Some little things I think you’ll love

Welcome to the first edition of My Little Therapy Shopper!**

Each month, I plan to send you a little list of things that I and others in the community think you’ll enjoy. From therapy books and training, to resources, quotes, and anything else to support you in your life and practice. I’ll bring the cosy quirky vibes, you bring your blanket and emotional support beverage of choice.

And if you have something you think should be on the next list, let me know here – it can be something you or someone else has created, and there’s no cost to be included. In this little cosy corner of the online world, I hope to shine a light on other people who are working to make our world a little bit brighter for children, families, and us all.

Happy reading!

x Rose

** Inspired by The Springfield Shopper, the Simpson’s most beloved local newspaper with award-winning headlines such as ‘President Homer Declares World Peace’ and ‘Lisa Kicks Butt’.

We’re kicking off with the classic by Virginia Axline, and one that has impacted countless therapists throughout the years. I’m a bit late to the party (yes, I know, how can I even call myself a play therapist without having read it, but my excuse is that I was so swamped under the weight of required reading in my psychology degree that lovely little reads such as this stayed abandoned on my bookshelf for too long, sigh) but here is one gem that so exquisitely presents the power of the playroom:

“Here a child might search the silence for old sounds, shout out [their] discoveries of a self momentarily captured, and so escape from the prison of [their] uncertainties, anxieties, and fears. [They] bring into this room the impact of all the shapes and sounds and colours and movements, and rebuild [their] world, reduced to a size [they] can handle.” (page 22)

Oof, so magical.

A family recently reached out to me to see if play therapy might be a fit for their child who had received an OCD diagnosis. While their child is not yet ready for a new support (and is currently receiving specialist care) our conversation prompted me to explore more about OCD. A recommendation in the Play Therapy Trainings and Resources Facebook group led me to this regarded training on how to weave Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) into play therapy. Especially if you’re an integrative therapist, it’s worth checking out; I learnt a lot.

Something a little strange yet wonderful occurred the day before the ‘grandfather’ of Child Centered Play Therapy, Dr Garry Landreth, passed away. I was tidying the kitchen when an image flashed fleetingly through my mind. It looked a little like the photo above: Dr Landreth surrounded by grownups – therapists like you and me, and all the children he had played with over the years. They were smiling, they were joyful, and oh so thankful. It caused me to pause for a moment and reflect on his remarkable legacy.

When the news broke the next day of his departure from this dimension, every inch of every feed was filled with tributes and quotes and heartfelt images as folks shared the profound impact Dr Landreth had on their lives, their careers, their clients, their communities.

Play therapist Kylie Ellison released this special podcast episode to honor the life and legacy of Dr Landreth. It’s a lovely little listen.