Play Therapy Across the Lifespan

Latest Episodes:

S2 Episode 8 - Using Movement in Play Therapy Feb 17, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. Denis talks about incorporating movement into play therapy. After going over the basics and discussing how to incorporate movement across the lifespan, she interviews Dr. Jennifer Rubens, who explains how to use a specific movement technique called "Marshmallow Catapult." In Rachel’s research segment, she talks about Dr. Dan Siegel’s research on brain integration.

S2 Episode 7 - Using Art in Play Therapy Feb 03, 2020

Show notes

This episode introduces the theme of Season 2: incorporating expressive arts through the play therapy approach. The topic of this episode is incorporating art in play therapy. Dr. Denis explains what art therapy is, who is qualified to use it, what materials are needed, and how to go about incorporating art into sessions with clients. She also talks about how art can be incorporated into work with children, adolescents, young adults, and older adults. This episode includes a special interview with Jessie Risman, who describes how to use a technique called The Lighthouse. Rachel, our research expert, wraps up the episode with a segment discussing why she’s passionate about research and why it is important for our field.

Between-a-Sode Interview: Firefly - The Story Behind the Song Jan 20, 2020

Show notes

In this special “between-a-sode,” Dr. Denis' interviews the songwriter, Sara Beth Geoghegan, to learn more about what she captured in the song Firefly. Sara Beth discusses her inspiration for the lyrics and digs deeper into the meaning behind the lyrics. She also talks about how songwriting has been a special part of her healing journey. At the end of this episode, you will hear the whole song and all of the beautiful lyrics and music that Sara Beth has written.

S1 Episode 5 - Developing Comfort with Pain Dec 16, 2019

Show notes

In the final episode of this season, Dr. Denis’ talks about the challenge of sitting with hurting clients day after day without getting burned-out. She offers suggestions for developing comfort with clients’ pain without taking on the responsibility to fix their problems. With adolescent and adult clients she refers to this process as “sitting in the stuck.” In the research segment, Rachel talks about the correlation between therapist empathy and client outcome.

S1 Episode 4 - Reflecting What is Said and Shown Dec 02, 2019

Show notes

Episode 4 of Play Therapy Across the Lifespan builds on the concepts that were introduced in Episode 3. Dr. Denis’ expands on how to reflect back to clients what they are communicating through three specific techniques: parroting, paraphrasing, and pairing with emotion. She explains how reflecting looks different when working with adolescents and adults than it does when working with children. Rachel wraps up the episode with a research segment that examines activities that can enhance the body-mind connection.

S1 Episode 3 - Listening Nov 18, 2019

Show notes

The focus of this episode is active listening. Dr. Denis’ discusses the importance of tuning in to what clients are saying with their words, as well as what they’re saying through nonverbal communication and symbolic play. She explores how these concepts can be applied when working with children, adolescents, and adults. In this episode’s research segment, Rachel talks about the relationship between mirror neurons, empathy, and dance/movement therapy.

S1 Episode 2 - Creating a Safe Space Nov 04, 2019

Show notes

In this episode of Play Therapy Across the Lifespan, Dr. Denis’ explains how counselors can use empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard to create a safe space for clients. She cites research done by neuroscientists who discovered that safety has the power to physically heal the effects of trauma in the brain. In this episode’s research segment, Rachel introduces the Polyvagal Theory and explains how therapists’ presence can deepen clients’ felt sense of safety.

S1 Episode 1 - Getting Started Oct 19, 2019

Show notes

In this opening episode of Play Therapy Across the
Lifespan, Dr. Denis’ Thomas shares her wisdom on
the fundamentals of play therapy. If you’ve ever
wondered how to become trained in play therapy,
what kinds of toys to use, or how to set up your
space, this episode will answer all of those questions
and more. Episode 1 also includes a segment on how
to incorporate play therapy techniques when working
with adolescent and adult clients, as well as a
research segment that discusses the benefits of
using play therapy techniques when leading groups.

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