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.