In this episode of The Playful Approach, Allie, your friendly neighborhood play therapist, explores how trauma affects children emotionally and developmentally, and how play therapy can be a magical tool for healing. From sand tray therapy to storytelling, art, puppets, dance, and music, Allie dives into the fun and powerful techniques that help kids process trauma through play. With humor, heart, and a playful twist, she reminds us that healing doesn’t have to be all serious business—it can be fun, too! Tune in for a lighthearted yet insightful discussion on how play can help children overcome tough experiences and start their healing journey. Don’t forget to subscribe and share!

Ever wondered how unstructured play can actually help kids heal and process their emotions? In today’s episode of The Playful Approach, we dive into non-directive play therapy—a transformative method where kids take the lead in their own healing process. We’ll explore how this approach, rooted in the work of Carl Rogers and Virginia Axline, empowers children to express themselves freely through play, without judgment or direction. Tune in to discover the profound benefits of giving kids the space to play on their own terms, and learn how you, as a parent or caregiver, can support this powerful process at home. Let's unlock the magic of play together!

In this episode of The Playful Approach, Allie dives deep into the transformative power of play therapy and how it helps build trust, rapport, and healing relationships with children. Whether you're a therapist, teacher, parent, or caregiver, this episode offers valuable insights on using play as a tool for emotional growth and connection.

Key Highlights:

1. Building Trust Through Play Allie explains that creating a safe, predictable, and emotionally attuned environment is the first step to earning a child’s trust. Learn how setting up a therapy space where children can explore, express, and feel secure is foundational to therapeutic progress.
2. Validating Emotions Discover how to validate children’s feelings during play without rushing to fix the situation. By allowing children to express themselves and guiding them through their emotions, therapists can empower them to find solutions and build emotional regulation skills.
3. Following the Child’s Lead One of the most important aspects of play therapy is meeting children where they are. Allie shares how letting children take the lead in their play helps them feel in control, empowering them to open up and engage more fully in the therapeutic process.
4. Consistency and Emotional Attunement Children thrive on predictability. Allie discusses how consistent, calm, and emotionally attuned responses to a child's behavior build a sense of security that fosters trust and emotional resilience.
5. The Power of Authenticity The final ingredient for success is authenticity. Allie encourages therapists, parents, and caregivers to be genuine and real with children, even when they are struggling. Vulnerability and emotional honesty help kids feel safe and connected, making it easier for them to trust the process and engage in therapy.

Subscribe & Share! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to hit subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast with others who may benefit from learning how play therapy can transform relationships with kids. Got a topic in mind? Reach out to Allie on social media!

Until next time, keep playing, keep connecting, and keep making the world a little brighter, one play session at a time. 🌟

Social Links: Follow Allie on social media @the.playful.approach for more tips, insights, and playful inspiration!

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.

Welcome back to The Playful Approach podcast! I'm so glad you're here—let’s play, heal, and grow together as we dive into the fascinating world of play therapy.

In today’s episode, we’re going to explore what play therapy is, how it works, and some of the core foundations that make it such a powerful tool for emotional and psychological healing—especially for children. Whether you’re a parent, educator, mental health professional, or someone simply curious about how therapy through play can help, this episode is for you!

Here’s what you can expect in this episode:

• What is Play Therapy? We’ll start by breaking down the basics—what play therapy really is and how it goes beyond traditional talk therapy to help children express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe, creative space.
• How Play Therapy Works We’ll explore the therapeutic process, including the role of the therapist and how play is used as a medium to build trust, encourage emotional expression, and address a range of issues—from trauma to behavioral struggles.
• Core Foundations of Play Therapy We’ll dive into the key principles that guide play therapy, including the importance of creating a non-judgmental, supportive environment, the role of the therapeutic relationship, and why play is such a natural and effective way for children to process emotions.
• Why Play is More Than Just Fun You’ll learn why play is not only fun for kids—it’s essential for their emotional growth and healing, allowing them to work through difficult experiences in a way that feels comfortable and natural for them.

This episode will give you a clear understanding of why play therapy is such a powerful and effective treatment, and why it’s become such an important part of supporting children’s mental health and emotional well-being.

Don’t forget to subscribe to The Playful Approach so you can continue to join us in this journey of play, healing, and growth. If you enjoy today’s episode, be sure to share it with others who might benefit from understanding the transformative power of play therapy.

Stay Connected Follow me on social media for updates and sneak peeks into upcoming episodes, and let us know your thoughts or questions about play therapy. I'm here to educate, advocate, and support. I’d also love to hear how play therapy has impacted you or your family!

Thanks again for being here—I can’t wait for you to join me in the next episode. Until next time, remember: Glad you’re here, let’s play, heal, and grow together!

Follow the podcast for more insights into the world of play therapy and how it can transform lives!

As always, cover art by Lucas Garcia

Welcome to the very first episode of The Playful Approach Podcast! I’m so glad you’re here—really, glad you’re here. This is a space where we explore the incredible power of play in therapy and healing, especially for children. Whether you're a therapist, parent, educator, or someone curious about the transformative effects of play, you’re in the right place.

In this introductory episode, I’ll be sharing a little bit about myself, my background, and my passion for play therapy. I’ll also dive into my “why”—the deep, personal reasons that inspired me to start this podcast and dedicate my work to helping children, families, and professionals navigate the world of healing through play.

What you can expect in this episode:

• A heartfelt introduction to who I am, my professional journey, and the experiences that led me to discover the power of play therapy.
• Why I believe play is such a vital tool for emotional expression, healing, and growth, especially for children who may not yet have the words to express themselves.
• The importance of creating a safe, supportive, and playful environment for children and families to connect, heal, and thrive.
• An introduction to The Playful Approach podcast—what it’s all about and what you can look forward to in upcoming episodes.
• My personal mission: To bring together a community of like-minded individuals who believe in the power of play and healing, and to share practical insights, strategies, and stories that inspire.

My catchphrase says it all: Glad you’re here: Let’s Play, Heal, and Grow Together! This podcast is for anyone who wants to learn, connect, and engage with the world of play therapy and how it can make a meaningful difference in children’s lives.

Thank you for being here at the beginning of this journey—I’m so excited to have you with me. Let’s dive into the playful world of healing and growth!

Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes, and feel free to share this podcast with others who might benefit from our discussions!

Stay connected:

• Follow us on social media for updates, insights, and more behind-the-scenes moments from The Playful Approach.
• Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts, questions, or experiences about play therapy and healing.

I hope this episode resonates with you and sparks curiosity about how play therapy can bring deeper connection, understanding, and growth to both children and adults. Let’s continue to learn, grow, and heal—together!

I can’t wait for you to join me again soon. Until then, remember: Let’s play, heal, and grow together!