Playful Beginnings
Claim This Podcastby Maggie Parker and Kristie Opiola
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Podcast Overview
<p>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 transformative relationships with children. Parents and teachers can gain insights into what play therapy is, how it works, and why- helpful if they know children who could benefit from play therapy, and for those who are not sure if it would be helpful for the children in their lives. We are excited to share with you what we do and why we do it! Welcome to the magical world of play therapy!</p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
11/15/2024
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Recent Episodes
May 25, 2026
Child Centered Play Therapy and Academic Achievement
<p>Play Heals and Helps Kids Thrive in School! 🧸📈</p><p>When people think of Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), they usually think about emotional regulation, trauma healing, and behavioral growth. But did you know it also has a massive, evidence-based impact on <strong>academic achievement</strong>?</p><p>On this week’s episode of Playful Beginnings, we are thrilled to sit down with the incredible <strong>Dr. PJ Blanco</strong> to talk about his groundbreaking research on school-based play therapy! 🎒✨</p><p>Dr. Blanco’s work bridges the gap between clinical mental health and classroom success. He shares the fascinating data behind how providing children with a safe, non-directive play environment actually unlocks their capacity to learn, focus, and thrive academically.</p><p>In this episode, we explore:</p><ul><li><strong>The Research Breakdown:</strong> Dr. Blanco dives into his studies showing statistically significant increases in academic achievement scores for children who receive CCPT.</li><li><strong>The Intrinsic Motivation Factor:</strong> How play therapy serves as a protective shield, fostering a child's internal drive to learn and self-regulate, even when facing performance anxiety.</li><li><strong>Why Traditional Academic Interventions Aren't Enough:</strong> Why focusing only on tutoring or drills misses the emotional roadblocks that keep kids from reaching their full potential.</li><li><strong>Advocating in the School System:</strong> Practical ways play therapists and school counselors can use this powerful data to advocate for play therapy clinics and funding within school districts.</li></ul><p>If you’ve ever needed the hard data to prove to an administrator, school board, or parent that play is serious work, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for! 📊💡</p><p>🎧 <strong>Tune in now!</strong> Search Playful Beginnings on your favorite podcast app or click the link in our bio to listen to our conversation with Dr. Blanco.</p><p><strong>#PlayfulBeginningsPodcast #CCPT #PlayTherapyResearch #AcademicAchievement #SchoolCounseling #EvidenceBasedPractice #PlayHeals #SchoolMentalHealth #ChildCentered</strong></p><p>This <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="ng-star-inserted" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ43aVODG94">Research Spotlight with Dr. Pedro J. Blanco</a> features the guest discussing how school-based play therapy serves as a protective factor for children's intrinsic motivation and academic success.</p>
May 18, 2026
Navigating the Hallways: Expert Tips and Techniques for CCPT in Schools
<p>Working with kids in a school setting is a whole different ballgame. Between the ringing bells, packed schedules, and the pressure of academic demands, finding the space and time to truly connect with a child can feel like a jigsaw puzzle.</p><p>In this week’s episode of Playful Beginnings, we are breaking down practical, real-world <strong>tips and tricks for working with kids within the school system</strong>! 🧩✨</p><p>Whether you are a school counselor, a play therapist splitting time between sites, or an educator looking to bring a more playful, child-centered lens into your day, this episode is packed with actionable insights.</p><p>What we’re diving into:</p><ul><li><strong>The "Time-Crunch" Strategy:</strong> How to maximize short, 20-to-30-minute sessions without making the child feel rushed.</li><li><strong>Creative Space-Saving:</strong> No dedicated playroom? No problem. We talk about how to build a mobile "play kit" that brings the therapeutic power of play to any empty office or corner.</li><li><strong>Speaking the Language of the School:</strong> Tips on how to collaborate with teachers and administrators effectively, bridging the gap between clinical needs and classroom realities.</li><li><strong>Protecting the Relationship:</strong> Navigating the unique dual-role pressures of school settings while maintaining a safe, child-centered environment.</li></ul><p>You don't need a massive, fully stocked playroom to make a massive impact. Sometimes, the most powerful tool you can bring into a school building is your own grounded, playful presence. 🧸💛</p><p>🎧 <strong>Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!</strong> Search Playful Beginnings or click the link in our bio to tune in.</p><p><strong>#PlayfulBeginningsPodcast #SchoolCounseling #PlayTherapy #SchoolMentalHealth #ChildCentered #SchoolSocialWork #PlayTherapyInSchools #CounselorLife #SupportingKids</strong></p>
May 4, 2026
Navigating CCPT in the School Space
<p>In this episode, we pivot to a topic that touches almost every practitioner: <strong>Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) in schools</strong>. Whether you are a full-time school counselor or a private practitioner connecting for an IEP meeting, the school environment brings a unique set of dynamics and challenges.</p><p></p><p>Join Dr. Christie Opiola and Dr. Maggie Parker as they share their diverse experiences working within public, private, charter, and Montessori settings. We dive into the practical (and sometimes frustrating) realities of setting up a therapeutic space within a school, including:</p><p></p><ul><li><strong>The "Banned" Toy List:</strong> How to navigate school policies that restrict aggressive toys like toy guns or knives.</li><li><strong>Creative Adaptation:</strong> How Christie convinced a principal to keep the bop bag and why she added a hair dryer to the playroom.</li><li><strong>The Clinical Impact:</strong> Why limiting materials can make it harder—and take longer—for children to play out real-world threats and social justice issues they experience.</li><li><strong>Portable Play:</strong> Tips for using portable play kits when a dedicated room isn't an option.</li></ul><p><strong>Listen now to learn how to advocate for the "magic" of play therapy within the constraints of the school system!</strong></p>
83 total episodes available
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Dr Mary Bennett
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Dr Mary Morrison Bennett
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Playful Beginnings?
<p>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 transformative relationships with children. Parents and teachers can gain insights into what play therapy is, how it works, and why- helpful if they know children who could benefit from play therapy, and for those who are not sure if it would be helpful for the children in their lives. We are excited to share with you what we do and why we do it! Welcome to the magical world of play therapy!</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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