Explore every episode of the podcast Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy Excellence
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Play Therapy Not Working? 4 Ways to Get Unstuck | 22 Oct 2026 | 00:47:14 | |
Is play therapy working for your client, or are you stuck in the "I don't know if this is helping" loop? In this free weekly podcast episode for play therapists and child and adolescent therapists, you'll learn 4 practical ways to tell if play therapy is working and what to do when nothing seems to help. You've tried the play therapy activity books, searched Pinterest for play therapy ideas, and used what you learned at your last play therapy training. Your supervisor was supportive, but they don't practice play therapy. If you're worried you're failing your client, this podcast is for you. In this episode you'll learn: ✅ How to revisit your case conceptualization and ground yourself in your play therapy model ✅ Why safety and therapeutic rapport come before insight, and how to check your expectations ✅ How to get useful feedback from parents, caregivers, and the child ✅ Why play therapy consultation helps you see what's happening in the playroom For play therapists and child and adolescent therapists at any stage of their play therapy journey. Join my free webinar, How to Provide Play Therapy Without Second-Guessing Yourself, Even With Complex Cases. We'll focus on building the confidence to trust your clinical decisions, even when a case gets complicated. 📅 Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 4:00 pm PT / 7:00 pm ET Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| Family Play Therapy: 3 Signs a Parent Is Ready (and 3 Signs They're Not) | 15 Oct 2026 | 00:48:58 | |
In family play therapy, the caregiver's readiness matters as much as the child's. Because the parent-child relationship is the vehicle for healing, a parent has to be emotionally and mentally prepared to enter their child's world without taking it over. In this free weekly podcast, we break down how to assess parent readiness for family play therapy sessions, so you can decide when to bring a caregiver into the playroom and when more preparation is needed first. You'll learn: ✔ 3 signs a parent IS ready for joint family play therapy: following the child's lead without correcting, showing curiosity about the child's inner world, and staying regulated during moments of distress ✔ 3 signs a parent is NOT ready yet: demanding quick fixes and immediate compliance, using the session to lecture or interrogate the child, and being too consumed by their own unresolved stress or trauma ✔ What to do when a parent isn't ready, including how parent consultation sessions and individual therapy referrals can build the caregiver's capacity to show up ✔ How to keep the door open to family play therapy without pushing caregivers before they can succeed. Who this is for: Play therapists, child therapists, adolescent therapists, and mental health professionals who work with children and families and want more confidence in caregiver assessment, parent consultation, and family play therapy. Key takeaway: A parent who isn't ready yet doesn't mean family play therapy is off the table. It usually means the work starts with the caregiver, so the family play therapy sessions are set up for real connection and healing. Want to go deeper? If you're ready to build your skills in play therapy and learn how to involve caregivers in the healing process, explore Play Therapy Academy: https://www.rhplaytherapytraining.com/play-therapy-academy Listen to the podcast, bring your questions and your toughest caregiver scenarios, and let us know in the comments: what signs do you look for when deciding if a parent is ready? 👍 Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| Family Play Therapy: Why Treating Just the Child Limits Outcomes | 08 Oct 2026 | 00:41:44 | |
If you're a play therapist or child therapist meeting with kids weekly while updating parents on the side — this episode is for you. Individual play therapy is powerful. But when the family system stays the same, even the best playroom work has a ceiling. In this free weekly podcast, we're exploring one of the most important clinical questions in play therapy: when does individual work hit its limits — and what changes when you bring the family into the room? We cover:
When the family system stays unchanged, progress in the playroom has a ceiling — no matter how skilled you are.
Observe relational patterns firsthand, coach attachment-focused parenting strategies in real time, and create change where the problem actually lives — in the parent-child relationship.
Family play therapy isn't always the right next step. We'll walk through the clinical situations where family play therapy sessions may not serve the child.
Inviting parents into the playroom isn't enough. A structured framework is what turns "everyone's in the room" into lasting change in outcomes. Listen to the podcast and share with a colleague! This episode connects directly to this month's Consultation Call theme: bringing caregivers into the room. Come with your questions and cases. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| Congruence & Co-Regulation in Play Therapy | 01 Oct 2026 | 00:45:03 | |
Congruence & Co-Regulation in Play Therapy: How Nervous System Attunement Heals Kids What does it really mean to use "therapeutic use of self" in the playroom? In this podcast episode, we go beyond the buzzwords to explore how congruence and co-regulation actually help children build their own capacity for emotion regulation. This is part three in our series on the nervous system in play therapy — and why oversimplifying this concept can get in the way of the deep, lasting healing our clients need. In this podcast episode, we cover: 🔹 Congruence in the Playroom — What it really means to match your internal experience with what you express, and why "performing" calm or warmth isn't the same as being a regulated, authentic presence 🔹 The Coregulation Connection — How your nervous system state becomes the mechanism through which children learn their own emotions are safe, workable, and useful 🔹 Self-Awareness for Therapists — Why you have to be congruent with yourself before you can be congruent with a child, and how "resonance circuits" let your nervous system attune to theirs 🔹 Supporting Parents & Caregivers — Creating safety for caregivers so they see you as a true partner in their child's healing, and recognizing what activates your own insecurity or imposter syndrome in session 🔹 Therapist Self-Care — The "put your own oxygen mask on first" principle, and why your own therapy and a supportive play therapy community aren't optional extras — they're part of doing this work well
Johnston, T. E., Gross, J. J., Chen, W., McEvoy, P., Becerra, R., & Preece, D. A. (2025). Emotion beliefs and emotion regulation strategy use. Personality and Individual Differences, 240, 113066. #PlayTherapy #TherapistSelfCare #NervousSystemRegulation #Coregulation #ChildTherapy #EmotionRegulation #TherapeuticUseOfSelf #TraumaInformedCare #PlayTherapist #ChildDevelopment Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| Window of Tolerance in Play Therapy: Why Kids "Bail" on Deep Play | 23 Sep 2026 | 00:41:54 | |
You're 20 minutes into a play therapy session. The child is in it — deep in the sandtray, the story, the metaphor. And then, without warning, they bail. Silliness. A different toy. A total tonal 180. If you've ever second-guessed yourself in that moment — wondered if you lost the thread, if they're avoiding, if the work "didn't land" — this episode is for you. That shift isn't resistance. It isn't disengagement. It's regulation happening in real time. A child's nervous system was never built to sustain 45 straight minutes in emotional intensity — and clinicians who miss this often misread the most important therapeutic moment in the room. In this week's podcast for play therapists and child therapists, we're unpacking: ✅ Why the exit out of deep affect is a nervous-system-driven event, not a client "resisting the work" This is a working conversation for play therapists who want to sharpen their read on nervous system cues in the playroom and stop treating natural regulatory rhythm as a problem to manage. This is also one small piece of what we go deeper on inside Play Therapy Elevation CIRCLE — my community for play therapists who want ongoing case consultation, clinical skill-building, and support that goes beyond a single play therapy training. More on that soon — for now, come learn, bring your questions, and let's dig into the work together. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| Explosive Emotions in Kids: A Brain-Based Approach for Play Therapists | 17 Sep 2026 | 00:46:49 | |
Free Podcast Training for Play Therapists: How the Brain Constructs "Explosive" Emotions in Kids Join Renewing Hearts Play Therapy Training with Cathi Spooner, LCSW, RPT-S podcast as we go beyond simple redirection strategies to explore how the brain actually constructs emotional experiences in dysregulated children and why it matters for play therapists. If you're a child and adolescent therapist working with kids who have "explosive" emotions — the "angry tornado" in your playroom, or desperate parents asking "what do I do when this happens at home?" — This weekly podcast episode gives you a fresh clinical lens for nervous system regulation, grounded in the Theory of Constructed Emotions and Attachment Theory. In this episode, we cover: 🧠 Developmental Expectations — Why a child's developing neural circuitry matters for self-regulation (and why "just calm down" doesn't work). 🌪️ Constructed Emotions — How the brain uses interoception and environment to construct emotions that predict what needs to happen next. 🔗 Attachment as Bio-Regulation — Exploring attachment as a bioregulatory system, and the brain as a "prediction machine." 🎭 Play Therapy Application — Why emotion vocabulary is the key to building true resiliency, and how to use play therapy with intention. 👨👩👧 Caregiver Co-Regulation — How to teach parents to model regulated states so kids can borrow their calm. 💬 Drop a comment: what's the hardest "explosive" moment you've navigated in the playroom or with a caregiver? References mentioned:
Attachment Insights #36 (https://pvrticka.com/attachment-insights/#36), and the full version on Substack is available here: https://pvrticka.substack.com/p/the-bioenergetic-map-of-social-connection. Website: https://pvrticka.substack.com/p/attachment-and-caregiving-as-social-allostatic-inference) #PlayTherapy #ChildTherapist #NervousSystemRegulation #AttachmentTheory #EmotionRegulation Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| Stop Guessing: 3 Keys to Decode Behavior in Play Therapy | 10 Sep 2026 | 00:44:25 | |
What do you do when your 6-year-old client is kicking things in the lobby or a 7-year-old starts using cursing in a family session? If you've ever felt like your play therapy questions are falling flat or a client’s behavior is spiraling out of control, you aren't alone. After 30+ years as a child and adolescent psychotherapist, I’ve learned that these moments aren’t failures—they are data. In this podcast, I break down a 3-step framework to help you decode dysregulated behavior using neuroscience and attachment theory so you can move past the "acting out" and access deep healing. What you’ll learn in this episode:
About Cathi Spooner: I help play therapists and mental health professionals integrate neuroscience and attachment into their practice so they can work with more confidence and help their clients achieve lasting change. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| Stop Processing Your Hardest Play Therapy Sessions Alone | 03 Sep 2026 | 00:36:18 | |
Have you ever finished a challenging play therapy session, watched the child walk out the door, and then just sat there — processing everything alone with no one who truly understands what happened in that room? If that feels familiar, this free weekly podcast episode is for you. Most play therapists think of community — a membership, a consultation group, a peer network — as emotional support that’s optional. A nice-to-have. A place to vent. More of a luxury than a necessity But in this episode, play therapy trainer and educator Cathi Spooner, LCSW, RPT-S, makes the case that community is far more than that. Community is a clinical tool that ensures your clients get the best support possible for healing because you get the clinical support you need. And play therapists who practice without it aren't just lonelier — they're making harder clinical decisions, experiencing more burnout, and serving their clients at a fraction of their potential. This is the episode that connects everything — and introduces Play Therapy Elevation CIRCLE, now open for enrollment through August 29, 2026 at 11:59 PM. In this episode, you'll discover: 🎯 Why community is a clinical tool — not an emotional luxury — and the specific clinical outcomes that change when play therapists practice in connection instead of isolation 🎯 What happens to your clinical thinking, decision-making, and confidence when you have play therapists around you who speak your language and understand your cases 🎯 A full inside look at Play Therapy Elevation CIRCLE (PTEC) — including monthly group consultation calls, the monthly book club, weekly play therapy tips, and the community itself 🎯 The real cost of the "I'll wait" mindset — and why the growth starts the moment you're in community of like-minded play therapists, not before This episode is for you if: → You're the only play therapist in your agency — or you're in private practice navigating complex cases alone → You process your hardest cases in silence with no one who truly understands play therapy → You've been thinking about joining a play therapy community but keep putting it off → You want to know exactly what's inside Play Therapy Elevation CIRCLE before enrolling → You're a child/adolescent therapist, registered play therapist, or play therapist-in-training working with children, teens, and families Play Therapy Elevation CIRCLE (PTEC) The ongoing community for play therapists who are done going it alone.M< Inside PTEC, you get: ✔️ Monthly group consultation calls — bring your real cases and get real clinical support ✔️ A monthly book club — clinically relevant reading to keep your thinking fresh and sharp ✔️ Weekly play therapy tips — practical, immediately applicable tools for the playroom ✔️ A private community of play therapists who speak your language Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| Stop Guessing: 3 Indicators Play Therapy is Working | 26 Aug 2026 | 00:37:39 | |
Tired of feeling like you’re just "playing" without a clear way to track progress in play therapy? As play therapists, we often hear the same question from parents: "How is my child actually doing?" And maybe you’re struggling to answer that question yourself, let alone explain it to parents. If you find yourself unsure how to tell if your clients are progressing in play therapy or if play therapy is working, this free weekly podcast episode is for you. In this episode, we’re diving into why measuring progress in play therapy feels so difficult without a solid clinical framework. We’ll discuss how to track progress in the playroom and determine if you’re on the right course helping clients heal. What we’ll cover:
Stop second-guessing your clinical decisions and start reporting to parents with confidence. Learn how to name exactly what is happening in the playroom and why it matters for the child’s healing journey. Let’s connect in the comments: What do YOU currently look for as indicators that play therapy is working? Drop your thoughts below! #PlayTherapy #ChildTherapy #PlayTherapyFramework #MentalHealthProfessionals #TherapistTraining #ClinicalProgress Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| How to Stop Dreading Your Complex Play Therapy Cases | 20 Aug 2026 | 00:34:13 | |
Are you dreading that "challenging" case on your schedule? The client who wreaks your room or doesn’t talk during their play therapy session? Or the parent session with a parent that seems to avoid you yet calls you frequently between sessions telling you everything that’s not working? As play therapists, we often define a challenging case by the severity of the trauma, the intensity of the behaviors, or the complexity of the family system. But what if the "challenge" isn't the case itself, but how you make sense of the problem and the clinical framework you're using to navigate it? In this week’s free podcast episode, we are redefining what it means to work with complex cases. We’ll explore why one play therapist feels overwhelmed while another feels manageable with the exact same client—and how a clear play therapy clinical framework makes all the difference. In this podcast, we cover:
When you can identify why something is happening AND you have a framework guiding your clinical decisions, challenging cases stop being something you dread and start being something you can engage with intentionally. Don’t let your caseload lead to burnout. It’s time to move from "hoping it works" to knowing why it’s working. Join the Conversation: When you hit a wall with a challenging play therapy case, what is the very first thing you do? Do you seek consultation, dive into research, or take a moment to pray? Let’s be honest in the comments—we’re all in this together! 🔗 CONNECT WITH RENEWING HEARTS PLAY THERAPY TRAINING: 🌐 Website: www.rhplaytherapytraining.com Register for the free webinar - How to Provide Play Therapy Without Second-Guessing Every Clinical Decision, Even With Complex Cases: https://www.rhplaytherapytraining.com/f/ptec-webinar Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| 5 Ways Community Improves Play Therapy Results, Especially When Clients Wreck Your Playroom | 13 Aug 2026 | 00:47:11 | |
Stop clinical isolation and help your play therapy clients progress faster. What does that mean? A classic example of working in isolation and figuring things out on your own is figuring out what do you do when your client “wrecks” your playroom? Do you set limits? Do you let them wreck your playroom week after week after week? Do you refer them to someone else? Are you a play therapist or RPT feeling the weight of clinical isolation? This episode is for you! When we work alone, a "stuck case" can stay stuck for weeks. But when you have a community, that same case becomes a collective problem to solve. In this week's podcast episode, we’re moving beyond the struggle to show you what becomes possible for your clients—and your career—when you stop doing this work in isolation.
Ready to Elevate Your Practice? If you’re tired of the "lonely island" of private practice or being the only kid therapist in the building, join the waitlist for the Play Therapy Elevation CIRCLE. Get the clinical support and fresh ideas you need to thrive: 👉 https://www.rhplaytherapytraining.com/f/ptec-waitlist 💬 COMMUNITY QUESTION: Which of these 5 areas is the missing piece in your practice right now? Let’s talk in the comments! 👇 #PlayTherapy #RegisteredPlayTherapist #ChildTherapy #ClinicalSupport #PlayTherapyInterventions #RPT Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| The Dangerous Lie Every Isolated Play Therapist Believes | 06 Aug 2026 | 00:41:33 | |
Do you ever feel like the only play therapist who hasn’t figured it out? You’re not alone—and that thought might be exactly what’s keeping you stuck. In this week’s podcast episode, we’re exposing the "dangerous lie" of play therapy isolation. When you're the only kid therapist in your building, it's easy to look at social media "wins" and conclude that everyone else has it together while you're struggling. I’m here to tell you: that feeling isn’t a "you" problem; it’s a structural problem. In this episode, we cover:
Stop white-knuckling your way through hard play therapy cases. Your clients need the supported, confident version of you. Let's talk about how to find her. GET ON THE WAITLIST: Ready to step out of isolation? Join the waitlist for the Play Therapy Elevation CIRCLE, my online membership designed to ensure you never have to do this work alone: 🔗 https://www.rhplaytherapytraining.com/f/ptec-waitlist JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Have you ever had a moment where you connected with another play therapist and felt that instant relief of "oh thank goodness, it's not just me"? Drop it in the comments below! 👇 Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| The #1 Mistake Play Therapists Make on Parent Calls | 29 Jul 2026 | 00:40:09 | |
Getting frantic phone calls from parents about meltdowns, outbursts, and behavior problems is a stressful reality for play therapists. When a parent says, “My doctor (or therapist) said play therapy isn’t working,” it’s easy to feel the weight of responsibility to fix everything immediately. In this week’s podcast episode, Cathi Spooner of Renewing Hearts Training teaches you how to handle these "dreaded" calls with confidence, even when you don't have all the answers yet. You’ll learn how to shift from being an "answer-giver" to a "container-holder," building trust and maintaining clinical authority.
Stop navigating these challenging clinical moments alone. Learn how to transform stressful phone calls into opportunities for deeper clinical connection.
If you want to move from knowing these steps to executing them with a community of play therapists backing you up, check out the Play Therapy Elevation CIRCLE. Something exciting is coming soon—don’t miss out! Join the waitlist for Play Therapy Elevation CIRCLE and be the first to know when enrollment opens: https://www.rhplaytherapytraining.com/f/ptec-waitlist Connect with Cathi: www.rhplaytherapytraining.com #PlayTherapy #ChildTherapy #ParentConsultation #TherapistTips #MentalHealthProfessionals #CathiSpooner #RenewingHeartsTraining Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| More Years of Experience Won't Fix What's Actually Making You Doubt Yourself as a Play Therapist | 16 Jul 2026 | 00:39:43 | |
I want to talk about something that a lot of play therapists are silently betting their entire career on — the idea that *more time and more experience* is what's going to eventually make them feel confident and capable in the play therapy room. That one day they'll hit some magic number of years and the self-doubt will just... disappear. The second-guessing will stop. The anxiety before parent calls will go away. They'll finally feel like they know what they're doing. And I want to lovingly, respectfully push back on that — because I think that belief is keeping a lot of really talented play therapists stuck for longer than they need to be. During this week’s podcast episode, I want to talk about what we silently say in our minds and don’t dare talk about it for fear of judgment and rejection. This week I want to talk about what are the beliefs and behaviors feeding the self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and second-guessing clinical decisions keeping amazing play therapists from achieving confidence. If you’ve secretly thought experience is the only reason you’re lacking confidence as a play therapist, then you don’t want to miss this episode. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| 5 Signs You’re a Play Therapist Struggling with Clinical Isolation | 09 Jul 2026 | 00:40:58 | |
Do you find yourself replaying play therapy sessions on your drive home, wondering if you made the right clinical decision? You aren't alone. In this free weekly podcast episode, we’re diving into the 5 signs you’re second-guessing yourself as a play therapist and why clinical isolation might be your biggest hurdle. Being the only play therapist in your building can be incredibly lonely. When you don't have a peer group who speaks the language of sand trays and metaphors, it’s easy for "reflective thinking" to turn into an "anxious loop." Today, we walk through the clinical signs of self-doubt and how to shift from isolation to confidence. What You’ll Learn:
If you’re tired of carrying the full clinical burden alone, it’s time to find your people. ✨ Join the Play Therapy Elevation CIRCLE Waitlist here: https://www.rhplaytherapytraining.com/f/ptec-waitlist Connect with Cathi Spooner - Renewing Hearts Training: www.rhplaytherapytraining.com #PlayTherapy #ChildTherapy #TherapistSelfCare #ClinicalSupervision #MentalHealthProfessionals Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| Why Play Therapists Shouldn't Work Alone: Overcoming Clinical Isolation | 02 Jul 2026 | 00:39:56 | |
Are you the only play therapist in your agency? Or perhaps you're in private practice and feel like you're navigating complex cases entirely on your own? Many play therapists accept isolation as "just the reality" of the field. We push through, hoping that with enough time and experience, we’ll eventually "figure it out." But here is the honest truth: Clinical isolation is a liability—for you and your clients. In this free weekly podcast, we’re breaking down why the "solo endeavor" mindset is holding you back and how connecting with a play therapy community is the key to better clinical results and reduced burnout. In this episode, we discuss:
Stop second-guessing your clinical decisions and start building the support network you deserve. Your clients (and your personal life) will thank you. Connect with Cathi & Renewing Hearts Training: www.rhplaytherapytraining.com #PlayTherapy #ChildTherapy #PlayTherapistSupport #ClinicalIsolation #TherapistBurnout #RenewingHeartsTraining Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| The Isolated Play Therapist Syndrome: Why You’re Feeling Burned Out | 25 Jun 2026 | 00:38:37 | |
If you're a play therapist — especially in your first few years — and you're the only one in your agency or you're in private practice figuring this out by yourself, this is for you. You went into this work because you genuinely believe in the power of play therapy to heal kids. You're passionate about this. You're not here because it was easy — you're here because it matters to you And the reality is that you’re probably the only “kid therapist” in your agency or maybe you’re in private practice in an office surrounded by adult therapists asking you to keep the noise down in your office because it’s distracting their sessions. In today’s free podcast episode we’re talking about what’s not being talked about out loud 👇 the cost of trying to be a play therapist without a strong community to support you and the impact this has on your clinical decision-making (and if we’re being honest - your own emotional well-being). We’re discussing The Isolated Play Therapist Syndrome. What it is and why it’s keeping your clients from making progress and leaving you feeling overwhelmed, second-guessing your clinical decisions, and wondering if you’re good enough. If you’re feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and frustrated as a play therapist, then you don’t want to miss this episode. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| Jungian Play Therapy 101: Symbols, Archetypes & Clinical Ideas | 18 Jun 2026 | 00:40:38 | |
What is Jungian Analytic Play Therapy, and how does it actually work in the playroom? In this podcast, we dive deep into the symbolic world of Jungian theory with guest Jared Andes, LCSW, RPT-S. We explore how Jungian Analytical Play Therapy uses archetypes and other concepts to facilitate healing, and we compare this model to other popular play therapy approaches. Join us for an insightful conversation as we explore the transformative power of Jungian Play Therapy! Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or new to this model, this episode will provide you with practical ideas. In this free weekly podcast episode, we’ll cover:
Connect with Jared Andes: Website: www.fullspectrumcounseling.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584175263892 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jared_andes_therapy Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| The Trauma Roadmap: Using Neuroscience & Attachment in Play Therapy | 11 Jun 2026 | 00:38:38 | |
Are you tired of leaving your play therapy sessions wondering if you’re actually helping or just "playing"? You’ve invested in the play therapy training, you’ve gathered the strategies, and you have a playroom full of tools. But if you’re like many play therapists, having more information has only led to more confusion. When you’re in the middle of a play therapy session with a traumatized child or teen, it’s easy to second-guess your decisions and feel overwhelmed by which direction to take. The secret isn’t another weekend workshop or a new set of play therapy activities—it’s having a reliable Play Therapy Roadmap. In this week’s podcast, we’re discussing how to move from clinical overwhelm to grounded confidence. We’ll explore why a trauma-informed play therapy model acts as your professional GPS, guiding your decision-making through every stage of the healing process. We’ll be diving into:
Stop wondering if you’re doing enough and start using a play therapy framework that provides clarity for you and better outcomes for your clients. Don't forget to subscribe and follow for more weekly insights on mastering trauma-informed play therapy! #PlayTherapy #Neuroscience #AttachmentTheory #TraumaInformed #CathiSpooner #ClinicalSupervision #PlayTherapistLife #MentalHealthProfessionals Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| Is Trauma Really Stored in the Body? New Science for Play Therapists | 04 Jun 2026 | 00:49:13 | |
Is trauma actually "stored" in our organs, or have we been looking at it all wrong? For years, play therapists have repeated the mantra that "trauma is stored in the body," but a groundbreaking 2026 peer-reviewed article is challenging this foundational belief. If you’ve ever felt like the "storage" explanation didn't quite click, this episode is for you. Join me, Cathi Spooner, for this week’s podcast as we explore the evolution of trauma research and what it means for your playroom interventions. We’re diving deep into the science of Predictive Coding and Metastability to understand why the autonomic nervous system actually activates during traumatic triggers. In this episode, we’ll explore:
As play therapists, staying current with evolving research is critical to providing the best care for traumatized children and teens. Let’s ground your approach in the latest science and move toward more effective, somatic-based regulation strategies. Don't forget to subscribe to Cathi Spooner - Renewing Hearts Training for weekly play therapy clinical tips! Citation: Kolter, S., Mannino, M., Fox, G., and Friston, K. (2026). The body does not keep the score: Trauma, predictive coding, and the restoration of metastability. Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience. doi.10.3389/fnsys.1812957 #PlayTherapy #TraumaInformed #Neuroscience #PredictiveCoding #CathiSpooner #MentalHealthProfessionals #TraumaHealing Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| Beyond Labeling: Why Emotional Granularity is the Key to Resilience in Play Therapy | 28 May 2026 | 00:49:21 | |
Helping children and teens identify and label their emotions is a core therapeutic goal in play therapy, but simply naming a feeling isn't enough. In fact, an overfocus on "feeling good" can sometimes hinder the healing process. To build true resilience, we need to help clients move from basic affect to high emotional granularity. In this free weekly podcast, we dive into the science of how emotions are constructed and how play therapists can move beyond simple labeling to help traumatized children differentiate between real and perceived threats. What you’ll learn:
About Cathi Spooner: I help play therapists and mental health professionals master the art of play therapy with children and families. Subscribe for weekly discussions on building resilient hearts through play therapy. Citation: Feldman Barrett, L. How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain (2017) Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| The Missing Piece: How to Include Parents in Play Therapy for Children with Trauma | 21 May 2026 | 00:42:22 | |
Using play therapy with traumatized children and teens is complex, and many play therapists find themselves asking: "Where do the parents fit in?" “What do I do if my client is in foster care? How do I include parents?” Too often, parents or caregivers are left out of the process or integrated without a clear plan. This can lead to missed healing opportunities or accidentally triggering trauma. In this free weekly podcast, we’re diving deep into the critical role of parents (caregivers) in the trauma healing process. I’ll walk you through a fictitious case study (Carla) to show you exactly how to move from case conceptualization to successful treatment planning, including parent integration. 🎯 In this week’s episode, we discuss:
Stop feeling overwhelmed and start building a clear plan for your clients' success. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| Play Therapy Case Conceptualization: Trauma, Attachment & Behavior | 14 May 2026 | 00:43:18 | |
If you’ve ever left a play therapy session thinking… You’re not alone. And more importantly—you’re not supposed to stay stuck there. In this podcast episode, we break down how to use case conceptualization in play therapy through a neuroscience and attachment lens so you can finally understand what’s at the root of a child’s behavior — not just what’s showing up on the surface. Using a case study of a 7-year-old child in foster care (fictitious client), you’ll learn how trauma, attachment disruption, and the nervous system shape behaviors like clinginess, withdrawal, food hoarding, and sleep difficulties — and how to respond in a way that actually promotes healing. Because here’s the shift:
Without a clear case conceptualization, it’s easy to:
But when you understand the why behind the behavior, everything shifts. You become more grounded.
✔ Play therapists working with traumatized children and teens If you’re ready to stop guessing in the playroom and start seeing what’s really happening beneath the behavior… This is where it starts. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| Polyvagal Theory Is Being Challenged… What Play Therapists Need to Know | 07 May 2026 | 00:40:08 | |
Is Polyvagal Theory still valid? And what does the latest scientific debate mean for your play therapy practice? Polyvagal Theory (PVT), developed by Stephen Porges, has become one of the most widely used frameworks in trauma-informed therapy. But recent critiques from neuroscientists and researchers are challenging key assumptions about the vagus nerve, autonomic nervous system hierarchy, and the evidence behind PVT. If you’re a play therapist using Polyvagal Theory — or teaching it to parents — you’ve probably felt that quiet question in the back of your mind: You’re not alone. In this podcast episode, we break down the current Polyvagal Theory debate in a way that actually makes sense — without requiring a neuroscience degree or a second cup of coffee just to survive it. Because here’s the truth: Even when theories are debated, your clinical work still needs to be grounded, ethical, and effective. 🎯 In this week's episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ A clear, simplified explanation of Polyvagal Theory 💡 Whether you’re feeling confused, curious, or slightly betrayed by your favorite theory (yeah… we went there), this episode will help you separate what’s useful from what’s uncertain — so you can keep showing up as a grounded, confident play therapist. 👇 Tell me in the comments: Are you using Polyvagal Theory in your play therapy sessions? What questions has this debate brought up for you? Here are some resources if you’d like to explore the issues in more depth: Grossman, P., et. al. (2026). Why Polyvagal Theory is untenable. Clinical Neuropsychiatry, 23,(1), 100-112. doi: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20260111 Porges, W. S. (2026). when a critique becomes untenable: a scholarly response to Grossman et al.’s evaluation of Polyvagal Theory. Clinical Neuropsychiatry, 23(1), 113-128. doi.org/10.36131/cnfioritieditore20260111 Ana Lund Substack articles are an interesting read from a clinician’s perspective
Dr. Birthe Macdonald has also written and shared some interesting articles on Substack (my new nerdy place to get some neuroscience scoop from the scientific community) Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| Sand Tray Therapy: Should You Interpret a Child’s Play? (3 Things to Consider) | 30 Apr 2026 | 00:39:49 | |
You just know what your client’s sand tray means… but should you say it? In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest clinical dilemmas in play therapy: If you’ve ever felt that pull—the moment where everything clicks and you want to connect the dots for your client—this conversation is for you. Because here’s the truth: In this free podcast episode, you’ll learn how to hold the sand tray process in a way that protects the therapeutic space while strengthening your clinical decision-making. 🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn: 🧠 This is for play therapists who: ✨ Whether you’re new to sand tray therapy or refining your skills, this episode will help you stay grounded, intentional, and aligned with the healing process—without rushing to interpret. 🔔 Subscribe for more play therapy trainings on sand tray, trauma, attachment, and working with children & teens. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| Virtual Play Therapy Explained: Tools, Tips & Platforms for Play Therapists | 23 Apr 2026 | 00:35:58 | |
Virtual play therapy isn’t the future anymore… it’s already here. But let’s be real for a second— Most platforms weren’t built for play therapists. They weren’t designed to engage children using play therapeutically. So what happens when a platform is built with play therapists in mind? That’s exactly what we’re diving into in this special podcast episode with Brendan Herjavec, Chief Innovation Officer at PlaySpace. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking… → How do I actually DO play therapy virtually? …this conversation is for you. Because here’s the truth: And when done well—it can be powerful, connected, and deeply therapeutic. ✨ In this episode, we’ll explore: We’re not just talking about “making do” with virtual therapy. We’re talking about creating a playroom… just in a different dimension. 🎯 Whether you’re already doing virtual play therapy—or still unsure how it could even work— Because the question isn’t if play therapy can happen online. It’s how to do it in a way that actually works. Connect with Brendan Herjave on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/in/brendanherjavec Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| Sand Tray Therapy: How to Identify Themes in a Play Therapy Session | 16 Apr 2026 | 00:33:08 | |
How do you identify themes in sand tray therapy sessions? One of the most important skills for play therapists is learning how to recognize themes in play therapy, especially when working with sand tray therapy. Themes reveal the deeper emotional experiences children are trying to process through symbolic play. In this week’s free weekly podcast episode, you’ll learn how to identify themes in sand tray therapy sessions and what to look for when a child creates a sand tray scene. We’ll explore:
You’ll also learn the important theoretical distinctions between sandplay therapy and sand tray therapy. Understanding themes in play therapy helps play therapists move beyond simply observing play to developing a clinical lens for case conceptualization and therapeutic intervention. If you’re a play therapist who has ever wondered: "What does this sand tray scene mean?" That’s exactly what we’re discussing during this week’s free podcast episode that will help you begin recognizing the patterns and themes that emerge in symbolic play. Resources for Play Therapists If you're looking to deepen your play therapy skills, explore training opportunities, consultation, and community support: 🌿 Play therapy and sand tray therapy trainings Visit: Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| Play Therapy Assessment Explained: How to Know If Your Play Therapy Sessions Are Working | 09 Apr 2026 | 00:40:26 | |
You can have the most beautiful playroom… the best toys… even strong rapport… But if you’re not assessing what’s actually happening beneath the play, you might be missing the very thing your client needs most. In this episode of Next Level Play Therapy, we’re breaking down one of the most overlooked (and misunderstood) skills in play therapy: assessment—and why it directly impacts your case conceptualization, treatment planning, and outcomes. If you’ve ever wondered: This conversation will shift how you see your role as a play therapist—moving you from guessing… to grounded clinical clarity.
✔ The difference between formal vs. informal assessment in play therapy—and when each matters
Without clear assessment, play therapy can easily become a collection of play therapy activities instead of a targeted, theory-driven process. Because here’s the truth… Two children can present with the exact same behavior— And if you’re treating the behavior instead of the root? You’ll feel stuck. Assessment is what turns you into a clinical detective—helping you understand not just what is happening… but why.
If you’re ready to stop second-guessing and start practicing with confidence, check out my course: 👉 Getting Grounded in Play Therapy Case Conceptualization 🔗 Explore here: https://www.rhplaytherapytraining.com/courses/case-conceptualization 👉 Want support from a community of like-minded play therapists? I have two types of memberships depending on your needs. Here’s the link for more information about Play Therapy Academy and Play Therapy Elevation CIRCLE: https://www.rhplaytherapytraining.com/supervision Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| Case Conceptualization in Play Therapy: Why You Feel Stuck (and How to Fix It) | 02 Apr 2026 | 00:39:04 | |
Are you feeling stuck in your play therapy sessions… unsure what to do next or why your play therapy interventions aren’t working? Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| How to Use Attachment-Based Sand Tray Therapy with Teens | 26 Mar 2026 | 00:44:20 | |
What do you do after you’ve identified the symptoms in a struggling teen? Failing grades. Emotional withdrawal. “I don’t care.” High-conflict divorce. Estrangement from a parent. Identity confusion. It’s one thing to recognize the patterns. It’s another to know how to turn that understanding into a clear, effective plan to help your teen clients heal. In this week’s podcast episode, I walk through a case example of “Ethan,” a 16-year-old navigating academic decline and emotional shutdown in the aftermath of parental conflict and attachment rupture. Using a neuroscience and attachment-informed lens, we explore how case conceptualization directly shapes clinical decision making in adolescent play therapy. You’ll learn:
I’ll also share two attachment-based sand tray interventions designed specifically for adolescents — grounded in nervous system regulation and identity integration. Because effective treatment planning isn’t about doing more play therapy techniques. It’s about choosing expressive arts interventions that align with your clinical hypothesis. Join me for this week's podcast! When your play therapy theory guides your decisions, your sessions become intentional, strategic, and far more impactful. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| Play Therapy with Adolescents: Why Teen Symptoms Are Easy to Misread | 19 Mar 2026 | 00:43:40 | |
What do you do when a 16-year-old walks into your office, shrugs, and says, “I don’t care”? Low motivation. Failing grades. Emotional shutdown. Estrangement from a parent after divorce. On the surface, it can look like depression, defiance, or typical teen apathy. But what if those symptoms are telling a much more layered story? In this free livestream episode, I’m walking you through a real-world adolescent case study to demonstrate why case conceptualization is the backbone of effective play therapy with teens. Without a clear framework, it’s easy to chase symptoms, try random expressive arts interventions, or second-guess every clinical decision. With a solid case conceptualization, your play therapy sessions become intentional, focused, and grounded in theory. Before you pull out your best expressive arts activities – like art or the sand tray – you need to get clear on what’s at the root of the problem and that’s your case conceptualization (aka - working hypothesis) We’ll explore:
If you’ve ever left a session with a teen wondering, “What just happened—and what do I do next?” this conversation is for you. Case conceptualization isn’t paperwork. It’s your clinical GPS. Learn how to move from reacting to symptoms… to leading with clarity and confidence in your adolescent play therapy work. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| Sand Tray Therapy with Teens: How to Use It Effectively in Play Therapy | 12 Mar 2026 | 00:46:58 | |
Can you really use sand tray therapy with adolescents? Absolutely—and when you understand how to adapt it developmentally, sand tray becomes one of the most powerful expressive arts tools to use with teens. In this podcast episode, I’m diving into how to use sand tray with teens in a way that respects their autonomy, supports emotional regulation, and deepens therapeutic insight. If you’re a play therapist who has ever wondered whether sand tray feels “too young” for adolescents—or you’re unsure how to introduce it without resistance—this conversation is for you. You’ll learn:
Adolescents often struggle with traditional talk therapy when their nervous system is overwhelmed. Sand tray therapy provides a non-threatening, expressive pathway that allows teens to communicate complex internal experiences without relying solely on words. Join me for this free weekly podcast! Whether you’re new to sand tray therapy or looking to strengthen your clinical confidence using sand tray with teens, this episode will give you practical strategies you can use immediately in your next play therapy session. If you work with adolescents in play therapy and want fresh sand tray ideas that actually engage teens, join us for this training. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| How to Use Poetry with Teens in Play Therapy for Self-Expression | 05 Mar 2026 | 00:46:43 | |
This week I’m sharing one of my favorite ways to help teens access the therapeutic powers of play using poetry. Yes - poetry! If you’re rolling your eyes and remembering your high school English class feeling tortured by reading poetry, then rest assured - this is not your high school English class version of poetry. Poetry is an expressive arts modality that allows clients to use words and language for expression - like the lyrics of your favorite songs. This week I’m sharing my favorite ways to use poetry with my adolescent clients to help them access the therapeutic powers of play Join me for this free weekly podcast! If you work with adolescents and want some great strategies using expressive arts then you don’t want to miss this week’s free podcast episode. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| Best Strategies to Use Play Therapy with Teens | 26 Feb 2026 | 00:50:02 | |
Play therapy isn’t for adolescents. It’s just for little kids. There’s a misbelief in the mental health community that play therapy is only for little kids. Maybe you’ve wondered that yourself. Play therapy can be an amazing way to help adolescents engage in healing and in a way that meets their developmental needs. Rather than asking IF play therapy works for adolescents – Ask –HOW is play therapy beneficial for adolescents? Using play therapy with adolescents requires a foundational paradigm shift from traditional talk therapy where you’re trying to help teens talk about what’s causing their difficulties. There’s a better way to help struggling teens than trying to get them to talk about their problems. If you’ve been trying to figure out how to use play therapy with adolescents in a way that respects their developmental stage and helps them heal, then 👇 Join me for this free weekly podcast! I’m going to break down 4 Strategic Shifts to use play therapy effectively with adolescents in a way that feels authentic and not treating them like little kids. 🧭How do you introduce play therapy to adolescents? 🧭How do you choose play therapy activities for adolescents? 🧭How to you hold the therapeutic space for adolescents? 🧭 How do you make sure play therapy is effective for adolescents? If you’ve ever wondered how to use play therapy effectively with adolescents, then you don’t want to miss this week’s free livestream episode. And - share the love with your colleagues and invite them to join us! Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| Can Play Therapy Work with Teens? | 19 Feb 2026 | 00:39:08 | |
Ever sit across from a teen in session, clock ticking, silence screaming… and your nervous system quietly panicking? Yeah. This episode is for that moment. In this week’s podcast, we’re naming the thing no one warned you about in grad school: why play therapists feel stuck with teens—and why it’s not because you’re doing it wrong. Here’s the hard truth (said with love): 👉 Trying harder to get teens to talk about their feelings is often the exact thing keeping them shut down. If you’ve ever:
…pause. Breathe. You’re not failing. And they’re not resistant. In this podcast episode, we’ll unpack what’s actually happening in the adolescent brain when teens are overwhelmed by trauma, anxiety, depression, or family stress— and why traditional talk therapy often overloads their nervous system instead of helping it settle. We’ll talk neuroscience (without making your eyes glaze over), development (in real-world language), and the mindset shift that changes everything: You’ll learn how purposeful expressive arts—clay, art, music, sand, collage—help teens bypass cognitive overload, access safety, and express what they cannot yet put into words. Not because they’re immature. But because they’re human and still developing. This is not about “playing.” This is about working with adolescent development instead of against it. If you’re ready to stop feeling stuck, stop blaming yourself, and start seeing teens engage in ways that actually lead to healing—come join the conversation. Your future sessions will thank you. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| What’s the Difference Between Play Therapy and Using Play in Therapy? | 12 Feb 2026 | 00:41:45 | |
Happy International Play Therapy Week! 🎉 What is play therapy—and how is it different from simply using games and activities in therapy sessions? This is a common and critical question for mental health professionals working with children. While games, art, and activities are often part of therapy, play therapy is a distinct, evidence-based clinical approach grounded in child development, theory, and the therapeutic relationship. In this special International Play Therapy Week conversation, I’m joined by four play therapists who share their personal journeys into play therapy and why they chose this work. Together, we explore not just what play therapy is—but why it matters so deeply for children and families. In this episode, you’ll hear about:
Play therapy has become a leading approach for helping children process trauma, regulate emotions, and heal within safe therapeutic relationships. Gaining clarity about what play therapy truly is—and what it is not—supports ethical practice, stronger case conceptualization, and greater confidence in clinical work. Join us in celebrating International Play Therapy Week by deepening your understanding of play therapy, hearing from fellow play therapists, and reconnecting with the heart of why this work matters. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| How to Increase Play Therapy Impact & Reduce Burnout | 05 Feb 2026 | 00:40:43 | |
More Impact. Less Burnout. isn’t a cute slogan. It’s a line in the sand. Because here’s the truth most play therapists won’t say out loud: In this week’s free livestream episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on why being part of a strategic play therapy community isn’t optional if you want sustainable impact in play therapy. Not another play therapy training. Not more play therapy activities. But real-time support, shared wisdom, and a place where your nervous system can finally exhale with people who “get it.” We’ll talk about:
You’ll also get an inside look at what’s inside PTEC during Open Enrollment week—how it works, who it’s for, and why so many play therapists say it’s the missing piece they didn’t know they needed. If you’ve ever thought: Join me for this free weekly podcast! Less hustling. More healing. For your clients—and for you. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| How to Get Better Results in Play Therapy Without Doing More | 29 Jan 2026 | 00:43:03 | |
What if better results in play therapy didn’t come from more play therapy activities, more games, or more play therapy training — but from clearer thinking? In this week’s free livestream episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the real secret sauce: case conceptualization. Because if you don’t know what’s driving the behavior, how do you decide what to do in play therapy sessions without guessing? 👀 We’ll talk about why your play therapy model actually matters (yep—models aren’t just theory flexes), and how using a play therapy model helps you intentionally access the therapeutic powers of play instead of hoping something sticks. We’re also naming a hard truth: Going to play therapy training after training without follow-up or application? That’s how overwhelm happens. Integration is where confidence is built. Application is where deep change lives. And finally—we get real about something most play therapists feel but don’t always say out loud: The therapeutic relationship with clients is central—but so is having a play therapy community for support, resources, idea-sharing, and strategic help using your play therapy model in real cases (not just in theory). If you’ve ever left a play therapy session thinking, “Was that enough?” Join me for this free weekly podcast and let’s make play therapy feel grounded again. This week’s episode is for you so you can focus on 👇 Less doing. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| How Does Consultation Improve Play Therapist Growth? | 22 Jan 2026 | 00:34:58 | |
If you’re a mental health professional, including play therapy, we’ve all heard this said and probably even said it ourselves: consultation is a clinical and ethical part of providing effective play therapy (and therapy in general). Truthfully – I have mixed feelings about this statement. From a clinical and ethical standpoint, consultation is an important part of providing quality mental health services to our clients, including play therapy. I’m a firm believer in getting support to help me ensure my clients are getting the best counseling experience possible, especially when I’m stuck. So, why the mixed feelings? I’m glad you asked. I think sometimes consultation can be poor quality, one more task to an already full schedule, and/or provided in a punitive way that results in play therapists feeling unsupported and burned out. Thinking about this topic got me wondering what the research says about the benefits of consultation for play therapists, and what makes consultation effective. That got me exploring the internet to see what I could find. I found some interesting research articles discussing not only the benefits of consultation for mental health professionals (no-brainer there), and what makes consultation effective. If you’re curious about how play therapy consultation can be beneficial and not just another box to check for your already busy schedule, join me for this free weekly podcast episode! I’ll discuss what the research says about making consultation effective based on two studies and why it’s so important to have these elements. I’ll share my insights for play therapists and how we can use this information to help our young clients and their families heal. Join me and the conversation! Citations for articles discussed during this episode: Beidas, R. S., Edmunds, J. M., Cannuscia, C. C., Gallagher, M., Downey, M. M., and Kendall, P. C. (2013). Therapists’ perspectives on the effective elements of consultation following training. Admin Policy Mental Health, 40(6), 507-517. Doi.10.1007?s10488-013-0475-7 Mui, A. S., Joseph, A., Hakim, E., Cox, E. D., and Greenwald, E. (2022). Peer consultation: An enriching necessity rather than a luxury for psychologists during and beyond the pandemic. Journal of Health Service Psychology, 48, 13-19. doi.10.1007/s42843-021-0005-3 Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| If Being a Play Therapist Feels Lonely, This Is for You | 15 Jan 2026 | 00:37:07 | |
A New Year Is a Chance to Stop Doing Play Therapy Alone. A new year begins… Same questions about what you should be doing in play therapy sessions to “get it right.” Same feeling of wishing there was someone who truly understood your play therapy work so you could share ideas and support. If you ended last year feeling tired, isolated, or second-guessing yourself, this week’s free livestream is for you. January isn’t about fixing yourself. It’s about deciding what kind of support you want moving forward. If you’ve ever wished you had:
You’re not alone — and you don’t have to keep carrying this work by yourself. In this week’s free livestream, we’ll talk honestly about:
Play therapists are relational by nature. Our work is strongest when we’re supported, connected, and not doing it all alone. Come start the year supported. We’ll save you a seat. 💛 Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| How to Use AutPlay Therapy with Neurodivergent Kids | 08 Jan 2026 | 00:40:42 | |
Helping Neurodivergent Kids Thrive in the Playroom: A Conversation with Dr. Robert Jason Grant Every month inside Play Therapy Academy and the Play Therapy Elevation CIRCLE, I hear the same heart-wide-open question: “What’s the best way to support neurodivergent kids in play therapy so they can truly thrive?” And honestly? Same. It’s a big, beautiful question — and the kind of question that deserves wisdom from someone who’s both deeply trained and living the neurodivergent experience from the inside out. So this week… we’re doing something special. Like – holiday-season-surprise special 🤩 ✨ I’m bringing on Dr. Robert Jason Grant — the creator of AutPlay® Therapy — for a live conversation you do not want to miss. Dr. Grant is the real deal: a therapist, supervisor, consultant, and brilliant guide who blends his lived neurodivergent experience with years of specialized training to help children and families access support that’s affirming, grounded, and actually effective. Together, we’re diving into: 🔹 What exactly is AutPlay? A friendly, no-jargon intro to the model every play therapist should know. 🔹 How does AutPlay help neurodivergent kids heal + grow? We’ll talk nervous system support, therapeutic play processes, and why “affirming” isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a necessity. 🔹 How do you include parents in a way that actually works? Because when parents feel seen, supported, and equipped, everything in the playroom shifts. If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to adapt your play therapy work for kids with neurodivergence — or you just want to expand your toolbox with a play therapy model rooted in compassion and neuroscience — pull up a chair. This one’s for you. Come hang out with us live — bring your coffee, your curiosity, and that one question you’ve been low-key nervous to ask. This convo is going to make your play therapy heart do a happy little wiggle. 💛 Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| What is Case Conceptualization in Play Therapy? | 01 Jan 2026 | 00:35:29 | |
🎁 Pulled from the Vault: An Oldie but Goodie Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| What Are Best Practices in Play Therapy for Clinical Decision-Making? | 25 Dec 2025 | 00:36:49 | |
Happy holidays!! I’ve decided to take two weeks off to spend the holiday season focusing on my family. So – I went back into my livestream vault and found this oldie but goodie! Check out this podcast discussing some interesting information I gleaned from research and what it means for play therapists. How does being trained to use a specific play therapy model influence clinical decision-making vs clinical decision-making of child/adolescent therapists using play in therapy? Hmmmmm. What the heck does that question even mean? Essentially clinical decision-making involves our expertise and training in a play therapy model and how play therapists engage in the decision-making process to get excellent treatment results for their clients. Is the clinical decision-making skill level of play therapists who are trained to use specific play therapy models better than child/adolescent therapists not trained who are using play in sessions? A study by Baker-Ericzen, Jenkins, Park, and Garland (2015) explored the quality of clinical decision-making for child/adolescent therapists who were trained in an evidence-based treatment model (EBT) versus therapists who were not. This study- Clinical Decision-Making in Community Children’s Mental Health: Using Innovative Methods to Compare Clinicians With and Without Training in Evidence-Based Treatment 👇🏼 Had some interesting results. I’ll discuss the findings of their study and how it relates to play therapy. There are several play therapy models considered to be EBT models, so this study provides some interesting points for child and adolescent therapists to consider when working with children using play. Join me for this free podcast! Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| Music Therapy for Healing Trauma & Grief in Play Therapy | 18 Dec 2025 | 00:44:50 | |
🎶 This Week’s Podcast: How Music Helps Kids Heal — A Heartfelt Conversation with Crystal Luk-Worrall If you’ve ever watched a child hum softly during play… tap a rhythm while they’re telling a story… or light up when you mirror the beat they’re creating… …you already know music has its own kind of magic in the playroom. This week, we’re going deeper into that magic with a guest whose work is as grounded as it is breathtaking — Crystal Luk-Worrall, a London-based music therapist and service manager who supports adoptive and bereaved families with a trauma-informed, attachment-centered approach. Crystal is the founder of Clap and Toot (yes, cutest name ever), where she uses musical connection to rebuild safety, trust, and emotional expression. She also works with bereaved families through Shooting Star Children’s Hospice — walking with children and parents through some of the most tender moments imaginable. And she’s bringing her wisdom straight into our play therapy community. You’re not gonna want to miss this one. Here’s what we’ll explore together: 🎵 What Is Music Therapy Really About? Crystal will demystify what music therapy actually is — how it works, why it works, and what makes it such a powerful therapeutic language for children. 🎵 How Music Supports Trauma, Bereavement, and Adoption Journeys Crystal will share stories and insights from her work with adoptive and bereaved families — showing how rhythm, sound, and attuned presence help kids process what words can’t reach. Expect goosebumps. The good kind. 🎵 Simple Ways to Integrate Music into Play Therapy We’ll wrap things up by connecting the dots with the Therapeutic Powers of Play. Plus — we’ll share easy, low-pressure ways to bring music into your play therapy sessions (no musical talent required, promise). Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| Basic Skills Using Sand Tray Effectively in Play Therapy | 11 Dec 2025 | 00:43:26 | |
If you’ve ever wondered how to set up a sand tray during play therapy sessions in a way that feels intentional, grounded, and supportive of your client’s nervous system, this episode is your new BFF. We’re diving into the essentials — starting with how to introduce the sand tray using child-centered, non-directive prompts and when to lean into thoughtful directive prompts that still honor the client’s process. Then we’ll get real about boundaries (aka the invisible safety net of every play therapy session). You’ll hear the simple sand tray rules I use with kids that protect the relationship, keep the playroom regulated, and prevent chaos like nerf-gun warfare or miniature avalanches. We’ll also look at how to organize your miniatures so the unconscious can actually grab what it needs — from category-based shelving to keeping everything clean, visible, and intentional. And of course, we’ll dig into choosing your sand and trays — from why high-quality sand matters for sensory regulation to how the shape and size of your tray changes the experience for your client. Whether you’re setting up your first sand tray or refreshing your current setup, this episode gives you the practical foundations that help clients go deeper, feel safer, and engage more meaningfully in the sand. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| How to Write Meaningful Play Therapy Treatment Plans | 04 Dec 2025 | 00:36:22 | |
If I say play therapy treatment plans, what’s the first thing that pops into your brain? “Aaaaagh! I hate writing treatment plans! They’re just more paperwork to make insurance happy.” “Ugh, they’re so complicated and confusing.” “Treatment plans are pointless. I never use them and they take forever.” “I get why we need them… but writing them for play therapy clients? Overwhelming.” If you’re in the mental health world — even in the play therapy realm — you’ve probably thought one of these at least once. Maybe twice. Maybe last week. 😅 Here’s the twist: What if I told you treatment plans and treatment planning aren’t the same thing… even though they’re BFFs? What if I told you treatment planning is the real MVP — the part that actually helps you think clinically — and 👇🏼 👉🏻 a solid play therapy treatment plan has to align with your play therapy theoretical model? Yeah… I know. Your head might be screaming. Your eyes might be doing a full Olympic-level backflip. Totally valid. But I promise — this episode makes it all make so much more sense. And because it’s the Thanksgiving holiday season, I pulled this one straight out of the vault. It’s an oldie but a goodie, and honestly? It hits even harder the second time around. In this replay, I’ll walk you through how to turn that frustrating, overwhelming “writing treatment plans” chore into something that actually feels meaningful — Something that helps you laser-focus on what’s really happening with your clients… so you can help them heal with clarity and confidence. You’ll learn: Impossible? Stick around. Let’s find out together. 🤓 Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| How Does the Sand Tray Help Clients in Play Therapy? | 27 Nov 2025 | 00:41:01 | |
When kids can’t find the words, the sand tray speaks for them in play therapy sessions. In this week’s podcast episode, we’ll look at how sand tray therapy taps into the implicit memories stored beneath language — The attachment patterns, emotional imprints, and unspoken stories that surface symbolically before they ever become verbal. If you’ve ever felt goosebumps watching a client create a scene that “says everything without saying anything,” this one’s for you. ✨ Let’s nerd out together about how neuroscience helps play therapists understand how healing happens inside that little wooden box filled with sand and miniatures. Join me and I’ll share how your theoretical lens using neuroscience and attachment theory points the way toward deeper understanding of the power of the sand tray in play therapy. I’ll also discuss three ways using the sand tray in play therapy helps children heal. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| How to Use Sand Tray in Play Therapy | 20 Nov 2025 | 00:41:52 | |
Sand Tray Therapy vs. Sandplay Therapy: What’s the Difference—And Why It Matters for Play Therapists Ever find yourself wondering, “Wait… am I doing sandplay therapy or sand tray therapy?” 👀 You’re not alone — and it’s way more than a semantics thing. In this podcast episode, we’re unpacking the fascinating roots and modern applications of both approaches — from Dora Kalff’s Jungian foundations to the integrative, attachment-focused sand tray therapy so many of us use today. You’ll discover: We’ll bridge the theory with the practical, exploring how your lens—whether child-centered, Adlerian, or integrative—guides the way you use this powerful tool for connection and transformation. Because the real magic isn’t in the sand alone… it’s in how you conceptualize the process through your theoretical heart and nervous system. 💫 🎥 Join me and let’s dig into the art of using the sand tray making process in play therapy with purpose and presence. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| 4 Sand Tray Activities for Family Play Therapy Sessions | 13 Nov 2025 | 00:46:49 | |
I love love love using sand tray therapy in family play therapy sessions! Watching how families approach and complete the activities provides a wealth of information about interaction patterns and how each family member sees the world and their family relationships. When I use sand tray activities in family play therapy sessions, I like to use activities that allow me to observe interaction patterns. As play therapists working with children in family systems, we recognize the importance of children experiencing secure attachments with parents as well as developing healthy relationships with siblings. I would even include helping children to develop healthy relationships with extended family members and family friends who are “family” in a different way. Healthy connection and support is vital for all humans, and as play therapists we have an opportunity to help our young clients develop a strong network of support with family and other important people in their lives. Using sand tray in family play therapy sessions is an awesome way to get a peek inside their family system and circle of support. Interested in getting some ideas to use sand tray in family play therapy sessions? Join me for this week's podcast! I’m sharing four of my favorite family play therapy activities using sand tray and tips for using these activities effectively. So — If you love using sand tray in play therapy like I do and you’ve been wondering how to use it effectively in family play therapy sessions, then you don’t want to miss this episode! Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||
| How to Use Sand Tray in Family Play Therapy Sessions? | 06 Nov 2025 | 00:40:11 | |
🌪️ Family Play Therapy + Sand Tray = Chaos or Connection? Ever had a family play therapy session turn into a sand-flinging circus? 🙃 One minute it feels like magic, the next like total mayhem. The truth is—the sand tray can be one of the most powerful tools for family healing… but only if you know how to guide the process with purpose. 👉 In this week’s episode, I’ll show you how to move from chaos to clarity with 3 practical tips for using sand tray in family play therapy sessions. ✨ Discover how to set the stage so every family member feels included (without power struggles). Don’t miss this chance to level up your family play therapy game—join me live! Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. | |||