w9 Child Parent Video Exploring Attachment-Focused Play Therapy

Oct 14, 2024

Lecture Notes: Chronicles of a Play Therapist Podcast Episode

Host Introduction

  • Host: Althea T. Simpson
    • Licensed Clinical Social Worker
    • Registered Play Therapist Supervisor
    • Founder of Brighter Day Therapeutic Solutions and Unicorn Life Play Therapy Training
  • Podcast: Chronicles of a Play Therapist
    • Focus: Play Therapy, mental health, trends, treatment approaches, theory, and psychotherapy business

Guest Introduction

  • Guest: Kathy Spooner
    • Licensed Clinical Social Worker
    • Registered Play Therapist Supervisor
    • Author of "Attachment-Focused Family Play Therapy"

Main Topic: Attachment-Focused Play Therapy

  • Importance of addressing parent-child relationships
  • Role of parents as therapeutic agents of change

Kathy Spooner's Journey

  • First exposure to play therapy in the 1980s as a special education teacher
  • Influence of play therapy on relationships with students
  • Transition to clinical work and becoming a play therapist supervisor

Althea T. Simpson's Journey

  • Transition from business to social work in 2011
  • Experience with multisystemic family therapy and community mental health
  • Discovering play therapy and becoming a registered play therapist under Kathy's supervision

Key Concepts in Play Therapy

  • Attachment Theory: Parent-child relationship as a foundation for change
  • Assessment and Psychoeducation: Importance of trauma assessment and educating families
  • Discipline vs. Punishment: Teaching vs. punishment; setting boundaries and limits
  • Co-regulation and Attachment: Parents regulating their emotions to help children

Therapeutic Techniques

  • Family Space Framework:
    • Structure and Flexibility: Balancing boundaries with adaptability
    • Playfulness: Engaging children through play
    • Awareness: Being mindful and present
    • Curiosity: Engaging in a non-judgmental and exploratory manner
    • Empathy and Acceptance: Creating a safe and understanding environment

Therapeutic Relationships

  • Reflexive Communication: Back-and-forth dialogue to understand child’s perspective
  • Regulating Emotions: Teaching parents to control their emotions
  • Repairing Ruptures: Importance of repairing relationships when mistakes occur

Safety and Trust

  • Establishing safety by being attuned to child’s cues and readiness
  • Importance of patience and going at the child’s pace

Final Thoughts

  • Importance of continuous training and supervision in mental health
  • Emphasis on relational work and effective communication

Contact Information

  • Kathy Spooner:
    • Website: rrhcounseling.com
    • Email: [email protected]
    • Book available via Rutledge Publishers and Google search

Thank you for listening to this episode of Chronicles of a Play Therapist with your host, Althea T. Simpson. Until next time, play well.