Play Therapy Community

Welcome to our Play Therapy Community podcast! If you are a child therapist, or other professional that supports children and teen's mental health in any capacity, or just want to hear some great information about Play Therapy and more, this is the podcast for you.

109: The Power of a Loving Glance in Reconnection After a Long Break 10/08/2024

109: The Power of a Loving Glance in Reconnection After a Long Break 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 with love and warmth to help shape how they see themselves and the world. 1. Facial Expressions Communicate Deep Messages Facial expressions are one of the most powerful ways we communicate with children. In those first moments of reconnection, parents’ faces tell their children how they are seen and valued. When parents greet their children with love and warmth, they’re sending a message that says, “You matter. You are safe. You are loved.” On the flip side, if disappointment or frustration shows through, it can have an entirely different impact, often being internalized by the child and affecting how they see themselves. As therapists, we can guide parents to be mindful of how their facial expressions are a mirror that reflects back their child’s sense of worth. 2. Pause and Regulate Before Connecting Therapists can help parents understand the importance of taking a moment to pause and regulate before reconnecting with their child, especially after a long day or period of separation. Encourage them to take a breath, check in with their emotions, and clear their minds before the interaction. Without this pause, stress can easily seep into the connection, unintentionally sending the wrong message. By regulating first, parents can bring their full, calm presence, meeting their child with love and patience, which sets a positive tone for the reconnection. 3. Connection Shapes How Children See Themselves and the World As therapists, we understand how connection deeply shapes a child’s sense of self and worldview. Children absorb the feedback they get from their environment, especially from their caregivers. That initial moment of reconnection—whether warm or distant—sets the tone for how they see themselves and their place in the world. Encourage parents to offer a loving, calm presence in these moments, affirming their child’s value and helping to shape their identity in a positive, supportive way. It’s not just about avoiding negative expressions, but about actively showing love, care, and joy. This practice helps children see themselves as worthy and loved, building a strong foundation for their self-esteem. Final Reflection: As child therapists, we have the unique opportunity to support parents in recognizing the powerful impact of these first connections. Encourage families to take a moment to pause, regulate, and connect with love. These small, intentional acts have a lasting impact on how children see themselves and the world. Additional Resources: Play Therapy Community® Facebook Group: Neuroscience of Play Therapy Course: EMDR Consultation with Jackie Flynn: Business Coaching with Jackie Flynn: Self-Paced Trainings & Symposium Library: Live EMDR with Kids Training: EMDR with Kids Flip Chart: Book Jackie for Training/Speaking Events: Email: [email protected] Polyvagal Theory: Synergetic Play Therapy: Oaklander Model: Marshall's Workshop: Adlerian Play Therapy: EMDRIA (EMDR International Association): /episode/index/show/parentingintherain/id/33278332

108. Therapeutic Play: Tranforming Lives Across the Ages 10/01/2024

108. Therapeutic Play: Tranforming Lives Across the Ages 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 Therapy: Play therapy is flexible—it works online, at home, in schools, and even in nature. It meets people where they are, making it such a powerful tool for transformation. The Science of Play Therapy: We’ll explore how play creates new neural pathways and increases autonomic flexibility, concepts from Dr. Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory. I’ll explain how behaviors are adaptations of the nervous system, and how play helps us heal—not just through words, but through movement, metaphor, and changing the narrative. I absolutely love using sandtray therapy for this! Recommended Reading: If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend The Therapeutic Powers of Play by Charles E. Schaefer and Athena A. Drewes—a must-have for any play therapist. Reflection: How has play shown up in your life? Has it helped you feel more connected, joyful, or supported through tough times? Take a moment to reflect! Let’s Continue the Conversation: To learn more or to keep the conversation going, visit my website at , and join our Play Therapy Community® Facebook group. We dive deeper into these topics and share resources and support with one another. Additional Resources: Play Therapy Community® Facebook Group: Neuroscience of Play Therapy Course: EMDR Consultation with Jackie Flynn: Business Coaching with Jackie Flynn: Self-Paced Trainings & Symposium Library: Live EMDR with Kids Training: EMDR with Kids Flip Chart: Book Jackie for Training/Speaking Events: Polyvagal Theory: Synergetic Play Therapy: Oaklander Model: Marshall's Workshop: Adlerian Play Therapy: EMDRIA (EMDR International Association): /episode/index/show/parentingintherain/id/33184507