In this week's episode of 'Pondering Play and Therapy' with Philippa, the guest is Charlotte Booth, the owner of Leek Play Hub and former senior lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University. Charlotte recounts her extensive career in education, from teaching early years groups to becoming a senior lecturer, and her recent transition back to working directly with young children. The conversation delves into the changing landscape of teaching, the impact of political decisions on education, and the importance of maintaining a focus on play in learning. Charlotte also shares insights into her current roles, both as a teaching assistant in a nursery and as the founder of the Leek Play Hub, a space designed to foster interactive and imaginative play for children and their caregivers. They discuss the challenges and rewards of setting up the play hub, the effects of technology on children's playtime, and the significant role of play in child development.

Website: https://www.leekplayhub.co.uk/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LeekPlayHub/

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Episode 39 – Navigating Therapeutic Support in Fostering with Jaid Bennett

In this episode, Julie is joined by Jaid Bennett, Deputy Regional Manager at Fusion Fostering in the Southwest. Together, they explore what it means to be a foster carer, the challenges and rewards of supporting children who have experienced trauma, and the importance of embedding therapeutic approaches into everyday care.

Jaid shares insights into:

• The fostering application and assessment process
• How Fusion supports carers and children through therapy, reflective practice, and training
• The role of shame, guilt, and empathy in parenting children with big emotions
• Creative tools – including personalised therapeutic stories – that help children make sense of their experiences
• How young people are given a voice in shaping the fostering journey

Whether you’re curious about fostering, already a carer, or interested in therapeutic support for children, this conversation is full of inspiration and practical wisdom.

Website: https://fusionfostering.com/

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In this episode of Pondering Play and Therapy, Philippa and Julie dive into the concepts of play and symbolism in therapeutic settings. They discuss how play therapists like Julie use symbolism in sessions with children to explore emotions and experiences. The conversation covers the differences between primary and secondary relationships in play therapy, the use of objects to facilitate play, and the significance of symbolic roles in helping children express and manage feelings. They also touch on the use of sand trays and transitional objects as symbolic tools, and the impact of developmental trauma on children's play. The episode underscores the importance of allowing children to navigate and articulate their emotions through symbolic play, highlighting the therapeutic potential of this approach.

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Play Therapy and Animal-Assistance with Jasmine Williams

In this episode, Philippa is joined by Jasmine Williams, a play therapist, teen counsellor, and animal-assisted therapist based in Queensland, Australia. Jasmine shares her journey from teaching into play therapy, explains the four stages of therapeutic play, and highlights the importance of creating safe, supportive environments for children and families.

We also explore how animal-assisted therapy — featuring Jasmine’s rescue dog Glen — adds a powerful new dimension to the playroom, helping children build trust, empathy, and connection

👉 Find Jasmine online at @connectionsptc

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In this episode of Pondering Play and Therapy, our host welcomes Sarah Lloyd, a consultant occupational therapist and play therapist, who introduces her innovative BUSS model, focusing on Building Underdeveloped Sensory Systems (BUSS). Sarah shares her journey from traditional therapy to integrating sensory motor systems with therapeutic relationships, particularly for children with disrupted early development. She describes the critical role of the body in emotional and social development, and how parents and caregivers can become key agents of change using playful, engaging activities designed to rebuild foundational sensory motor skills.

Website: https://bussmodel.org/

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In this week's episode of 'Pondering Play and Therapy', Philippa is joined by Peppy Hills, a multifaceted professional with extensive titles including play therapist, creative practitioner, and clinical supervisor. Peppy shares her journey from childhood movements and imaginative play to her contemporary roles, offering insight into the importance of creative arts, community connections, and the transformative power of play therapy. She elaborates on her work with diverse populations—including refugee families through Project Salam—and the synergy of nervous systems in therapy sessions. The discussion also spans the significance of relational wellbeing, supervision, and maintaining a balance of challenge and support.

Contact Peppy - peppyhills@gmail.com

Beacon Family Services: https://www.beaconservices.org.uk/

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Join hosts Julie and Philippa as they reflect on the last seven months of 'Pondering Play and Therapy' podcast. They discuss their experiences, highlight notable guests, and ponder the future direction of the show. Topics include the significance of play throughout different stages of life, the impact of COVID-19 on free play, and international perspectives on incorporating play into various professional practices. The episode also announces the podcast's expansion to YouTube and a call for listener engagement.

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In this episode of Pondering Play and Therapy, Julie from South London welcomes Mostak from Dhaka, Bangladesh. They discuss their shared qualification in play therapy and explore how their training paths intersected at Roehampton University. Mostak shares his experiences working as the only BAPT-certified play therapist in Bangladesh, delving into the cultural perceptions of therapy and the challenges faced in a country where academic pressure often replaces playtime. They also touch on the differences observed in how children from different regions engage in play therapy and the impact of technology on modern children's play. Mostak's passion for promoting play therapy in Bangladesh shines through as he reflects on his future plans and the importance of trusting the process in therapeutic work.

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