In this episode of Development Download, Erin and Lisa sit down with Marie Bonner-Horon, counselor and owner of Ways of Play, to explore the transformative impact of play therapy for children. Marie shares how play serves as a child’s natural language—and how therapists can use it to support emotional regulation, processing, and connection.

We dive into how play therapy complements occupational and speech therapy, especially when addressing challenges like sensory processing, impulsivity, social skills, and emotional regulation. This conversation highlights the importance of meeting children where they are, following their lead, and building strong, trusting relationships through play.

Whether you're a therapist, educator, or parent, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how play can be a powerful tool for growth—an ...