Play Sense

21/12/2025

Endings can be sad with experiences of mixed emotions. Finished my work being based at Mana therapy hub as Play Sene. It was a big day yesterday, moving out my play therapy room and packing up the toys. Lots of memories & incredible stories told by children and their families.

All good things come to an end and sometimes lead to new adventures.

I am looking forward to 2026.. Watch this space for new beginnings for play sense and also looking forawd to continuing my work at Stabd Tū Maia.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas and new year.

25/11/2025

Beautiful said

Cultural attunement isn’t a destination, it’s a lifelong process. In play therapy, it means meeting each child and family with empathy, curiosity and humility, recognising that our understanding is always evolving.

By staying open to difference and aware of our own cultural lenses, we create spaces where every child feels respected, seen and safe to express their full self. Cultural attunement deepens connection reminding us that true healing grows from being understood within our own context.

® International Consortium of Play Therapy Associations

24/10/2025

Genius - so wonderful

09/08/2025

Recipe for a Play Therapist

Ingredients:

2 heaped cups of empathy

1 strong foundation in child development

3 generous scoops of patience

1 cup of creativity (rainbows and puppets optional)

½ cup of humour (to laugh with, never at)

A pinch of therapeutic limits

4 tablespoons of active listening

A splash of imagination

Endless sprinkles of curiosity

Essential: a calming voice and a warm smile

Instructions:

1. Start with empathy as your base — it’s the heart of every good play therapist. Mix in a solid understanding of developmental psychology to give your work structure and depth.

2. Stir in patience and creativity slowly. These will help you connect with children at their own pace, in their own world.

3. Fold in humour to help ease anxiety and build rapport. Just a pinch can bring light to even the most difficult sessions.

4. Add your listening skills, being sure to include both what is said and what is shown through play.

5. Season with imagination and curiosity. Let the child lead — your job is to follow, understand, and reflect their world.

6. Top with a warm, consistent presence. Children thrive on predictability and safety, so your steady, genuine approach is the glue that holds it all together.

7. Let it simmer over time. Progress is slow-cooked, never rushed.

Serves: One child at a time — with care, compassion, and connection.

06/08/2025

So true

Credit: 💗

20/07/2025

Parents and carers are often key to observing changing behaviours of their children as they know them best. They can see what may be out of character or what may be unusual behaviour. The question we can ask ourselves is what is behind this and how can we help. Early recognition, if there is a known problem, worry or emotional struggle and search for support can be valuable to them and you, as parents/carers.