Next Level Play Therapy: A Podcast for Play Therapy Excellence

Send us Fan Mail 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: Dr. Pascal Vrticka (Substack article #36): The Bioenergetic Map of Social Connection Hoemann, Xu, & Feldman Barrett (2019): Emotion Words, Emotion Concepts, and Emotional Development in Children 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. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills

Send us Fan Mail 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: Behavior as Communication: Why children don't actually want to be "bad" and how to shift your mindset from "what are they doing?" to "what is activating this response?" The Role of Neuroscience: How predictive processing, beliefs, and emotions influence a child's nervous system and your treatment decisions. Mastering Co-Regulation: How to use your own regulated state to help a distressed child feel seen, safe, and organized. Your Roadmap to Success: How your play therapy model (including Integrative Play Therapy) guides your decision-making in the playroom. 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. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills

Send us Fan Mail 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. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills

Send us Fan Mail 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: The Framework Gap: Why most play therapists watch for the wrong indicators (and what to do about it). Stage-Specific Progress: How "success" looks different in the early, middle, and late stages of healing. The 3 Essential Categories of Progress: Therapeutic Relationship: Identifying shifts from guardedness to vulnerability. Play Themes & Content: Recognizing when chaotic play transforms into mastery and resolution. Regulation & Agency: Spotting the growth in self-regulation and emotional tolerance. 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. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills

Send us Fan Mail 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: Redefining "Challenging": Why complexity doesn’t have to mean chaos. The Power of Getting to the Root of the Problem: Moving beyond the psychosocial assessment form to create a "living map" for every play therapy session. Trusted Framework vs. White-Knuckling: How to stop guessing and start making intentional clinical decisions. Seeing REAL Progress: Learn to identify the stages of healing so you know exactly why you’re choosing specific interventions—whether directive or non-directive. 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. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills

Send us Fan Mail 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. 5 Ways Community Accelerates Client Progress: Unlock Stuck Cases Faster: Peer perspective can shift in minutes what might take you weeks to figure out alone. Regulation & Presence: Having a "backup plan" reduces your clinical anxiety, allowing you to be more present and therapeutic for the child. A Collective Toolkit: Multiply your interventions by tapping into the diverse training and experience of a professional circle. Confident Parent Work: Communicate with clarity and keep parents engaged in the therapeutic process. Clinical Self-Trust: Build the confidence to act on your instincts without the drain of constant second-guessing. 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. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills

Send us Fan Mail 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: The Isolated Play Therapist Belief: Why your brain concludes you’re failing when you don’t have a clinical reference point. Challenging Mistaken Beliefs: Why self-doubt and "late-night Googling" are actually nearly universal experiences for play therapists working in isolation. The Power of Community: How connecting with other play therapists (like in Play Therapy Elevation CIRCLE) provides immediate relief and clinical clarity. The Critical Mindset Shift: Moving from "I must be broken" to "I just need better support structure." 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. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills

Send us Fan Mail 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. In this podcast, we cover: Step 1: Regulate First – Why one intentional breath changes your nervous system and the entire tone of the call. Step 2: Validate Before You Explain – The #1 mistake therapists make when parents say therapy isn’t working. Step 3: Honest Uncertainty – How to name what you know (and what you don’t) to actually strengthen a parent's confidence in you. Stop navigating these challenging clinical moments alone. Learn how to transform stressful phone calls into opportunities for deeper clinical connection. Ready to stop feeling isolated and alone as a play therapist and get access to feedback and support? 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. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills

Send us Fan Mail 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. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills

Send us Fan Mail 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: Sign 1: The difference between healthy reflection and the "anxious loop." Sign 2: Why you dread parent phone calls (it’s not why you think!). Sign 3: Why Google isn't a substitute for a play therapy community. Sign 4: Addressing the "Am I actually helping?" doubt. Sign 5: The "Blank Phone List" – identifying your clinical support system. How to move from isolation to clinical confidence. Join the Podcast (or watch the replay) 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. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills

Send us Fan Mail 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: The Structure of Isolation: Why graduate programs and agencies often leave play therapists without the specific support they need. The Clinical Cost: How second-guessing your decisions and processing complex issues, like trauma, in a vacuum slows down client progress. The Mindset Shift: Moving from "I can handle this" to "I need a community that speaks play therapy." Clinical Confidence: How having a "backup plan" and a peer network improves the quality of your work in the playroom. 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. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills

Send us Fan Mail 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. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills

Send us Fan Mail 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: What is Jungian Play Therapy? An introduction to the core concepts. Practical Ideas for the Playroom: Symbolic play and therapeutic techniques you can use. Comparative Analysis: How Jungian Play Therapy differs from—and where it aligns with—other popular models. Live Q&A: Get your questions answered by Jared! 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. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills

Send us Fan Mail 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: The Play Therapy GPS: Why a play therapy model is essential for knowing exactly where you are (and where you’re going) in treatment. The Neuroscience & Attachment Lens: How grounding your work in these two pillars simplifies your clinical choices. Healing the "Second-Guessing": How to tell if your interventions are truly helping your traumatized clients heal. The Power of Community: Why the "secret ingredient" to clinical success is never practicing in isolation. 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. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills

Send us Fan Mail 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: The "Storage" Myth: Why trauma is likely a "disorder of prediction," not physical storage in organs. Predictive Coding 101: How the brain-body feedback loop assesses danger before conscious awareness. Healing Through "Flow": How flow states and high-challenge activities can disrupt rigid neural patterns. Smarter Psychoeducation: How to explain these complex shifts to parents and caregivers using clear, accurate language. 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. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills

Send us Fan Mail 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: What is Emotional Granularity? Why the ability to distinguish "frustrated" from "sad" is a predictor of better mental health and regulation. Affect vs. Emotion: Exploring Lisa Feldman Barrett’s research on how emotions are mental constructions based on past experience and culture. The Role of Emotions in Play Therapy: Using strategies that promote resilience in play therapy Common Mistakes with Trauma: Why we must address the belief systems (cognitions) tied to emotions to avoid over-focusing on the feeling alone. Predictive Brain & Safety: Using the therapeutic relationship and co-regulation to help children rewire their brain's predictive responses to trauma. 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. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills

Send us Fan Mail 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: The Conceptualization Process: How to identify the "what" and "how" of parent inclusion. Neuroscience & Attachment: Understanding the parent's role through a biological and relational lens. Practical Strategies: Key things to consider when bringing parents into the playroom. Stop feeling overwhelmed and start building a clear plan for your clients' success. Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills

Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever left a play therapy session thinking… “I see the behaviors—but what’s actually driving them?” 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: 👉 Behavior isn’t the problem. It’s the clue. 🎯 In this week’s podcast episode, we’re discussing: What case conceptualization in play therapy actually is (and why it changes everything) How to move from surface behaviors → root causes using a trauma-informed lens How the nervous system drives behavior in children with trauma histories How attachment patterns show up in the playroom and at home What to look for in play themes and symbolic expression How to stop guessing in play therapy sessions — and start making confident clinical decisions 🧠 Why This Matters Without a clear case conceptualization, it’s easy to: Chase behaviors Second-guess your interventions Feel like your sessions lack direction But when you understand the why behind the behavior, everything shifts. You become more grounded. More intentional. More effective. 👩‍⚕️ Who This Is For: ✔ Play therapists working with traumatized children and teens ✔ Child therapists feeling unsure what’s happening in play therapy sessions ✔ Clinicians wanting to integrate neuroscience + attachment into play therapy ✔ Play therapists ready to move beyond “just using activities” 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. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills

Send us Fan Mail 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: “Am I explaining this accurately… or just repeating what I was taught?” 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 ✔️ The main scientific critiques of PVT (what’s being questioned—and why) ✔️ What parts of Polyvagal Theory still hold clinical value ✔️ How to responsibly use nervous system concepts in play therapy ✔️ How to explain regulation and safety to children and parents with confidence 💡 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 Scientists vs. The Polyvagal Industrial Complex is Autonomic Nervous System Literacy for Therapists: The Lowdown 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. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills

Send us Fan Mail 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: 👉 Do you share your interpretation of a child’s sand tray scene—or hold it? 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: What you say (and when you say it)… can either deepen the healing—or shut it down. 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: • The real role of interpretation in sand tray therapy • Why timing matters more than insight • 3 key factors to consider before sharing what you see • How to avoid disrupting the child’s internal healing process • What to do when you’re tempted to say something 🧠 This is for play therapists who: • Second-guess what to say in play therapy sessions • Feel unsure about interpreting sand tray scenes • Want to move beyond “just observing” into intentional, theory-driven work using play therapy • Are ready to trust their clinical judgment with more confidence ✨ 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. Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts. Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills