Playful Beginnings

Playful Beginnings

Video Podcast

by Maggie Parker and Kristie Opiola

Mental Health Relationships

Season 1

Child Parent Relationship Therapy

Do you want to include families in your work with children? Are you interested in learning more about how CCPT aligns with family work? In this episode, Kristie and Maggie share insights into Child Parent Relationship Therapy, a way of working with caregivers and families from a child centered perspective. Listen to this episode of Playful Beginnings! playtherapyspace.com

Working with families through Play!

Do you struggle to incorporate kids into family therapy? Do you feel like kids are less engaged in the family therapy process? It is likely because their developmental needs aren't being met. Listen to the latest episode of Playful Beginnings to gain insights into family play therapy and how to incorporate families in developmentally appropriate ways!

Finding a CCPT Supervisor

Are you stuck without a supervisor? Are you not sure how to go about finding a supervisor that aligns with your views of children? Or a play therapy supervisor? In this episode of Playful Beginnings, Kristie and Maggie explore supervision in play therapy, questions they encourage their students to ask supervisors, and aspects to consider when both providing and receiving play therapy supervision. Enjoy! @playfulbeginnings playtherapyspace.com

Working with Parents

How do you "convince" parents that CCPT works? How do you share with parents how you see their child's growth in the playroom? We answer these questions and more on this episode of Playful Beginnings, we answer supervisee's questions regarding how to work with parents. Enjoy! @playfulbeginnings @playtherapyspace playtherapyspace.com

Relating to Parents Through CCPT

Are you a play therapist and a parent? Do you sometimes struggle being child-centered all the time? Or to see your kids from your child-centered perspective? In this episode, Maggie opens up about her struggles as a parent and the helpful ways Kristie shares how she helps Maggie reframe from a CCPT perspective.

Responding to: We had a horrible therapy experience, all they did was PLAY!

Do you sometimes feel caught off guard when parents report they do not want their kids to "just play" in therapy? Are you unsure how to respond? Do you struggle with wanting to defend yourself but not sure how to do so? In this episode, Kristie and Maggie answer a listener's question: What do I say when a parent shares they had a terrible experience in therapy because all the child did was play? We share personal experiences and insights from our practice, as well as how we work with students and supervisees, to help them respond effectively. Listen and enjoy! Find us at playtherapyspace.com

Welcome to Dr. Rachel Altvater

🎙️ New Episode Alert! We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Rachel Altvater to Playful Beginnings! 💛 In this episode, we dive into the power of presence, play, and connection in the therapy room. Dr. Altvater brings her wisdom on integrating technology, co-regulation, and authentic attunement into work with children—and how therapists can show up fully, even when the work gets messy. Whether you’re a clinician, parent, or teacher, this one’s packed with insight you don’t want to miss. 🎧 Available now wherever you listen to podcasts! 🔗 [Insert link here] #PlayfulBeginningsPodcast #DrRachelAltvater #PlayTherapy #ChildTherapy #TherapistCommunity #CoRegulation #TechAndTherapy #PresenceMatters #MentalHealthForKids

Part two: Going Deeper with Dr. Rachel Altvater

🎙️ Episode 2 — Tech, Play, & Presence: A Conversation with Dr. Rachel Altvater In this episode of Playful Beginnings, we sit down with Dr. Rachel Altvater, licensed psychologist, registered play therapist supervisor, and leading voice on the integration of technology in child therapy. Dr. Altvater brings her signature clarity and compassion to a conversation about how modern therapists can thoughtfully incorporate technology into their work without losing the heart of play therapy. From virtual sandtrays to avatar-based interventions, we explore what’s possible when digital tools are used intentionally—and how therapists can still show up with presence and attunement in virtual spaces. 💡 In this episode, we explore: The ethical and clinical considerations of using tech in play therapy How to preserve core CCPT principles in a digital environment Strategies for building connection and co-regulation online How to manage screen fatigue—for both kids and therapists The difference between digitally replacing and digitally enhancing the therapeutic process Whether you're navigating telehealth, supporting digitally immersed children, or simply curious about how to hold space across a screen, this episode will ground you in what matters most: relationship, presence, and play. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. #PlayfulBeginningsPodcast #RachelAltvater #TechAndTherapy #PlayTherapyOnline #ChildCenteredPlayTherapy #VirtualPlayroom #TherapistTools #MentalHealthForKids #PresenceOverPerfection

Supporting Children through Grief and Loss with Dr. Jenifer Balch

🎙️ New Episode: Supporting Grieving Children After the Texas Floods with Drs. Jenifer Balch, Kristie Opiola, and Maggie Parker In this powerful episode of Playful Beginnings, we come together in the wake of the devastating floods in Texas to talk about how children experience grief—and how parents, teachers, and communities can show up to support them. Dr. Jenifer Balch, an expert in grief and trauma, joins Dr. Kristie Opiola and Dr. Maggie Parker to share insights into the ways children may express loss through behavior, play, and silence. Together, we explore the unique ways grief shows up in childhood and how adults can respond with presence, compassion, and developmentally appropriate care. From creating space for big feelings to offering consistent routines and emotional safety, this episode offers practical, heartfelt guidance for anyone walking alongside grieving children. Whether you're a caregiver, educator, or mental health professional, this conversation is a reminder: you don't have to fix grief—you just have to be willing to witness it. 🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and playtherapyspace.com #ChildGrief #TexasFloods #SupportingChildren #PlayTherapy #GriefAndLoss #PlayfulBeginningsPodcast #MentalHealthSupport #CommunityCare #DrJeniferBalch #DrKristieOpiola #DrMaggieParker #PlayHeals Ask ChatGPT

Chaos in the Playroom: Part one

Do your kiddos sometimes feel out of control? Or do they move from one activity to the next? Do you struggle in maintaining calm and connection when there is chaos in the room? In this episode, Drs. Kristie and Maggie explore how kids can show up in the play therapy space and how they maintain their "be with" attitudes to ensure children feel safe, secure, and understood. Next week, we will explore examples of chaos and the skills we use to continue engaging authentically and therapeutically. Enjoy!

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