This was an amazing a fun episode! We were joined by Jacqueline Scherer, from THE PLAYGROUNDgr (more about her and her incredible nonprofit below). We were able to PLAY for the entire episode, but more importantly, we learned the science and methods behind using play as a form of therapy! We did sand tray work and created our worlds (the things most important to us), we played with bubbles and learned all about the different levels of cognitive areas in each bubble activity, we learned about feelings using monster masks and also used wiki sticks to show what we care about the most in our lives. We had to split the episode into two segments because we learned so much important information and wanted to be able to share it all with you but not have the episode be the length of a movie!!
Play is SO important for all ages, it's not just for kids!! So join us as we access our inner child and play play play!!
About our guest:
Meet Founder and Executive Director, Jacqueline. Jacqueline has devoted her life to being an advocate for children. She is a licensed social worker specializing in grief, trauma and play. Jacqueline has worked with children for over 20 years, and has been a foster parent for over 10. She founded Stand Up For Kids Olympia, WA Chapter and played a key role in supporting the start of the first THP+ Program in San Diego, CA. She has spoken and taught clinician's, teachers and other community supports in the world of grief, trauma and play for over ten years, and recently brought her passion to a new platform, THE PLAYGROUNDgr podcast. THE PLAYGROUNDgr Podcast centers around children and play, inviting local experts and leaders to share their own journeys related to healing through play. Interested in learning more about Jacqueline's leadership in our community or the world of play? Email her at jacqueline@theplaygroundgr.org
PLAYGROUNDgr is a local nonprofit, who is committed to bridging the disparities of the racial, gender, culture, and socioeconomic gaps often found in caregivers/educational institutions and community based programing around the world of play. Play based support, therapy and awareness continues to be an evidenced tool that sharpens and supports, emotional health, mental health, trauma, grief and attachment. THE PLAYGROUNDgr is tasked with ensuring all members of our community have access to free or reduce rated play workshops, trainings, play based groups and play based therapy.
https://theplaygroundgr.org/
Some helpful research on play based therapy we found fascinating to read!
https://hechingerreport.org/want-resilient-and-well-adjusted-kids-let-them-play/
https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/adults-need-recess-too-here-s-why-you-should-make-ncna887396
