EMDR Playground Podcast

Welcome to EMDR Playground, the podcast for therapists who want to integrate EMDR and play with confidence, clarity, and creativity. Hosted by Jackie Flynn, Registered Play Therapist, EMDRIA Trainer, and author of the EMDR with Kids Flipchart, this show explores how fidelity to the EMDR model, a deep understanding of the nervous system, and the language of play can transform therapy for children, teens, and adults. Each episode offers practical strategies, expert conversations, and insights you can use right away to help your clients heal more deeply. Whether you’re EMDR-trained or just beginning to explore this powerful approach, EMDR Playground is your space to grow, connect, and bring more depth and effectiveness to your work.

120: "Before Trauma Processing" Safety, Stabilization, and Protective Parts in EMDR 03/13/2026

120: "Before Trauma Processing" Safety, Stabilization, and Protective Parts in EMDR Welcome to EMDR Playground, the podcast for therapists who want to integrate EMDR and play with confidence, clarity, and creativity. Hosted by Jackie Flynn, Registered Play Therapist, EMDRIA Trainer, and author of the EMDR with Kids Flipchart, this show explores how fidelity to the EMDR model, a deep understanding of the nervous system, and the language of play can transform therapy for children, teens, and adults. Each episode offers practical strategies, expert conversations, and insights you can use right away to help your clients heal more deeply. Whether you’re EMDR-trained or just beginning to explore this powerful approach, EMDR Playground is your space to grow, connect, and bring more depth and effectiveness to your work. In this episode, Jackie talks with Claudia Ocampo about how she brings Internal Family Systems thinking into her EMDR practice. Claudia shares how a parts lens can help therapists respond with more compassion and clarity when suicidal ideation is present. Rather than seeing suicidality as the whole person, she invites us to consider the part of the client carrying overwhelming pain and desperation. Through a clinical story, Claudia offers a practical example of how this way of thinking can shape the work in session. The conversation points back to an essential EMDR principle. Safety and stabilization come before trauma processing. This episode offers a thoughtful look at how protective parts, careful pacing, and attuned presence can help lay the foundation for deeper healing work. In this episode, we discuss • how Claudia integrates IFS ideas into her EMDR practice • understanding suicidal ideation through a parts lens • a clinical story that shows practical application • the importance of safety and stabilization in EMDR • how protective parts can support the work before trauma processing To Learn More, Visit: Remember, Safety and stabilization come before trauma processing. Protective parts and resources help create that foundation. /episode/index/show/parentingintherain/id/40423445

119: Why Every Suggestion Matters in EMDR Therapy "Recommending IS Clinical" 02/27/2026

119: Why Every Suggestion Matters in EMDR Therapy "Recommending IS Clinical" Welcome to EMDR Playground, the podcast for therapists who want to integrate EMDR and play with confidence, clarity, and creativity. Hosted by Jackie Flynn, Registered Play Therapist, EMDRIA Trainer, and author of the EMDR with Kids Flipchart, this show explores how fidelity to the EMDR model, a deep understanding of the nervous system, and the language of play can transform therapy for children, teens, and adults. Each episode offers practical strategies, expert conversations, and insights you can use right away to help your clients heal more deeply. Whether you’re EMDR-trained or just beginning to explore this powerful approach, EMDR Playground is your space to grow, connect, and bring more depth and effectiveness to your work. In this episode, we explore something we do every week in practice but rarely examine closely. Recommendations. Books. Apps. Breathwork. Sleep tools. Supplements. Journaling prompts. Support groups. Retreats. Productivity systems. These may feel like small suggestions. They are not. Every recommendation is an intervention. It shapes what a client does between sessions, often when they are alone and outside their window of tolerance. When a recommendation fits, it can build regulation and capacity. When it misses, it can amplify shame, threat, or collapse. This episode invites EMDR therapists to apply the same precision to recommendations that we apply to targeting, pacing, and reprocessing. What We Cover Why recommending is clinical, not casual How tools interact with nervous system states The risk of unintentionally reinforcing negative cognitions How power and authority shape client uptake Why cultural context and lived experience must be considered What to do when a recommendation backfires The Three Checks Before You Recommend Anything It Fits Does this align with the client’s age, neurotype, cultural context, and current phase of EMDR Does it match your case conceptualization Safety Could this push them outside their window Are there medical, psychological, or digital risks Could it increase dissociation, panic, avoidance, or shutdown Meaning If this does not work, what story might the client make Will it increase shame or performance pressure Will it build capacity or dependency Key Clinical Reminder Recommendations are adjunctive supports. They are not substitutes for assessment, phase based work, or reprocessing. If a tool reinforces “I am not enough,” we may be strengthening a network we will later need to target. Memorable Line If we are precise with bilateral stimulation, we need to be precise with what we send clients home with. Reflection Question Before your next recommendation, ask What might be the unintended nervous system cost of this suggestion for this client, right now About EMDR Playground EMDR Playground is a space for therapists who want to practice with depth, precision, and fidelity to the EMDR model across the lifespan. We move beyond hacks and trends toward thoughtful, nervous system informed care. /episode/index/show/parentingintherain/id/40251240

118: Should Parents Be in EMDR Sessions With Kids and Teens? 02/13/2026

117: Moving through the 8 phases of EMDR therapy With Jackie Flynn 02/02/2026

116: Deepening The Work: Integrating Symbols, Sandtray, and Play in EMDR with Theresa Fraser 01/19/2026

115: The Power of EMDR and Sand Tray in Generational Healing with Waldo Winborn 01/06/2026

113: Using Sound in EMDR Therapy: Waves, Beats, and Brain Healing With Haruna Nail 01/05/2026

113: Using Sound in EMDR Therapy: Waves, Beats, and Brain Healing With Haruna Nail Welcome to EMDR Playground, the podcast for therapists who want to integrate EMDR and play with confidence, clarity, and creativity. Hosted by Jackie Flynn, Registered Play Therapist, EMDRIA Trainer, and author of the EMDR with Kids Flipchart, this show explores how fidelity to the EMDR model, a deep understanding of the nervous system, and the language of play can transform therapy for children, teens, and adults. Each episode offers practical strategies, expert conversations, and insights you can use right away to help your clients heal more deeply. Whether you’re EMDR-trained or just beginning to explore this powerful approach, EMDR Playground is your space to grow, connect, and bring more depth and effectiveness to your work. Haruna Nail, MA, LMHC is a licensed mental health counselor in Melbourne, Florida. She provides trauma-informed therapy for primarily adolescents and adults, and on case-by-case basis with children and seniors, with expertise in neurodiversity, anxiety, grief, life transitions, identity exploration and LGBTQ+ affirming care. Haruna integrates play, relational, and holistic approaches to support nervous system regulation and mind/body/spirit healing. She is active in the local counseling community through the Space Coast Mental Health Counselors Association and is committed to bringing creative, accessible interventions into clinical practice. Haruna additionally helps fellow clinicians step into their purpose by deepening their integrative clinical skills, expanding their intuitive wisdom, cultivating neurodiversity-informed care, and embodying a grounded, nervous-system–aligned clinical presence. New Consultation Group Cohort starting January 21st, 2026 1:1 consultations available upon request-can contact via email You can Find us at /episode/index/show/parentingintherain/id/39335010

114: The Duality of Dissociation: An EMDR Therapist's Perspective with Marshall Lyles 12/22/2025

112: High Conflict Family Systems: Protecting Children's Well-being with Dr. Kristin Wallace 11/25/2025

112: High Conflict Family Systems: Protecting Children's Well-being with Dr. Kristin Wallace Welcome to EMDR Playground, the podcast for therapists who want to integrate EMDR and play with confidence, clarity, and creativity. Hosted by Jackie Flynn, Registered Play Therapist, EMDRIA Trainer, and author of the EMDR with Kids Flipchart, this show explores how fidelity to the EMDR model, a deep understanding of the nervous system, and the language of play can transform therapy for children, teens, and adults. Each episode offers practical strategies, expert conversations, and insights you can use right away to help your clients heal more deeply. Whether you’re EMDR-trained or just beginning to explore this powerful approach, EMDR Playground is your space to grow, connect, and bring more depth and effectiveness to your work. Dr. Kristin K. Wallace is a licensed mental health professional in Florida with over 20 years of experience in the field and more than 15 years working directly with families. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling with a minor in Abnormal Psychology from Florida State University, graduating cum laude, and went on to complete a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Central Florida. Driven by a deep curiosity about the emotional lives of therapists themselves, she pursued a Ph.D. in General Psychology, completing a dissertation on how marriage therapists experience the impact of their work on their own marriages. Throughout her extensive education and early career, Dr. Wallace gained wide-ranging experience—from crisis stabilization and residential treatment to school-based services and private practice—developing a clinical lens that is both empathic and evidence-based. Her career reflects a balance of research, teaching, and practice. Dr. Wallace has contributed to studies through the University of Miami and the University of Central Florida, including the development of virtual-reality interventions for adolescent girls, and she currently collaborates with the Life Aid Research Institute to support mental health optimization among service members. In her private practice, Complete Family Consultants, she specializes in trauma, high-conflict divorce, and family dynamics, serving as a Social Investigator and Certified Family Mediator. She also teaches at the University of Central Florida and California Southern University, mentoring the next generation of clinicians. Dr. Wallace is the creator and developer of an online coparenting course, called ExProof Parenting, designed to take stressed coparents from powerlessness to hopeful empowerment. A collaborative professional in Brevard County, Dr. Wallace’s approach emphasizes child-centered, solution-focused strategies in divorcing families. Outside of her professional life, she is a wife, mother of six, and car enthusiast who enjoys sports, kava nights with friends, and board games with her family. You can Find us at /episode/index/show/parentingintherain/id/39165320

111: Exploring the Depth of Sandtray Therapy with Dr. Roz Heiko 11/14/2025

110: I Am the Shell 07/08/2025

110: I Am the Shell 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 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: 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: jackie@jackieflynnconsulting.com Polyvagal Theory: Synergetic Play Therapy: Oaklander Model: Marshall's Workshop: Adlerian Play Therapy: EMDRIA (EMDR International Association): /episode/index/show/parentingintherain/id/37325515

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: jackie@jackieflynnconsulting.com 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