Join Julie as she interviews Simon Airey and they delve into the intersection of neurodiversity and play. In this episode, Simon shares his personal experiences as an autistic adult, discussing how everyday activities like sorting and organising can be forms of play. They also explore the concept of play in early childhood education, emphasising the importance of child-led and neuro-affirming practices. The conversation underscores the importance of educators recognising and supporting diverse play behaviours to create more effective learning environments.

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In this episode of 'Pondering Play and Therapy,' host Philippa welcomes Joseph Franks, a veteran in the field of mental health nursing since 2004. Joseph discusses his varied career, which spans working in mental health services, teaching at the University of West London, and his pivotal role as the mental health lead at Reading Prison. His experiences highlight the vulnerabilities faced by individuals in the justice system, particularly those with brain injuries, autism, care-experienced individuals and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Joseph also elaborates on the importance of diversion services and his ongoing work with Health and Justice Consultancy Limited, where he conducts clinical reviews into deaths in custody. He emphasises the need for societal change in responding to complex needs and introduces the concept of EMDR therapy as a potential tool within the justice system.

Joe's Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-franks-5bb0a878/

Paper discussed in the episode: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/about.html

Nadine Burke-Harris; Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/speakers/nadine_burke_harris_1

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In this episode of Pondering Play and Therapy, hosts Julie and Philippa explore how poverty affects children's ability to engage in play. They discuss the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the definition of poverty, and the statistics concerning child poverty in the UK. They highlight the various barriers that impoverished families face, such as limited access to resources, social exclusion, and the inability to reciprocate playdates. They also share personal anecdotes that demonstrate how children and families still manage to find moments of playfulness amidst adversity. The episode ends on a hopeful note, emphasising the importance of connection and the resilience of the human spirit.

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Welcome to this week's episode of Pondering Play and Therapy. Claire, a clinical service lead for CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services), joins the podcast to discuss childhood mental health, CBT, and the different services that can be accessed through CAMHS. Claire also discusses the different types of services and interventions that are offered, including inpatient, clinic, and early intervention services. 

In her role, Claire works within a multidisciplinary team that includes psychologists, social workers, drama therapists, and occupational therapists. They collaborate to support children and families facing mental health challenges. One of Claire's key areas of expertise is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), where she works directly with individuals and supervises fellow clinicians.

CAMHS access can often feel like it's impossible to obtain a service, with its high pressure and complex cases. So, how did Claire end up in this demanding field? Join us as we ponder her journey, the challenges of working in CAMHS, and the unique ways she supports both children and her team.

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In this week’s episode, hosts Philippa and Julie ponder the playful traditions that shape who we are—past and present. From cherished family games like cribbage and Rummy to the joyful, sometimes complex dance of blending new traditions in modern families, they explore how play weaves connection, identity, and belonging across generations.

Through personal stories, thoughtful metaphors, and reflections on adolescence, the episode unpacks how play is more than fun—it’s foundational. It can unite or exclude, heal or divide, depending on how we hold it. Whether you're nurturing your family’s rituals or starting new ones, this episode invites you to reflect on how traditions can be both a bridge and a legacy.

🔗 Tune in for insights on play, tradition, and the gentle power of connection. Subscribe now and start your listening tradition today!

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Podcast Episode Description:

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Mandy Jones, a skilled therapist, based in Chicago, who shares her expertise on the transformative power of play in therapy. Mandy discusses her unique approach, combining sand tray work and Theraplay, to help children and adults process and understand their trauma. She explains how these therapeutic techniques foster emotional healing and support the parent-child relationship.

Mandy also opens up about her personal journey, detailing the interesting path that led her to open her practice. With a deep passion for supporting children and families, Mandy has become a dedicated advocate for those impacted by the challenges of COVID-19, helping them navigate the emotional toll of the pandemic. Listen to the episode for a pondering conversation on the essential role of play in healing, connection, and emotional growth.

Website: Meet Our Team - Nurtured Roots Counseling & Consulting

Mandy Jones-Fischer (She/Her/Hers) is a licensed clinical social worker and registered play therapist from Chicago, Illinois. She is also a Certified Theraplay® Practitioner, Trainer, and Supervisor and is the former Executive Director of The Theraplay Institute.

Mandy has extensive training in sandtray therapy. She has worked almost exclusively with adoptive and foster families since she began her career. She takes a particular interest in helping families with young children form strong attachments and work through sensory concerns. Mandy is also experienced in helping adopted individuals with identity, loss, and anxiety concerns throughout their lifespan. More recently, Mandy has been focusing her clinical work on helping children born during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic who are struggling with overwhelming anxiety.
While Mandy doesn’t regularly practice law, through her legal work she has advocated for children in both the Illinois and Michigan child welfare systems. She continues to use her legal knowledge and advocacy skills to help families gain Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and other essential resources for children. Mandy earned her BA in Political Science and her BS in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago. 

She currently runs a private therapy practice serving children under 8 and their families in Chicago. 

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In this episode of 'Pondering Play and Therapy,' hosts Julie and Philippa discuss the significant reduction of play spaces for children and teenagers within communities affected by poverty and deprivation. Reflecting on changes over the past 10-15 years, they explore how budget cuts and austerity measures have led to the loss of essential community resources like parks, youth clubs, and play schemes. The discussion emphasises the importance of unstructured play for children's development, including reading social cues, risk assessment, and building community ties. They contrast their childhood experiences with current conditions and highlight the need for policies supporting accessible play spaces for all children, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The episode invites listeners to reflect on these issues and share their own views.

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Welcome to Pondering Play and Therapy, the podcast where we ponder the worlds of play, passion, and personal growth. In today’s episode, we have the pleasure of talking to Tilly and her mum, Sarah, to explore Tilly’s inspiring journey as an international cheerleading athlete. At just 14 years old, Tilly became the youngest member of an international cheerleading team, and today, she’s sharing the highs, the challenges, and the incredible commitment it takes to reach such a level of achievement. This was also whilst revising for her GCSE's and travelling over an hour to practice, and the mental and physical demands of the sport. Tilly gives us an inside look at what it takes to pursue a dream and achieve success. Sarah also joins us to offer a mum’s perspective on supporting Tilly’s journey and the role of family in navigating the world of competitive sports. So sit back, relax, and join us as we ponder the play, hard work, and dedication behind Tilly’s amazing story.

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Podcast Description:

This week, we are pondering the fascinating world of play—specifically, can play be learned? Over the past few weeks and months of recording, we've been reflecting on how play happens with children, babies and adults. We’ll start by looking at the early stages of life—how even before birth, the unborn child begins to interact with the world around them. From there, we'll explore how play unfolds in early childhood and how, as we grow, we may discover new ways to play and embrace a playful mindset. This is from our own perspective not as experts but as adults who enjoy play both in our personal and professional.

We’ll also ask if play is something we can relearn later in life. Can we rediscover playful ways of being in the world and develop new play skills, or is it something we experience through lived moments with others? Is play something that’s taught, or is it more of an embodied experience we share and pass on to others?

Join us as we unpack the beginnings of play and whether it’s something we can learn or simply experience as we move through life.

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It was an honour to interview Dr Mayers and hear about her journey to becoming a clinical psychologist. She talked about her experience of play and the importance of having toys, books and figures in psychology to support her aspirations. She gave a beautiful insight into her childhood growing up in the west midlands, in a big family and how she and her siblings continue the traditions of play.

Dr Mayers has a private practice, and she explained about EMDR and attachment trauma and how this can support adults in their everyday lives. 

Website: https://www.mayerspsychology.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayerspsychology/

Dr Chanae Mayers is a passionate Senior Clinical Psychologist and EMDR Therapist,
specialising in trauma and attachment difficulties. She has over 5 years’ experience working
with children, young people and families within the care system. She is trained in several
therapeutic approaches including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
(EMDR), Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) and many more, helping clients to
process complex emotional experiences, build resilience and develop healthy attachment
relationships.
Driven by a passion for trauma-informed care, Dr Mayers’ private practice stems from
wanting to support adults who have experienced significant childhood trauma. Through her
work, she highlights the substantial impact of unprocessed trauma on interpersonal
relationships, friendships and professional lives. Her mission is to raise awareness of
developmental trauma and its biological impact, understanding how this leads to attachment
difficulties and impacts mental health.
Dr Mayers is deeply committed to black mental health, understanding the stigma and
barriers to accessing services within the black community. She is an advocate for addressing
intergenerational trauma, racial trauma, and the systemic challenges that contribute to
mental health disparities. Her published Thesis, Exploring the Experiences of Black Men
Through the Decision-Making Process in Secure Settings: A Qualitative Study, featured in
The Journal of Black Psychology, highlights the experiences of black men in secure inpatient
services. The study focused on biased decision-making processes related to conflict
management and their impact on black male service users. It highlights how these decisions
affect care, including seclusion, the use of restraint, and the application of the Mental Health
Act.
Dr Mayers is also dedicated to mentoring aspiring Clinical Psychologists, particularly those
from minority backgrounds. Having faced her own struggles seeing few professionals who
reflected her identity, she is passionate about reducing the barriers to entry for
underrepresented groups in Clinical Psychology and increasing diversity within the field.

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Podcast Episode Description:

In this week’s episode, Philippa and Julie ponder the role that everyday things can play in fostering connection and playfulness within families. They explore how simple, daily moments can create meaningful rituals, promote connection, and offer a playful approach to life. Sharing personal stories from their own families, they discuss how incorporating playfulness into the ordinary can help with emotional regulation, especially on those days when things feel a little tricky. Tune in for some thoughtful insights on turning the everyday into an opportunity for joy and connection.

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In today's episode, Philippa interviews Vicki, the founder of Little City, which is a mobile role-play centre for little people. She shares her love of Sylvanian families and how she wanted to move away from corporate life and spend more time with her children and family.

Vicki shares the excitement that little people get from role-playing real-life experiences, and how this develops connection and shared joy with parents, caregivers, and the staff themselves. The mobile city is inclusive and diverse and the staff adapt sessions to support the communities and groups that are accessing them from all over the country.

Website: https://www.littlecityuk.com/

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In this episode of Pondering Play and Therapy, host Philippa welcomes Matt, a senior practitioner at CAPA First Response. Matt shares his expertise on child-to-parent aggression, detailing different forms of violence and aggression, and the importance of addressing these behaviours early. Matt emphasises the need for understanding and strengthening the parent-child relationship through effective communication and play. He also discusses CAPA's unique online support services and his background in community therapy and pastoral care. This episode provides valuable insights and hope for families dealing with challenging behaviours.

Website: https://capafirstresponse.org/

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Welcome to this week’s episode of Pondering Play and Therapy, where Julie and Philippa think about an important and often difficult topic—child-to-parent violence. In today’s episode, we explore the complex relationship between a child’s anger, rage, and violence, and how these behaviors can fit into the broader context of their development. While it’s normal for children to experience intense emotions at different stages of their growth, for some families, these aggressive behaviors can escalate and become a source of fear and isolation.

The question we’re pondering today is whether play can play a role in addressing these challenges. Can it serve as a therapeutic tool during moments of heightened aggression? How can play be woven into the parent-child relationship to foster connection and help manage emotions during difficult times?

Join us as we explore how play, in its many forms, might support moments of connection, understanding, and strengthening bonds between parents and children facing these struggles

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Philippa's guest for this episode is Venny, who shares her experience as a foster carer and how important play is when fostering. She also has stepchildren, birth children, and a huge amount of, grandchildren, at least two football teams worth of grandchildren, along with, her husband, Brian, and they've been foster carers for 13 years. She shares how she has noticed the huge role play has in fostering, especially when caring for children who've maybe experienced trauma or adversity. Sometimes they can get some muddles and can be quite fizzy and have quite a difficult time expressing their feelings or thoughts and play can really help them to come through some of that and remain connected and together even if they can't work out the muddles.

But play can keep them as a family that connected, and keep them moving forward. 

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In this week’s episode, part two of our Rupture and Repair series, we ponder how play and playfulness can be a key role in the process of repair. We explore why rupture and repair are essential, not just for child development, but also for building strong relationships. The ability to repair is something that starts with adults modeling the process, as children need to experience and understand it before they can fully grasp the concept themselves. We also reflect on the nuances of saying sorry—does reconnection always need words? Is acknowledging a rupture essential for healing, or is there another way to mend? Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on the complexities of parent-child connection and the importance of repair.

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 This week our guest is Hilary Kennedy. She is a leading developer of video interaction guidance called VIG in the UK, an educational psychologist and an honorary research associate at the University College of London. She has co-edited 2 books. 

Video Interaction Guidance (VIG) is an intervention which builds positive relationships through filming and feedback sessions. It is a strengths-based, brief intervention that promotes attunement, sensitivity, and mentalization in relationships. The principles and practice can be used to work within any relationship.

https://www.videointeractionguidance.net/what-is-vig

https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/video-interaction-guidance-a-relationship-based-intervention-to-promote-attunement-empathy-and-wellbeing-miriam-landor/4731563?ean=9781849051804

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 This week, we are exploring how play relates to the concepts of rupture and repair within relationships, particularly focusing on the bond between an adult and a child. When we refer to rupture, we mean a moment of disconnection in the relationship, which can manifest differently depending on the child's age, whether they are a baby or a toddler.

We will also discuss the distinction between guilt and shame, emphasizing how harmful shame can be for a child. Additionally, we will highlight the importance of parental support, or scaffolding, when children and young people experience intense and overwhelming emotions.

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This week, we will ponder the feelings of guilt experienced by parents, caregivers, grandparents, and adults. A listener's question about the lack of joy some parents feel when it comes to playing with their children, whether they do not have the time to play, or whether they feel unable to engage in play at all prompted this topic. This guilt can be quite significant.

In a previous episode, we explored the difference between expectations and actual milestones, discussing how we often measure children against certain standards. This leads us to consider are there similiar expectations surrounding parenting as well, particularly regarding how and when we should play with our children. There is a societal pressure to ensure that our children are intelligent, sociable, and fit the mold of what society deems appropriate, alongside the expectations of what parenting should entail. 

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Julie and Philippa ponder when the play becomes frightening. They consider the role of rough-and-tumble play, how it can be part of childhood, and when it becomes frightening for children and young people. 
With technology ever present in our daily lives we ponder video games and how they can be frightening. Ending the episode pondering word play and the attunement and development that is required to help make this type of play fun rather than hurtful.

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Julie and Philippa ponder when play doesn't appear to be within the expected typical development. Considering neurodiversity and their experience of working with children and families. Pondering why play might appear to be delayed or is delayed, thinking about how we can be alongside a child in play and how we communicate, especially non-verbally. 
Philippa does have a little rant. 

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This week Julie and Philippa ponder when children and young people ‘regress’ in play, thinking about how this can ‘fill in early life gaps’. Pondering how important a playful nappy change can be to a baby and toddler. How unpredictable, inconsistent parenting can impact a child or young person and how they have a sense of the rhythm of life and how can play support the development of this. Pondering co-regulation and regulation, and how important regulation is to experience from the outside in first. Bruce Perry’s regulate, relate, Reason is reference by Julie and Philippa. 

Sarah Lloyd’s Building Under developed Sensory Systems work is referenced in relation to how babies develop from in utero. 

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In this episode, Julie and Philippa ponder how pets and animals can at times help children, young people and adults. Whether this is in everyday life, therapy or their own homes. While also acknowledging that pets and animals can be unpredictable and even scary. 
They think about how this unpredictability can in itself be therapeutic and validating. Sharing their own experiences of pets and how they have been important in communicating with children and how they attune to the emotions and states of those around them.  

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In this episode of 'Pondering Play and Therapy,' host Philippa interviews Angela Griffith, a registered social worker and independent social care consultant with over 30 years of experience in children's social care. Angela discusses her journey in the sector, beginning in 1991, and the changes she has observed over the years. Angela highlights the importance of strong management in children's homes, the diverse services offered, and the system's need for better integration of children's voices. She emphasises relationship-based practice, restorative practices, and the need for emotionally resilient staff. Angela also talks about her consultancy, Children’s Homes Improvement Limited, which provides training, supervision, and strategic support to improve outcomes in the care sector. The conversation covers the challenges and opportunities in residential care, advocating for a child-centred approach that prioritises the involvement and empowerment of young people.

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Julie and Philippa ponder can play help us find our way back to safety if we are feeling unsafe. Do we need to be safe to play? They ponder relational, physical and psychological safety in play.
They wander their way through play and safety in the therapy room, in families, with toddlers, adolescents and older people. 

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This is the very first episode of Pondering Play and Therapy. Julie and Philippa share their journey to creating this first episode, their hopes for the podcast and their (hopefully) listeners. 
Julie and Philippa have approached this adventure playfully but very differently, one with caution, the other highly excited but with a shared love of all things play and playfulness. 

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In this episode of Pondering and Play Therapy, host Philippa Kelly interviews Charlotte Jenkins, founder of Beacon Family Services and co-founder of the app Looming and Us. Charlotte discusses her journey from a frustrated social worker to establishing innovative, play-based therapeutic solutions for families. She emphasises the importance of connection, nervous system regulation, and understanding the underlying causes of children's behaviour. Charlotte explains how her services and the Looming and Us app provide parents with tools to build stronger relationships with their children through therapeutic play. She highlights the impact of small, consistent play interactions on decreasing family conflict and enhancing emotional resilience. The episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for parents and professionals dedicated to children's mental health.

Website: https://www.beaconservices.org.uk/ 

lumin&us® helps parents and carers to:

• understand their child’s behaviours
• support their children’s BIG EMOTIONS
• support children experiencing anxiety
• improve relationships
• reduce family conflict
• support their child’s mental health
• improve family wellbeing
• support, calm and soothe their child through co-regulation of their nervous system
• understand the connection between their children’s feelings, thoughts and behaviours

Visit the lumin&us®  website for more information, or search lumin&us on the App Store or on Google Play to download the App for free.

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In this episode of 'Pondering Play and Therapy,' the host converses with Jessica McLaughlin, a senior creative director with 20 years of experience in creating digital content for children. Jessica shares her accidental journey into children's media, her work at Find Your Fun Studios, and her new venture, Play Wise Labs. She discusses the intricacies of designing educational games, the importance of testing with children, the impact of interactive play, and the balance of creating engaging yet safe digital experiences for kids. Jessica also offers insights on helping parents navigate the vast world of kids' digital games.

Website: https://playwise.ca/

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In this episode of Pondering Play and Therapy, Philippa interviews Marguerite Hunter Blair, OBE, the Chief Executive of Play Scotland. Marguerite discusses her extensive career in advocating for children's play in Scotland and Northern Ireland, including her leadership in establishing the Scottish Play Commission, Scotland's Play Strategy, and the statutory duty for play in the Planning Scotland Act of 2019. She also speaks about her recent OBE award for services to play, learning, and health, emphasizing the importance of play for children's well-being and development. The conversation covers her journey from obtaining a master's in adult education to leading key play initiatives, as well as the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the perception of play. The episode explores the various types of play, the essential role of parents, practitioners, and community spaces in fostering play, and the importance of play for children of all ages, including teenagers. Marguerite highlights the need for inclusive and accessible play spaces, especially in disadvantaged areas, and underscores the broader social and health benefits of promoting children's play.

Play Scotland - https://www.playscotland.org/

Play Northern Ireland  - https://www.playboard.org/

Play Wales - https://play.wales/

Play England - https://www.playengland.org.uk/

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Podcast Episode Description:

This week on the podcast, I'm joined by Marshall Lyles, an expert in using sand tray therapy to support children, adults, and families. Marshall shares his insightful experience on how this powerful therapy helps individuals explore their early experiences and better understand their present situations. We ponder the importance of approaching sand tray therapy with curiosity and openness, encouraging people to examine the judgments and limitations placed on them by family, others or society. Marshall shares how sitting with the emotions that arise during these explorations can be therapeutic, allowing them to become more conscious and empowering for personal understanding. Don't miss this deep, reflective conversation on the transformative potential of sand tray therapy.

Website: https://www.marshalllyles.com/

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In this episode of 'Pondering Play and Therapy,' Philippa and Julie dive into the critical role of play within school environments. They discuss the decline in playtime availability over the years across primary, secondary, and nursery schools. They explore how therapists can collaborate with schools to support children's learning and well-being through play. The conversation highlights how play helps children learn, manage transitions, and cope with anxiety, ultimately promoting their overall development. They also emphasise the importance of tailoring approaches to fit each child's individual needs.

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Podcast Description:
This week, I had the privilege of interviewing Colby Pearce, who shares his wealth of experience working with care-experienced families. Colby dives deep into the importance of attachment, emphasising that connection and consistency are the most crucial aspects. He also discusses the programs he's developed to support professionals in providing care that fosters resilience and aids in repairing the effects of early-life adversity. Listen to hear Colby’s valuable insights into supporting families and building stronger, more resilient communities.

web:     securestart.com.au
blog:    colbypearce.net

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSm5x0fmZ2BU8vp7xmG4aOumz7nMMVcsi

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