Rephonic
Artwork for Playful Beginnings
Play Therapy
Child-Centered Play Therapy
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Child Centered Play Therapy
CCPT
Executive Functioning
CPRT
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Anxiety
Schools
Anxiety In Children
ADHD
Internalizing Behaviors
Toddler Development
Growth Mindset
Parent Consultation
Parents
Education
Choice Giving
Therapeutic Alliance

Welcome to playful beginnings. Within this podcast, Dr. Kristie Opiola and Dr. Maggie Parker explore the magic of play therapy, the why behind what we do, and how play therapy helps children heal and grow. This podcast is helpful for current play therapists, students and professionals interested in working with children or becoming play therapists, and anyone who is interested in creating transfor... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes98Founded2 years ago
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Mental HealthHealth & FitnessRelationshipsSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Playful Beginnings

Latest Episodes

How do you capture non-verbal play, behavioral themes, and clinical progress clearly in a progress note? 🎨📋

In this week's episode of Playful Beginnings, we dive deep into the fundamentals of play therapy documentation. We share simple frameworks ... more

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A complete play therapy record is so much more than just weekly progress notes! 📂✨ In this episode of Playful Beginnings, we’re taking a deep dive into the essential aspects of notetaking from the initial contact to the subsequent parent consultatio... more

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In this episode, Drs. Kristie and Maggie break down what it means to be evidenced based and why you can't say that you are CCPT and CBT. We go through what that actually means and how it may not be as helpful as one would think. Sometimes, putting to... more

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Ever wonder why kids melt down before a field trip, panic over substitute teachers, or struggle with simple routine changes? 🧸👇

Transitions are hard—for kids, parents, teachers, and therapists alike. But there is a proven tool that bridges the gap... more

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Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Recent Guests

Ahou Line
Return guest, author, expert on CCPT and parent consultations
Parent Partnership Consulting
Episode: Demystifying CCPT and Parent Consultations with Dr. Ahou Line.
Dr. Jenna Taylor
PhD; researcher and practitioner focused on child-centered play therapy
Trusted Therapy Products; Playful Pathways
Episode: Child Centered Play Therapy and Internalizing Behaviors: With Dr. Jenna Taylor
Dr. Kristi Perryman
Professor in Arkansas; Director of the Office of Play Therapy Research and Training
University of Arkansas
Episode: Unlocking Potential—How Child-Centered Play Therapy Transforms School Experiences with Dr. Kristi Perryman
Kristi Perryman
Professor in Arkansas; on the Play Therapy Board for APT; extensive research in schools and play therapy in school settings
University professor in Arkansas; Office of Play Therapy Research and Training
Episode: Healing in the Hallways: Bringing Play Therapy into Schools with Dr. Kristi Perryman
PJ Blanco
Child-centered play therapy researcher and educator; Professor at Tarleton State University
Tarleton State University
Episode: CCPT and Academic Success with Dr. PJ Blanco
Lisa Rice
Associate Professor, GWU; co-creator/co-host of On Her Side podcast; researcher on autism and friendship
George Washington University
Episode: Supporting Autistic Students through a Relational Lens
Elisabeth Rice
Associate Professor at George Washington University; co-creator of On Her Side podcast; researcher on autistic girls and friendship
George Washington University
Episode: Unmasking the Experience of Girls on the Spectrum with Dr. Elisabeth Rice
Dr. Regine Chung
Play therapy researcher and clinician; assistant professor
University of Houston
Episode: Child Centered Play Therapy and Autism: Room Considerations. Featuring Dr. Regine Chung
Regine Chung
Assistant professor and founder of CCPT initiatives; researcher on CCPT with ASD
University of Houston / Child Centered Play Therapy International
Episode: Seeing the Soul: A Child Centered Approach to Autism with Dr. Regine Chung

Hosts

Kristie Opiola
Host of Playful Beginnings; working play therapist and university professor in North Carolina; extensive involvement in university-based and clinical play therapy practice.
Maggie Parker
Co-host of Playful Beginnings; play therapist and professor with university-based practice and teaching roles in DC and beyond.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 20 ratings
  • So glad I found this podcast

    I happened to find this show in such an indirect way and am sharing it with my fellow CCPT therapists. I love its gentle but loyal adherence to the CCPT model. It can be easy to fall into the trap of trying to “follow the rules” of child centered play therapy and adversely impact the relationship between child and therapist. Thank you for having a softer approach while still remaining grounded in theory. Keep going with podcast! Listeners will find you!!

    Also, Please have Dee Ray on again and a... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    LnfromLSal
    United States5 months ago
  • A must listen for play therapists!

    Absolutely love this podcast! The hosts are warm, knowledgeable, and passionate about child-centered play therapy. Every episode strikes a great balance between theory and real-world application, making it practical for both new and experienced clinicians. Their insights are grounded, thoughtful, and immediately useful in the playroom. A must-listen for anyone who works with children in a therapeutic setting!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ajfidoenfjsow
    United Statesa year ago
  • Great intro to the world of play and children

    Fantastic intro to all things play therapy for anyone interested in learning more or starting out in working with children in therapeutic spaces! Will be sharing with my graduate interns and other therapists new to creating safe and healing relationships with children.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Seharig
    United States2 years ago
  • Clear and helpful!

    Dr. Parker is so clear and helpful in her explanations of child behavior and her advice for parents is insightful and spot on!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    LizCQ
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Very insightful, practical, and research-grounded; great for clinicians and teachers.
Excellent primer for newcomers and a reliable resource for seasoned therapists.
Clear explanations of child behavior and parent guidance, with actionable tips.
Warm, knowledgeable hosts who balance theory with real-world application.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Child Centered Play Therapy and Internalizing Behaviors: With Dr. Jenna Taylor
Q: How did you decide which studies to include in your meta-analysis?
We started with a broad search of CCPT and CPRT studies from 2000 to 2023, screened abstracts to meet strict criteria, and then included 25 studies that fit, enabling six analyses (within and between, CCPT and CPRT, and their combination).
Unlocking Potential—How Child-Centered Play Therapy Transforms School Experiences with Dr. Kristi Perryman
Q: What inspired you to start a play therapy program within your university setting?
Dr. Perryman explains that she insisted on adding play therapy coursework and facilities, arguing that without hands-on play rooms, the program wouldn't meet the needs of students or clients; with startup funding and department support, she established two play rooms and integrated play therapy into the curriculum.
Part two: Going Deeper with Dr. Rachel Altvater
Q: How do you handle the concerns of parents who worry about screen time and other tech in therapy?
Therapists should normalize questions about technology, acknowledge concerns, and demonstrate how digital play can enhance understanding of the child's needs while promoting healthy digital citizenship.
Part two: Going Deeper with Dr. Rachel Altvater
Q: What are practical ways therapists can introduce devices in sessions without losing the core play therapy relationship?
The guests emphasize meeting the child where they are, using the device as a tool rather than the focus, and gradually integrating it through the child's interest, with strict attention to non-directive versus directive elements as appropriate.
Dr. PJ Blanco provides Tips and Insights for CCPT in Schools
Q: How can you demonstrate the effectiveness of play therapy in a school setting to administrators?
Start small with a few highly disruptive students, gather observable classroom improvements, and use case examples or short-term data (e.g., brief single-case design studies) to show ripple effects across the classroom, building a plan to expand if outcomes look positive.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About Playful Beginnings

What is Playful Beginnings about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This program centers on child-centered play therapy and its applications across clinical, educational, and family contexts. Hosts Dr. Kristie Opiola and Dr. Maggie Parker blend practical how-tos with research-grounded discussion, covering CCPT, CPRT, school-based therapy, parent collaboration, and tools that help kids regulate emotions and build healthy relationships. Episodes frequently feature guidance for therapists working with families, strategies for classrooms and administrators, and explorations of how play-based approaches impact anxiety, behavior, and academics. A standout trait is the strong emphasis on relational approaches, real-world implementation, and evidence-informed practices—making it a solid fit for clinicians, educator... more

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How many episodes of Playful Beginnings are there?

Playful Beginnings launched 2 years ago and published 98 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Playful Beginnings?

Recent guests on Playful Beginnings include:

1. Ahou Line
2. Dr. Jenna Taylor
3. Dr. Kristi Perryman
4. Kristi Perryman
5. PJ Blanco
6. Lisa Rice
7. Elisabeth Rice
8. Dr. Regine Chung

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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