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Artwork for Pondering Play and Therapy Podcast

Pondering Play and Therapy Podcast

Julie and Philippa
Play Therapy
Play
Trauma
Mental Health
Therapy
Theraplay
Foster Care
Attachment Theory
Social Work
CAMHS
Resistance
Parenting
Child Development
Child-Centered Play Therapy
Education
Covid-19
Sand Tray
Window Of Tolerance
Theatre
Restorative Practice

In a world where play can be seen as frivolous or unnecessary, Julie and Philippa set out to explore its importance in our everyday lives.Pondering play and therapy, both separately but also the inter-connectedness that play can in its own right be the very therapy we need. Julie and Philippa have many years of experience playing, both in their extensive professional careers and their personal liv... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes85Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Mental HealthHealth & FitnessKids & FamilyParenting

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Artwork for Pondering Play and Therapy Podcast

Latest Episodes

Julie interviews play therapist Helen Gedge about her background growing up in Brazil, how play remains central in her adult life, and her path from primary teaching to play therapy and a PhD. Helen describes research conducted in 2018–19 at a Brazil... more

Philippa Kelly and Julie McCann continue their discussion on “mistakes” in therapeutic work, exploring how errors feel, whether to acknowledge them, and how clients, families, and colleagues perceive them. They consider conflicts between professional... more

In this episode of Pondering Play and Therapy, host interviews Georgie, a children’s occupational therapist from Little Peaks OT, about her move from NHS roles into independent practice to address a gap in sensory processing support. Georgie explains... more

Julie interviews play therapist and social work lecturer Pete Ayling about how playfulness supports understanding, empathy, and perspective-taking for children and adults. Pete describes his roles teaching social work students, supervising play thera... more

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Recent Guests

Helen Gedge
Play therapist, researcher and former primary-school teacher
Episode: The Playful Path to Connection: Unpacking Filial Therapy and Family Dynamics. With Helen Gedge
Georgie Leeson
Children's occupational therapist focused on sensory processing and neurodivergence
Little Peaks OT
Episode: Understanding Bodies in Motion: Occupational Therapy for Neurodivergent Kids. With Georgie Leeson.
Pete Ayling
Social work lecturer, play therapy supervisor, external examiner, PhD in empathy in social work practice
University (UK) / play therapy practice
Episode: Unlocking Empathy: Play as a Catalyst in Therapy and Social Work. With Pete Ayling
Lee Smith
Qualified mental health nurse with 30 years in-patient CAMHS
Consultancy in children's residential care services (West Midlands)
Episode: Pathways to Recovery: Lee Smith on Reforming Children's Mental Health
Dr. Lisa Cherry
Author, speaker, researcher and consultant focused on trauma, attachment, adversity
Episode: Beyond the Behavior: Understanding Trauma with Compassion. Dr Lisa Cherry
Jeanne McLaughlin
Play therapist and trainer at With Kids, Glasgow
With Kids
Episode: From Aggression to Expression: A Play Therapist's Journey. A conversation with Jeanne McLaughlin
Margot Sunderland
Director of Education and Training at the Centre for Mental Health London; Co-Director Trauma Informed Schools UK; author and educator in child mental health
Centre for Mental Health London; Trauma Informed Schools UK
Episode: Unlocking the Sandbox: Therapy Through Play. A conversation with Margot Sunderland.
Becky Webb
Avid listener with professional interest in play therapy
Episode: EP77 Therapeutic Journeys: Q&A with Listener Becky Webb
Steph Hunter
Social worker and therapist specializing in cared-for children
Relational network; Canada keynote speaker
Episode: EP73 Beyond Borders: Healing Through Play and Therapy with Steph Hunter

Hosts

Philippa
Host with background in therapy and play-based approaches; frequently involved in discussions around Theraplay and trauma-informed care.
Julie
Co-host and interviewer guiding conversations with guests; focuses on practical applications of play in therapy and parenting.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 20 ratings
  • Enjoyed.

    Thank you

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Tink-ava!
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Brilliant!

    Another fab episode! Thank you Philippa and Julie đź’ś

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Packblast
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • Amazing!

    Great podcast guys!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Benply
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • Pondering play and therapy

    Thoroughly enjoyed the first episode. Clear concise information well delivered. Easy to listen to and understand. Nice relationship between the presenters. Look forward to the next episode

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Tomisepick
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • Loved it!

    So important for us to be reminded to play and to acknowledge our feelings. Thank you Philippa and Julie. Looking forward to the next one.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    KPalf
    United Kingdom2 years ago

Listeners Say

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

The show consistently reinforces humane, family-centered approaches to care.
Episodes balance clinical insight with real-world applicability, making techniques feel doable.
Guests are expert and relatable, helping translate complex concepts.
Conversations feel warm, collaborative, and informative for practitioners and parents alike.
Listeners appreciate the practical, trauma-informed lens on play and therapy.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Playful Path to Connection: Unpacking Filial Therapy and Family Dynamics. With Helen Gedge
Q: What did you come to understand when you removed yourself from the room during the play sessions?
Mothers' empathy scores rose after she left, and she concluded that her presence had been containing them, helping them offer empathy and emotional support to their children.
The Playful Path to Connection: Unpacking Filial Therapy and Family Dynamics. With Helen Gedge
Q: How did you come up with your research topic, which is really about mothers and their children, when they've experienced family violence?
Her long-standing connection to Brazil and a shelter home in Curitiba led her to explore filial therapy as a way to strengthen mother-child relationships while families stayed together.
Understanding Bodies in Motion: Occupational Therapy for Neurodivergent Kids. With Georgie Leeson.
Q: So when parents come, how often is an occupational therapy appointment? Do they come once? Do they come for a period of time? Do you work with schools?
Leeson says care is tailored, often starting with an assessment followed by around six therapy sessions. She may also visit schools, review strategies and goals, and contribute to education and health plans.
Understanding Bodies in Motion: Occupational Therapy for Neurodivergent Kids. With Georgie Leeson.
Q: Do you work with transitions as an OT then?
Yes. Leeson treats transitions as an occupation and helps identify sources of pressure, using tools such as visual timetables and play-based practice to make tasks easier.
Unlocking Empathy: Play as a Catalyst in Therapy and Social Work. With Pete Ayling
Q: Where is play in your life now?
Pete explains that play occupies multiple facets of his life, from art and literature to outdoor activities, and that these playful engagements underpin his professional approach by keeping him connected to embodied and symbolic modes of expression.

Audience Metrics

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

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Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pondering Play and Therapy Podcast

What is Pondering Play and Therapy Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A thoughtful exploration of how play, therapy, and relational approaches support children and families in challenging contexts. Recent episodes center on trauma-informed care, attachment, and family-led healing, with guests ranging from social workers and therapists to educators focused on child development and well-being. The show frequently discusses practical strategies for working within systems, sustaining caregivers, and using play as a legitimate developmental pathway, not just a lighthearted activity. Its strength lies in translating clinical and educational concepts into relatable, real-world approaches for practitioners, families, and educators, with an emphasis on humane, relationship-centered care and collaborative problem-solvi... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Pondering Play and Therapy Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Pondering Play and Therapy Podcast:

1. Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
2. The Jefferson Fisher Podcast
3. The Rest Is Entertainment

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Pondering Play and Therapy Podcast launched 2 years ago and published 85 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 Pondering Play and Therapy Podcast?

Recent guests on Pondering Play and Therapy Podcast include:

1. Helen Gedge
2. Georgie Leeson
3. Pete Ayling
4. Lee Smith
5. Dr. Lisa Cherry
6. Jeanne McLaughlin
7. Margot Sunderland
8. Becky Webb

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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