110: I Am the Shell
Play Therapy Community
Episode 110: I Am the Shell In this episode, I share a personal moment from the Violet Solomon Oaklander Foundation (VSOF) conference...an experience that stayed with me long after I came home. During a Sandtray demonstration with Dr. Peter Mortola, I was invited to choose a figure that stood out in the tray. I thought it would be the woman reading a book. But it wasn’t. It was the shell. Through the Oaklander Model’s projective process, I stepped into the voice of that weathered shell and something inside me shifted. What came out surprised me. Moved me. Reminded me of who I am beneath...
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109: The Power of a Loving Glance in Reconnection After a Long Break
Play Therapy Community
Podcast Episode: The Power of First Connection After a Long Break Welcome back to the Play Therapy Community Podcast. Today, we’re focusing on an essential topic that child therapists can use in their own lives and when working with parents and families: the importance of those first moments when reconnecting with a child after a long break. Whether it’s been a day, a week, or longer, the way we reconnect carries deep, lasting messages for children. I want to share three key points that child therapists can apply to their work with families, emphasizing the importance of greeting children...
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108. Therapeutic Play: Tranforming Lives Across the Ages
Play Therapy Community
Welcome Back! Hi, it’s Jackie Flynn here! I’m so excited to dive into the world of play therapy with you today. In this episode, I’ll be sharing how play therapy has been a huge part of my life and practice, helping people of all ages heal in ways that words alone can’t. What We’ll Cover: The Power of Play: Play isn’t just for kids—we all need it, even our pets! Play helps build deeper connections, manage stress, and create safety, which is essential for healing. Whether it’s couples therapy, family therapy, or EMDR, I use play to guide the process. Flexibility of Play...
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107. AutPlay® Therapy for Autistic Children and Adolescents
Play Therapy Community
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: www.playtherapycommunity.com
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106. EMDR Resources in Child Therapy with Christine Mark-Griffin, LCSW
Play Therapy Community
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/
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105. "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
Play Therapy Community
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
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104. Play Therapists Sharing: Kentucky APT Community Outreach
Play Therapy Community
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 If you'd like to learn more about Play Therapy visit Visit
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103. Dissociation in Kids
Play Therapy Community
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
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102. Understanding Ableism & Disablism
Play Therapy Community
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 Ready to take your EMDR practice to the next level? Join the EMDR Learning Community Interested in networking with other Therapists in the Play Therapy Community? Here’s our facebook group
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101. Practical Applications of the NeedsConnection Parenting Model
Play Therapy Community
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 Ready to take your EMDR practice to the next level? Join the EMDR Learning Community Interested in networking with other Therapists in the Play Therapy Community? Here’s our facebook group
info_outlineEpisode 110: I Am the Shell
In this episode, I share a personal moment from the Violet Solomon Oaklander Foundation (VSOF) conference...an experience that stayed with me long after I came home.
During a Sandtray demonstration with Dr. Peter Mortola, I was invited to choose a figure that stood out in the tray. I thought it would be the woman reading a book. But it wasn’t. It was the shell.
Through the Oaklander Model’s projective process, I stepped into the voice of that weathered shell and something inside me shifted. What came out surprised me. Moved me. Reminded me of who I am beneath the roles and rhythms of daily life.
In this episode, I reflect on
• What it felt like to be part of this international community rooted in Violet’s legacy
• How Dr. Karen Fried’s work and mentorship have shaped my clinical path
• Why I believe I’ll be a forever student of this model
• How the Oaklander approach integrates naturally with EMDR
• What the shell revealed about identity, belonging, and becoming
This story isn’t polished. It wasn’t scripted or recorded in the moment. It’s something I’ve been holding, returning to, and slowly integrating over time. Like so much of this work, it’s lived.
If you’ve ever felt the quiet recognition of seeing yourself in something small and symbolic, or if you’re curious about the deeper layers of play therapy and Gestalt, this episode is for you.
Thank you for being here. I’m so glad to share this with you.
Additional Resources:
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Play Therapy Community® Facebook Group: Join Here
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Neuroscience of Play Therapy Course: Learn More
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EMDR Consultation with Jackie Flynn: Schedule Here
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Business Coaching with Jackie Flynn: Schedule Here
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Self-Paced Trainings & Symposium Library: Explore Here
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Live EMDR with Kids Training: Details Here
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EMDR with Kids Flip Chart: Purchase on Amazon
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Book Jackie for Training/Speaking Events: Email: [email protected]
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Polyvagal Theory: Watch on YouTube
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Synergetic Play Therapy: Learn More
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Oaklander Model: Explore Here
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Marshall's Workshop: Discover More
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Adlerian Play Therapy: Visit Here
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EMDRIA (EMDR International Association): Find Out More