🎄 This week’s episode is a Christmas special for trainee play therapists who are crawling to the end of term, slightly over-caffeinated, emotionally full and wondering how to get through the rest of December.

In the words of Mariah 🎶 All I Want for Christmas is… less deadlines, more toys (!), less imposter syndrome and more me time 😂

Have a listen while you’re wrapping presents, avoiding assignments, or hiding from everyone for five minutes. You’re doing better than you think and you’re very welcome here ❤️

A Beginner’s Guide to the Play Therapy Toolkit

In this episode of The Trainee Play Therapist Diaries, I’m opening up my toolkit and taking you behind the scenes of what I use in the playroom — and why it matters.

I’m sharing:

🎨 What a play therapy toolkit actually is

📚 Where I got mine and how it’s grown over time

🐻 My most-used tools (and my personal favourites!) and least used.

Whether you’re a trainee, a therapist in practice, or just curious about the magic of play therapy this episode is full of insight, warmth and practical tips.

In this episode, I talk honestly about the ways play therapy training has influenced my parenting. I share how I’m learning to slow down, listen more and really think about what might be behind my children’s behaviour as well as the guilt and reflection that’s come with looking back at how I used to parent.

I also speak about the reality of it all: I’m still busy, still human and I definitely don’t get it right every day.

If you’re interested in how therapeutic training can shape everyday family life, this episode might resonate. 💛🌈

Think play therapy is just “playing”? Think again! In this episode I break down the biggest myths about play therapy, reveal what really happens in sessions and explore how it truly supports children’s emotional growth.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or fellow therapist this one’s for you.

Listen now and get the real story behind the toys 🎧

In this episode, I talk honestly about some of the challenges I’ve faced during my play therapy training. Join me as I discuss my frustrations and fears, I break down five key struggles that have shaped my journey so far.

If you’re training too, or simply curious about what the process is really like this episode gives a realistic look at the ups, downs and learning curves of becoming a play therapist.

Many Play Therapists will experience those moments where a child is wary, resistant, withdrawn or vocal about their feelings.

In this episode, I talk about holding space, respecting boundaries, and understanding what may be behind this.

Because trust takes time. ⏳💚

Hey everyone 💛 this week’s episode is a little check-in from me. I’m sharing where I’m at right now in my training, in life and as I start to build my play therapy business.

It’s been a time of so much learning and growth and I wanted to take a moment to pause and share what’s been going on, what I’ve learned and what’s coming next. 🌿

🎧 Have a listen if you’d like to catch up and of my journey so far.

🎙️ In this episode I explore one of the challenges which I’ve encountered in play therapy, when a child wants to bring something into the playroom or take something home. What are the reasons? How can we respond with empathy while maintaining clear boundaries? And some practical ideas for when this happens…

Whether you’re a trainee, a therapist, or simply curious about the inner workings of play therapy, this episode offers thoughtful insights into what these moments can teach us about the child’s world and our own practice. 🧡

🌱 This week on The Trainee Play Therapist Diaries, I sit down with experienced Play Therapy supervisor Naomi Kernighan to explore the heart of supervision. 💚

We talk about how supervision works, how to get the most from it as a trainee and Naomi gives some excellent advice and wisdom that only comes from years in the playroom.

🌟 New Episode Alert! 🌟

Join me for a peek into what a typical day looks like for me as a trainee Play Therapist. I’m sharing everything from school drop-offs to sand trays, supervision to swimming lessons and how I juggle it all.

Plus, I’ve included a few little tips and tricks that help me make it all work ✨

🌱 Supervision is at the heart of play therapy training. A safe, supportive space where reflection leads to growth. In this episode of The Trainee Play Therapist Diaries, I share my experiences of supervision, what it looks like in practice and how it helps me develop as a therapist. Whether you’re a fellow trainee or simply curious about the process, join me for an open and encouraging look at why supervision is such a vital part of the journey.

Welcome back! 👋

In today’s episode, I’m answering some of the questions you’ve sent me. I chat about my own journey, the play therapy toolkit, how to handle endings, and a few other bits along the way.

It’s an honest look at what it’s really like training to be a play therapist, with some tips and insights that I hope you’ll find helpful.

Sit back and join me for a relaxed Q&A. ☕🎧

What is Play Therapy? 🤔

One of my lovely listeners asked for this episode and I’m so glad they did!

In this episode, I break down what Play Therapy actually is (spoiler: it’s so much more than ‘just’ play!). I’ll explore the therapist’s role, how the process works, and most importantly, the incredible power of play to support emotional healing and growth.

Whether you’re brand new to Play Therapy, already working in the field, or want to help friends and family understand what you do this one’s for you. 💛

Join me for Part 2 of a candid chat with my fellow trainees during a recent training weekend. 💬✨ They share honest insights, advice, and reflections on what it’s really like to be a play therapy trainee.

Join me and some of my fellow trainee play therapists for a chat about our training journey and experiences 😅💬

We’re talking highs, lows, wobbles, wins- plus some honest advice we wish we’d had at the start!

It’s real, it’s relatable, and it might just make you feel a bit less alone on the rollercoaster that is Play Therapy training 🎢💛🧸🎨

Ever wondered what really happens during a play therapy training weekend? Self-discovery, learning and practicalities, I’m sharing the highs, the challenges, and the realities of the journey. 💛🧸📚

Whether you’re a trainee, a therapist, or just curious about the world of play therapy, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most delicate and, for me, nerve racking parts of the play therapy process – parent meetings. From building trust to managing expectations, I’m sharing my experiences and what I’ve learned on placement so far. 💬🧸

Whether you’re a fellow trainee, a parent, or just therapy-curious, this one’s for you.

This week, I’m reflecting on three lessons from the playroom – the kind of moments that stay with you after the toys are packed away and are shaping the therapist I’m becoming.

Whether you’re training, practicing, or just curious about play therapy, this one’s for you 💛

In this episode, I explore the importance of self-care during training—why it matters, how it helps, and how you can start thinking about simple ways to protect your wellbeing while caring for others.

In this episode of The Trainee Play Therapist Diaries, I share the real story behind setting up my play therapy placement — practical advice, the unexpected hurdles and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. If you’re navigating this part of your training, this one’s for you.