Shows
Playful BeginningsChaos in the Playroom: Part 2🎙️ Part 2 – Chaos in the Playroom In this episode, Drs. Kristie and Maggie dive into the realities of chaos in the playroom—what it looks like, how it feels, and how they’ve navigated it in real time. They share personal experiences and practical strategies for staying grounded, regulating themselves, and responding with intention—all while holding true to the core relational principles of Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT). Whether you're new to the playroom or a seasoned therapist, this conversation offers insight and encouragement for meeting the messiness with connection and clarity.2025-07-2828 min
Playful BeginningsChaos in the Playroom: Part oneDo your kiddos sometimes feel out of control? Or do they move from one activity to the next? Do you struggle in maintaining calm and connection when there is chaos in the room? In this episode, Drs. Kristie and Maggie explore how kids can show up in the play therapy space and how they maintain their "be with" attitudes to ensure children feel safe, secure, and understood. Next week, we will explore examples of chaos and the skills we use to continue engaging authentically and therapeutically. Enjoy!2025-07-2524 min
Playful BeginningsSupporting Children through Grief and Loss with Dr. Jenifer Balch🎙️ New Episode: Supporting Grieving Children After the Texas Floods with Drs. Jenifer Balch, Kristie Opiola, and Maggie ParkerIn this powerful episode of Playful Beginnings, we come together in the wake of the devastating floods in Texas to talk about how children experience grief—and how parents, teachers, and communities can show up to support them.Dr. Jenifer Balch, an expert in grief and trauma, joins Dr. Kristie Opiola and Dr. Maggie Parker to share insights into the ways children may express loss through behavior, play, and silence. Together, we explore the unique ways grief shows u...2025-07-141h 12
Playful BeginningsPart two: Going Deeper with Dr. Rachel Altvater🎙️ Episode 2 — Tech, Play, & Presence: A Conversation with Dr. Rachel AltvaterIn this episode of Playful Beginnings, we sit down with Dr. Rachel Altvater, licensed psychologist, registered play therapist supervisor, and leading voice on the integration of technology in child therapy.Dr. Altvater brings her signature clarity and compassion to a conversation about how modern therapists can thoughtfully incorporate technology into their work without losing the heart of play therapy. From virtual sandtrays to avatar-based interventions, we explore what’s possible when digital tools are used intentionally—and how therapists can still show up with presence and attunem...2025-07-0731 min
Playful BeginningsWelcome to Dr. Rachel Altvater🎙️ New Episode Alert! We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Rachel Altvater to Playful Beginnings! 💛In this episode, we dive into the power of presence, play, and connection in the therapy room. Dr. Altvater brings her wisdom on integrating technology, co-regulation, and authentic attunement into work with children—and how therapists can show up fully, even when the work gets messy.Whether you’re a clinician, parent, or teacher, this one’s packed with insight you don’t want to miss.🎧 Available now wherever you listen to podcasts! 🔗 [Insert link here]#PlayfulBeginningsPodcast #DrRachelAltvater #PlayTh...2025-06-3028 min
Playful BeginningsResponding to: We had a horrible therapy experience, all they did was PLAY!Do you sometimes feel caught off guard when parents report they do not want their kids to "just play" in therapy? Are you unsure how to respond? Do you struggle with wanting to defend yourself but not sure how to do so? In this episode, Kristie and Maggie answer a listener's question: What do I say when a parent shares they had a terrible experience in therapy because all the child did was play? We share personal experiences and insights from our practice, as well as how we work with students and supervisees, to help them respond effectively. Listen...2025-06-2335 min
Playful BeginningsRelating to Parents Through CCPTAre you a play therapist and a parent? Do you sometimes struggle being child-centered all the time? Or to see your kids from your child-centered perspective? In this episode, Maggie opens up about her struggles as a parent and the helpful ways Kristie shares how she helps Maggie reframe from a CCPT perspective.2025-06-1624 min
Playful BeginningsWorking with ParentsHow do you "convince" parents that CCPT works? How do you share with parents how you see their child's growth in the playroom? We answer these questions and more on this episode of Playful Beginnings, we answer supervisee's questions regarding how to work with parents. Enjoy!@playfulbeginnings@playtherapyspaceplaytherapyspace.com2025-06-0936 min
Playful BeginningsFinding a CCPT SupervisorAre you stuck without a supervisor? Are you not sure how to go about finding a supervisor that aligns with your views of children? Or a play therapy supervisor? In this episode of Playful Beginnings, Kristie and Maggie explore supervision in play therapy, questions they encourage their students to ask supervisors, and aspects to consider when both providing and receiving play therapy supervision. Enjoy!@playfulbeginningsplaytherapyspace.com2025-06-0227 min
Playful BeginningsWorking with families through Play!Do you struggle to incorporate kids into family therapy? Do you feel like kids are less engaged in the family therapy process? It is likely because their developmental needs aren't being met. Listen to the latest episode of Playful Beginnings to gain insights into family play therapy and how to incorporate families in developmentally appropriate ways!2025-05-2624 min
Playful BeginningsFinding a supervisorAre you trying to find a supervisor? Are you not sure how to start? Or what to ask? Or what supervision looks like? Kristie and Maggie explore how they engage in supervision, questions to ask supervisors before you work with them, and the importance of supervisors understanding theory! Enjoy!2025-05-2027 min
Playful BeginningsChild Parent Relationship TherapyDo you want to include families in your work with children? Are you interested in learning more about how CCPT aligns with family work? In this episode, Kristie and Maggie share insights into Child Parent Relationship Therapy, a way of working with caregivers and families from a child centered perspective. Listen to this episode of Playful Beginnings!playtherapyspace.com2025-05-2019 min
Playful BeginningsUnderstanding Play in a Family Context and Child Parent Relationship TrainingDo you wonder how you can involve parents? Are you unsure how to incorporate children into family therapy? In this episode, Kristie and Maggie explore children in the context of their families, the history of Filial Therapy, some of the greats who include children within family therapy, and Child Parent Relationship Training. Enjoy!2025-05-1913 min
Playful BeginningsTables Turned: Responding to Children's Questions in the PlayroomDo you struggle responding to children's questions in the playroom? Are you not sure how to align when answering when identifying as Child Centered? In this episode, Kristie and Maggie explore kids' questions and how to respond. Using their own experiences and understanding the complex nature of questions, they delve into how and when play therapists can respond to children. 2025-05-1230 min
Playful BeginningsQuestions in the playroomDo you find yourself asking a lot of questions in the playroom? Is it hard to break the habit? In this episode, Kristie and Maggie explore questions- their use, their purpose, and their alignment with Child Centered Play Therapy. They share ways in which they help students engage meaningfully and break the habit of question, question, question!This episode can also be helpful for parents and teachers, who find themselves asking a lot of questions and not getting many answers. Understanding the rationale behind "not" using questions can be helpful and assist educators and parents...2025-05-0525 min
Playful BeginningsDiagnosis in Child Centered Play TherapyDiagnosis is hard. It can feel scary to put a label on a child, especially if you just met them! It is important to explore the whole child and rely on your theory and your training. In this episode, Kristie and Maggie share their perspectives on diagnosis, how they work to understand the child, and the steps they take to ensure they provide thoughtful and accurate diagnoses. Enjoy!2025-04-2838 min
Playful BeginningsBooks in the Playroom?Do you wonder if you should have books in the playroom? Do you struggle with knowing whether they add to the relationship or detract from it? In this episode, Drs. Kristie and Maggie examine their perspectives of books in the playroom from a child centered perspective. This episode will highlight the rationale from a theoretical perspective, as well as aspects to consider when exploring if you should bring books in or not....2025-04-2123 min
Playful BeginningsGames in the playroom?Do you have games in the playroom? Have you been told you need to have games in the playroom? Do you struggle with games as a Child Centered Play Therapist? In this episode, Drs. Kristie and Maggie explore games from a CCPT perspective, share insights into how they've navigated games in the playroom, and questions play therapists should ask themselves before including games in the playroom. Enjoy!2025-04-1426 min
Playful BeginningsGames in the playroomDo you struggle with understanding if games should be included in the playroom? You're not alone. So many people are unsure if they should include games in the playroom. Listen for a better understanding of Child Centered Play Therapy and the rationale for games in the playroom!2025-04-0726 min
Playful BeginningsWhat to do when you feel stuckDo you sometimes feel stuck with clients? Do you feel like you struggle to engage and/or understand? Is it hard to find new things to say when children engage in the same play activities each week? In this session, Maggie and Kristie explore how they work to engage, share vulnerable moments when we struggled, and provide ways to ensure that as play therapists we are focused on the children's needs. Being a play therapist is hard!2025-04-0728 min
Playful BeginningsDissertations, favorite play therapy moments, and more with Dr. Krystal TurnerDr. Krystal Turner is back exploring the impacts of her dissertation, the ways her experiences in play changed her perspectives on parents, and the people who continue to support her throughout her journey. Listen in and gain insight into what a dissertation really is, the importance of meeting people where they are rather than by what you may believe to be true, and the beauty of play therapy relationships!2025-03-3128 min
Playful BeginningsRepresentation in the Playroom: Featuring Dr. Krystal TurnerHave you wondered how the toys in the room represent your clients? Do you want to make sure that children feel safe and seen in your space? In this episode, Dr. Krystal Turner talks about her journey to play therapy and how she works to support children in the playroom. Dr. Turner's doctoral journey focused on ensuring all children felt seen in the playroom. 2025-03-2444 min
Playful BeginningsEmpathy in the playroomIn this episode, Drs. Kristie and Maggie explore how to provide empathy for children in the playroom, and what they do in the moments they struggle to provide empathy. Sometimes, it is difficult to provide unconditional positive regard, and Kristie and Maggie explore how they work to always provide it for all children, and how they get there.2025-03-1746 min
Playful BeginningsDelving deeper into Trauma within the playroomDr. Opiola and Parker share their personal experiences with children who experienced trauma. They share insights into their practices, how trauma has shown up in some cases, and ways they work to be mindful and responsive to their clients. 2025-03-1022 min
Playful BeginningsTrauma and Child Centered Play TherapyToday Drs. Parker and Opiola discuss child centered play therapy and childhood trauma. Drawing on person experience, theory, and neurobiology, Kristie and Maggie explore how CCPT can help children heal and grow through trauma.2025-03-0335 min
Playful BeginningsAuthenticity in the PlayroomIn this episode, Kristie and Maggie explore authenticity in the playroom, what that looks like, and the impacts on children. Transparency can go a long way- this episode may also be helpful for adults who work with children and may struggle with knowing what to share and how-especially when the adult is having a difficult time. Enjoy!2025-02-2425 min
Playful BeginningsBonus with Dee Ray!In this episode, we explore experiences in the playroom that are powerful and moving, as well as the safety of the play therapy space for both children and other play therapists. we examine the experience of true acceptance in the play therapy space. Additionally, we explore how Dee can "pick up" when someone would be a great play therapist!2025-02-1938 min
Playful BeginningsPlay Therapy Week!In this episode, Kristie and Maggie share their activities for Play Therapy Week, as well as some "aha" moments from the playroom!2025-02-1315 min
Playful BeginningsInterview with Dr. Dee RayIn this episode, Kristie and Maggie speak with their mentor, professor, supervisor, and friend, Dr. Dee Ray. Dr. Ray is a play therapy author tackling subjects like Child Development and Cultural Reflexivity in the Playroom, as well as researching the efficacy of Child Centered Play Therapy. She is an internationally renowned speaker, traveling the world to share her love of Child Centered Play Therapy. She is currently the co-owner of the therapy practice EmpathyWell.In this episode, we delve deeper into Dee's personal experiences with play therapy, what brought her to it, and kept her...2025-02-1030 min
Playful BeginningsPlay therapy week!Dr. Kristie Opiola and Dr. Maggie Parker celebrate Play Therapy Week! In this episode, Kristie and Maggie share moments from the playroom that solidified their choice to be a play therapist! Come listen to these amazing experiences from the playroom.Happy play therapy week!2025-02-0516 min
Playful BeginningsPlay Therapists and Self CareKristie and Maggie examine self care and what that looks like for play therapists, and themselves. They share their own experiences as they navigate burnout and stress and how they are continuing to examine how to take care of themselves so that they are capable of taking care of others. 2025-02-0327 min
Playful BeginningsPaernt Consultations Part 2 with Dr. Ahou LineIn this episode, Kristie and Maggie continue their conversation with Dr. Ahou Line. Dr. Line examines ways in which she works with parents, tips for engaging parents, and the struggles of being a parent when working with parents. Dr. Line is the author of the upcoming book Working with Parents in Play Therapy: A Resource Guide for Play Therapists and publishes a blog with Psychology Today called “Nobody Knows What They Are Doing: Navigating parenting with an ex-child expert who was humbled by parenthood (https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/contributors/ahou-line-phd-lpc-rpt).2025-01-2729 min
Playful BeginningsEngaging Parents in Play Therapy: An Interview with Dr. Ahou LineIn this episode, Dr. Ahou Line, play therapist, private practice owner, and book author, joins Kristie and Maggie to discuss how she approaches parent sessions. Dr. Line writes a blog for Psychology Today, titled “Nobody Knows What They Are Doing: Navigating parenting with an ex-child expert who was humbled by parenthood (https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/contributors/ahou-line-phd-lpc-rpt). Her book, Working with Parents in Play Therapy: A Resource Guide for Play Therapists, will be out this summer! Enjoy!2025-01-2028 min
Playful BeginningsCalifornia Wildfires, How Play Therapists Can HelpIn this special episode, Kristie and Maggie discuss the current wildfires in California and ways in which play therapists can assist and may also need help. 2025-01-1821 min
Playful BeginningsParent Sessions part 2In this episode, Kristie and Maggie explore aspects about play therapy they make sure to inform parents about. From wearing clothes that can get dirty to "it may be worse before it get's better", Kristie and Maggie examine the necessary aspects to clue in parents about and why. They share personal examples of what is helpful and what is not helpful, as well as some of their own mistakes (she cut her hair?!!!). Parents will also find this helpful as Maggie and Kristie share the reasons for why they share certain things and what goes on in the therapy...2025-01-1333 min
Playful BeginningsWorking with Parents: Part 1In this episode, Kristie and Maggie explore how they engage with parents during intake sessions, what questions they ask, the way they explain the processes, and their experiences (both good and bad) with parents. Often, play therapists are nervous to meet with parents and this episode helps guide the process.2025-01-0635 min
Playful BeginningsTrust the Process: What to do when you feel stuckListener Sarah H. asked us to explore how Kristie and I remain true to CCPT, even when we feel stuck. Many times, play therapists want to "add in" activities and directives when they feel stuck. Kristie and Maggie examine how they handle these situations and provide guidance as to how others can adapt/engage when feeling stuck!2024-12-3044 min
Playful BeginningsChild Development and How it Impacts the Way We Show UpIn this episode, Kristie and Maggie explore common struggles of play therapists, students, and supervisees as to how to engage with children in a wide range of ages using Child Centered theory. Many people believe they must change out of child centered theory to engage with older children. Kristie and Maggie explore how they adapt their use of Child Centered to meet the needs of different developmental levels and how they assess when to adapt. This episode can be helpful for play therapists who are working with older children and are not sure how to engage, as well as...2024-12-2348 min
Playful BeginningsLimit Setting and Boundaries in the Playroom: It's not a free for allWithin this episode, Maggie and Kristie tackle a common misconception about play therapy. Even though Maggie and Kristie are permissive and trust the child in the play therapy space, there are limits as to what can be done in the playroom. Maggie and Kristie explain when and how to set limits on children's behavior and give examples from their own experiences in play therapy and parenting. Limits can really help adults engage meaningfully with children, connecting to the child's inner experience, and allowing the child to bring themselves under control. 2024-12-1632 min
Playful BeginningsWhat we do in the playroomWithin this episode, Kristie and Maggie explain what play therapists due in the room and how that helps children heal and grow. Examining the different skills used, the ways in which children bring in what they are struggling with, and the theory behind their approach, Kristie and Maggie will help parents, teachers, and future play therapists gain a better understanding of how and why play therapy works.2024-12-0936 min
Playful BeginningsWhat is play therapy anyways?Maggie and Kristie share how they explain play therapy, how it aligns with child development, and the importance of the relationship. Listeners will gain a greater understanding of what play therapy is, how it aligns to adult therapy, and some of the differences between being a play therapist and someone who works with children.2024-11-1521 min
Playful BeginningsHow we got to play therapyKristie and Maggie explore what initially spiked their interest in play therapy. They share their experiences in school, how it facilitated their perspective of children, and meaningful experiences in play therapy. Maggie and Kristie share stories of their first play sessions as well as the ones that really showed the power of play for children. This episode will help listeners understand what play therapy is, why it is important, and how it assists children in their healing journey. Whether you want to be a play therapist or you are wondering if your child should go to play therapy, this...2024-11-1528 min
Playful BeginningsBeyond toys, let's talk the roomIn this episode, Kristie and Maggie discuss their ideal playroom, what the room would look like, and do a deep dive into their thought processes and rationale for including and excluding items such as tents, puppet theaters, and rugs. We also discuss how to adapt rooms to meet the child's needs- and how you can adapt any space into a play therapy space- because we've done it all! From janitors closets to making our own kitchens out of refrigerator boxes, we explore ways to provide space and materials for children to express themselves fully. 2024-11-1530 min
Playful BeginningsPlay therapy toys: What like they matter?In this episode, Maggie and Kristie explore the categories of toys in a Child Centered Play room and their reasonings for being included. They discuss ways to set up the toys and the purpose behind each category and type of toy. This episode can assist play therapists and professionals interested in setting up their own playroom or those who want to adapt theirs to Child Centered. This episode can also help parents better understand what Play therapy is and how their kids play in the space. 2024-11-1530 min