children bring in what they are struggling with, and the theory behind their approach, Kristie and Maggie will help parents, teachers, and future play therapists gain a better understanding of how and why play therapy works.
Within this episode, Maggie and Kristie tackle a common misconception about play therapy. Even though Maggie and Kristie are permissive and trust the child in the play therapy space, there are limits as to what can be done in the playroom. Maggie and Kristie explain when and how to set limits on children's behavior and give examples from their own experiences in play therapy and parenting. Limits can really help adults engage meaningfully with children, connecting to the child's inner experience, and allowing the child to bring themselves under control.
In this episode, Kristie and Maggie explore common struggles of play therapists, students, and supervisees as to how to engage with children in a wide range of ages using Child Centered theory. Many people believe they must change out of child centered theory to engage with older children. Kristie and Maggie explore how they adapt their use of Child Centered to meet the needs of different developmental levels and how they assess when to adapt. This episode can be helpful for play therapists who are working with older children and are not sure how to engage, as well as for parents and teachers who may not be aware of different developmental needs of children across developmental levels.
Listener Sarah H. asked us to explore how Kristie and I remain true to CCPT, even when we feel stuck. Many times, play therapists want to "add in" activities and directives when they feel stuck. Kristie and Maggie examine how they handle these situations and provide guidance as to how others can adapt/engage when feeling stuck!
In this episode, Kristie and Maggie explore how they engage with parents during intake sessions, what questions they ask, the way they explain the processes, and their experiences (both good and bad) with parents. Often, play therapists are nervous to meet with parents and this episode helps guide the process.
In this episode, Kristie and Maggie explore aspects about play therapy they make sure to inform parents about. From wearing clothes that can get dirty to "it may be worse before it get's better", Kristie and Maggie examine the necessary aspects to clue in parents about and why. They share personal examples of what is helpful and what is not helpful, as well as some of their own mistakes (she cut her hair?!!!). Parents will also find this helpful as Maggie and Kristie share the reasons for why they share certain things and what goes on in the therapy space.
In this special episode, Kristie and Maggie discuss the current wildfires in California and ways in which play therapists can assist and may also need help.
In this episode, Dr. Ahou Line, play therapist, private practice owner, and book author, joins Kristie and Maggie to discuss how she approaches parent sessions. Dr. Line writes a blog for Psychology Today, titled “Nobody Knows What They Are Doing: Navigating parenting with an ex-child expert who was humbled by parenthood (https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/contributors/ahou-line-phd-lpc-rpt). Her book, Working with Parents in Play Therapy: A Resource Guide for Play Therapists, will be out this summer! Enjoy!
In this episode, Kristie and Maggie continue their conversation with Dr. Ahou Line. Dr. Line examines ways in which she works with parents, tips for engaging parents, and the struggles of being a parent when working with parents. Dr. Line is the author of the upcoming book Working with Parents in Play Therapy: A Resource Guide for Play Therapists and publishes a blog with Psychology Today called “Nobody Knows What They Are Doing: Navigating parenting with an ex-child expert who was humbled by parenthood (https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/contributors/ahou-line-phd-lpc-rpt).
Kristie and Maggie examine self care and what that looks like for play therapists, and themselves. They share their own experiences as they navigate burnout and stress and how they are continuing to examine how to take care of themselves so that they are capable of taking care of others.
In this episode, Kristie and Maggie speak with their mentor, professor, supervisor, and friend, Dr. Dee Ray. Dr. Ray is a play therapy author tackling subjects like Child Development and Cultural Reflexivity in the Playroom, as well as researching the efficacy of Child Centered Play Therapy. She is an internationally renowned speaker, traveling the world to share her love of Child Centered Play Therapy. She is currently the co-owner of the therapy practice EmpathyWell.In this episode, we delve deeper into Dee's personal experiences with play therapy, what brought her to it, and kept her coming back. Enjoy!
In this episode, Kristie and Maggie share their activities for Play Therapy Week, as well as some "aha" moments from the playroom!
In this episode, we explore experiences in the playroom that are powerful and moving, as well as the safety of the play therapy space for both children and other play therapists. we examine the experience of true acceptance in the play therapy space. Additionally, we explore how Dee can "pick up" when someone would be a great play therapist!
In this episode, Kristie and Maggie explore authenticity in the playroom, what that looks like, and the impacts on children. Transparency can go a long way- this episode may also be helpful for adults who work with children and may struggle with knowing what to share and how-especially when the adult is having a difficult time. Enjoy!
Today Drs. Parker and Opiola discuss child centered play therapy and childhood trauma. Drawing on person experience, theory, and neurobiology, Kristie and Maggie explore how CCPT can help children heal and grow through trauma.
Dr. Opiola and Parker share their personal experiences with children who experienced trauma. They share insights into their practices, how trauma has shown up in some cases, and ways they work to be mindful and responsive to their clients.
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