Fostering Healthy Connection the Play-Fueled Way with Maha Gazelle & Debi John 

In this enriching episode of the Play Healing Podcast, host Debi John welcomes Maha Gazelle, a distinguished play therapist and advocate for nurturing through play. Together, they embark on a profound discussion that unveils the transformative power of play in healing and fostering healthy connections, especially amidst challenges and crises.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Healing Power of Play: Insights into how play therapy facilitates emotional and psychological healing, with a spotlight on Maha's innovative approaches and her collaboration with communities in crisis.

• The Role of Attunement in Play: Exploring the critical importance of attunement between adults and children during play, highlighting how this connection promotes mental health and resilience.

• Impact of Trauma on Children: Maha and Debi delve into the effects of trauma on children and how play therapy can offer a pathway to recovery, using examples from recent global crises.

• Educational Insights: Discussion on the integration of play and learning, emphasizing the need for a balance between academic demands and the child’s emotional well-being.

• Empowering Families and Communities: Strategies for empowering families and communities to incorporate play as a tool for healing and building stronger bonds, even in the face of adversity.

• Advocacy for Change: A call to action for integrating play therapy principles in educational systems and wider community practices to support children's overall development.

About Maha Gazelle:

Maha Gazelle is a renowned play therapist with a passion for using play as a medium to enhance mental health and foster meaningful connections. Her work, especially in crisis-affected regions, has demonstrated the universal language of play in healing and hope.

Find her work here: https://mahaghazale.com/

About Debi John:

Debi John is a dedicated advocate for the therapeutic power of play and the host of the Play Healing Podcast. Debi explores how integrating play into daily life can foster emotional growth, healing, and strong family connections. Through her engaging interviews, she provides listeners with insightful strategies for overcoming challenges and enhancing relationships through play using her PAUSE, PLAY, CONNECT Ⓡ philosophy.

www.playhealing.com

Join us in this heartfelt conversation that not only sheds light on the transformative power of play but also inspires action towards fostering environments where children and families can thrive through the joyful and healing aspects of play.