Pondering Play and Therapy Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis
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Pondering Play and Therapy Podcast
Julie and Philippa
Frequency: 1 episode/8d. Total Eps: 69
In a world where play can be seen as frivolous or unnecessary, Julie and Philippa set out to explore its importance in our everyday lives.
Pondering play and therapy, both separately but also the inter-connectedness that play can in its own right be the very therapy we need.
Julie and Philippa have many years of experience playing, both in their extensive professional careers and their personal lives. They will share, ponder, and discuss their experiences along the way in the hope that this might invite others to join in playfulness.
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See allScore global : 37%
Publication history
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EP69 Understanding Attachment: Tools for Families and Therapists; A Conversation with Viv Norris
vendredi 29 mai 2026 • Duration 01:01:25
Julie welcomes Viv Norris, founder and CEO of the Family Place on the Welsh borders, supporting adoptive and other families across Wales and parts of England, and co-founder of Theraplay UK. Viv traces her path from intense residential therapeutic work with adolescents, through music therapy training and clinical psychology, into 20 years in the NHS and later fostering and adoption services. She explains why she built an independent, team-based service centred on carers, group supervision and video review, and approaches like DDP and Theraplay to support regulation, attachment and relationship, often as “therapy before therapy” for highly dysregulated children and families in crisis. Viv also outlines her “By Your Side” transition model, using predictable play rituals, shared language and adult support to help children navigate placement moves and multiple losses.
Website: https://thefamilyplace.co.uk/
By Your Side Model: https://thefamilyplace.co.uk/by-your-side/
EP68 Post-COVID Childhood Anxiety, Insights for Parents and Therapist; A Conversation with Mandy Jones-Fischer
vendredi 22 mai 2026 • Duration 52:17
In this episode of Pondering Play and Therapy, host Philippa welcomes back Chicago-based child therapist Mandy Jones to discuss how COVID continues to affect children and families five to six years on. Mandy shares what she’s seeing in her practice with mostly under-8s, especially “COVID babies” now entering or finishing kindergarten: higher baseline anxiety, difficulty with transitions, separation distress, shutdowns or big behaviours, and heightened concerns about germs and mess. They explore how pandemic stress during pregnancy, disrupted birth experiences, reduced touch and co-regulation, and isolation may have shaped children’s nervous systems and sense of safety. The conversation highlights practical support through predictability, attunement, co-regulation, and parent and school understanding, emphasising hope, brain development, and that parents are not to blame.
EP59 Exploring Therapeutic Life Story Work with Katie Wrench
Episode 59
vendredi 6 mars 2026 • Duration 50:27
In this episode of Pondering Play and Therapy, Philippa talks with Katie Wrench, a social worker, psychotherapist, head of service at BUSS, and an author. Katie discusses therapeutic life story work, explaining its importance for children who have experienced disruption, particularly those in foster care or adoption. She emphasises the need to help children develop a coherent narrative of their journey, integrating their fragmented memories to understand their identity and relationships better. Katie also addresses the role of social workers and caregivers, the challenges of involving children in life story work, and the importance of maintaining memory boxes and emotional regulation. She further elaborates on the intersection between life story work and sensory systems in therapy. Katie's insights highlight the impact of memories and storytelling on children's development and the critical role of caregivers in this process.
EP58 Exploring the Journey to becoming a Clinical Psychologist. A conversation with Oliver
vendredi 27 février 2026 • Duration 49:07
In this episode of 'Pondering Play and Therapy,' host Philippa welcomes Oliver, a trainee clinical psychologist. They discuss the extensive and multifaceted training path for clinical psychologists in the UK, which includes clinical placements, research, and academic work. Oliver explains the importance of evidence-based practice, the variety of therapeutic approaches like CBT, DBT, and CFT, and the practical challenges faced during training. He shares his diverse experiences working in acute and urgent care, CAMHS, and other settings. The conversation also highlights the competitive nature of gaining entry to doctoral programs and the ongoing efforts to diversify the field of clinical psychology.
EP57 Healing Journeys; In Conversation with Kim Golding
vendredi 20 février 2026 • Duration 52:08
In this episode of Pondering Play and Therapy, host Philippa interviews Kim Golding, CBE, a clinical psychologist, author, and expert in dyadic developmental psychotherapy (DDP) with over 30 years of experience. Kim shares her unconventional journey into psychology, her long tenure in the NHS, and her work with children affected by early relational trauma. The discussion covers the evolution of attachment theory, the challenges of working with foster and adoptive families, and the development and importance of the PACE model (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy) in creating supportive environments for traumatised children. Kim also highlights the importance of long-term support for caregivers and introduces her upcoming book, aimed at making DDP approaches accessible through stories and visuals.
https://kimsgolding.co.uk/
Creating Loving Attachments - https://amzn.eu/d/eeSBaCe
EP56 Towards a Play-Based Future - Eugene Minogue's Journey with Play England
vendredi 13 février 2026 • Duration 01:02:52
The State of Play in England: A Deep Dive with Eugene Minogue, Executive Director of Play England
Welcome to this week's episode of Pondering Play and Therapy with Philippa and special guest Eugene Minogue, the executive director of Play England. In this episode, Eugene delves into the history, challenges, and current state of play in England. The conversation discusses Eugene's volunteer role in Play England, its evolution from the Children's Play Council, and the impacts of government policies on play opportunities. Eugene elaborates on Play England's new 10-year strategy to restore a play-based childhood and the organization's efforts in policy advocacy, including significant wins such as closing the smoking ban loophole in playgrounds and gaining statutory protection for play spaces in the National Planning Policy Framework. Eugene shares personal stories, insights into parkour, plans for future legislative changes, and the importance of community involvement in advocating for children's right to play. Tune in to learn about the importance of play and how we can work together to bring back a play-centered society.
https://www.playengland.org.uk/what-we-do
https://www.playengland.org.uk/newsblog/consultation-response-proposed-reforms-to-the-national-planning-policy-framework-nppf
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposed-reforms-to-the-national-planning-policy-framework-and-other-changes-to-the-planning-system/proposed-reforms-to-the-national-planning-policy-framework-and-other-changes-to-the-planning-system#scope-of-consultation
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:29 The Role and History of Play England
01:34 Challenges and Changes in Play Policy
05:15 Eugene's Passion and Background
05:28 Parkour and Play Advocacy
10:15 Play England's Strategic Reset
14:45 Policy Wins and Future Goals
33:01 The Importance of Investing in Children's Play
34:26 The Shift from Play-Based to Phone-Based Childhoods
34:45 The Role of Artificial General Intelligence in Future Childhoods
35:19 The Need for Systemic Changes to Support Play
36:19 Political Efforts and Challenges in Promoting Play
38:58 The Role of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Play
46:57 The Vision for a Play-Based Childhood by 2035
48:35 Strategies for Promoting Play in Deprived Communities
01:01:43 Encouraging Community Involvement in Promoting Play
01:02:32 Conclusion and Call to Action
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:29 The Role and History of Play England
01:34 Challenges and Changes in Play Policy
05:15 Eugene's Passion and Background
05:28 Parkour and Play Advocacy
10:15 Play England's Strategic Reset
14:45 Policy Wins and Future Goals
33:01 The Importance of Investing in Children's Play
34:26 The Shift from Play-Based to Phone-Based Childhoods
34:45 The Role of Artificial General Intelligence in Future Childhoods
35:19 The Need for Systemic Changes to Support Play
36:19 Political Efforts and Challenges in Promoting Play
38:58 The Role of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Play
46:57 The Vision for a Play-Based Childhood by 2035
48:35 Strategies for Promoting Play in Deprived Communities
01:01:43 Encouraging Community Involvement in Promoting Play
01:02:32 Conclusion and Call to Action
EP55 The Essence of Play - Nurturing Development in Children
vendredi 6 février 2026 • Duration 55:55
In this episode of 'Pondering Play and Therapy,' Philippa and Julie explore the concept of 'just playing' in therapeutic contexts. They discuss the fine line between play and therapy, sharing personal anecdotes and insights on how play can serve different roles for children. They reflect on the pressure therapists face to meet goals within limited sessions and emphasise the importance of allowing children the freedom to guide the play. They also touch on building agency, establishing safety in relationships, and the therapeutic value of unstructured play.
Window of Tolerance - Dan Seigel - https://www.nicabm.com/trauma-how-to-help-your-clients-understand-their-window-of-tolerance/
EP54 The Heart of Justice - Child First Approach. A conversation with Ruth Hayles
vendredi 30 janvier 2026 • Duration 54:09
In this episode of 'Pondering Play and Therapy,' Philippa interviews Ruth Hayles, service lead for Contextual Safeguarding and Youth Justice, about her 18-year career working across children's services. Ruth shares insights on her journey, highlighting the importance of early intervention, youth justice, and building trusting relationships with children and families. She explains concepts such as early help, child-first practice, and restorative justice. Ruth also discusses innovative programs like the 'fresh air approach,' emphasising creative and therapeutic methods to engage and support youth in the justice system. The episode underscores the significance of relational practice, trauma-informed care, and community involvement in transforming the lives of vulnerable children.
EP53 Behind the Quiet Child - Play Therapy for Young Carers; An Interview with Frankie
Episode 53
vendredi 23 janvier 2026 • Duration 57:50
In this episode of 'Pondering Play and Therapy,' host Julie interviews Frankie, a recent graduate with a master's degree in play therapy from Roehampton University. They discuss Frankie's research on play therapy for young carers—children under 18 who provide emotional or physical care for a family member. The conversation explores the challenges young carers face, such as the burden of care, silenced voices, and systemic gaps in support. Frankie shares insights from interviews with play therapists and highlights the importance of early therapeutic interventions, advocacy, and awareness in supporting young carers. The episode emphasises the critical need for increased visibility and targeted support for these children within educational and therapeutic settings.
The Therapeutic Treasure Box: Insights from Dr. Karen Treisman
vendredi 16 janvier 2026 • Duration 49:31
Understanding Trauma in Children: Insights from Dr. Karen Treisman | Pondering Play and Therapy
Welcome to this week's episode of Pondering Play and Therapy with Philippa, featuring Dr. Karen Treisman, a clinical psychologist, author, and MBE award recipient. Dive deep into the world of trauma as Dr. Treisman elaborates on different types of trauma—cultural, intergenerational, and more—while highlighting the significance of trauma-informed approaches. Discover how trauma impacts children and families, and explore the nuances between being trauma-aware and trauma-informed. Dr. Treisman also discusses her extensive work, including her renowned books and practical resources designed to support children and families through their trauma recovery journey. Whether you're a parent, educator, or professional, this episode offers valuable insights and tools for fostering healing and resilience.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:47 Understanding Trauma: Definitions and Impacts
27:09 Creative Ways to Engage with Children
29:27 The Importance of Relational Health
Website: https://safehandsthinkingminds.co.uk/
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