The Trainee Play Therapist Diaries

Ever wondered what a working day looks like for a Play Therapist? I take you through my day as a recently qualified therapist. Where I work, how I fit organise my day and the realities of balancing therapy sessions, paperwork and how I run my own practice. Come along and join me!

Today’s episode is all about securing work! I’m very much at the beginning of my self employed journey so I talk about the different avenues I have tried, what has been successful so far (and what hasn’t!) and what I plan to try next. If you’re about to qualify or already an established play therapist, have a listen, I’d love to hear your thoughts 💭

This week I have been reflecting on my biggest takeaways from my journey to becoming a Play Therapist. I share some honest insights into things I’ve learned and where I’ve stumbled. I hope it inspires your own training reflections 🪞

This episode is a little more personal. I’m sharing my own journey into play therapy and how I ended up here. I talk about my own history and experiences and why this path feels so important to me. I share the ups and downs of training, self-doubt, growth and hopefully the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s an honest episode about self discovery and taking the leap!

Today’s episode is all about process diaries ✨ I’m sharing my take on them as a trainee play therapist. What I included in mine, how to write them and how they support personal growth and our work as therapists. I’ll also be offering a few simple, practical tips which helped me make the most of my own process diaries. If you’re wondering what process diaries are all about, this one’s for you!

In this episode I talk all about Play Therapy Diploma Training, what it involves, the boundaries and how it differs from Certificate training. If you are ready to take the next step in your Play Therapy journey it may be worth a listen 😊

This episode is all about the little (and not-so-little) practical things that have made my life easier as a trainee. As I near the end of my training journey, I wanted to share some of the strategies and habits that have helped lighten the load. Some might seem obvious, others hopefully a bit more useful but I hope there’s at least one thing here that makes your life a little easier too.

Placements don’t always go to plan. In this episode I talk honestly about some of the challenges that can come up once placements are up and running. Being a trainee isn’t always easy, but you’re not alone. Today I talk about what can come up and how to navigate it.

🎙️ In today’s episode I answer some of the questions I’ve had from my lovely listeners this week. The first one focuses on how to go about finding work and I’ll share some of my experiences with you. The second question is around the value of play therapy with older children and how the process may differ. Hope you enjoy!

In this episode, I dive into what parents, carers and teachers often expect from play therapy and how those expectations compare with what actually happens in the therapy room. Reality can look very different!

Today’s episode explores the power of reflection in the playroom why we use it, how it supports children therapeutically and its impact. I also share my own experiences of using reflection, including what I’ve learned along the way and some of the common stumbling blocks I’ve encountered as a trainee play therapist.

Today’s episode is something I’ve been thinking about lot about lately. I delve a little deeper into my own beliefs and discuss how these different strategies work in the playroom, when to use them and how I feel about working in different ways. I’d love to know how you feel about working in the directive and non-directive and how it has affected your practice.

🧾 In today’s episode I describe some of the things I am currently doing to become a working Play Therapist. Taking those first steps into the world of the self employed can be confusing and a bit daunting! Taxes, websites, contracts, policies, the list goes on 😵‍💫 I hope listening to my process can help you with yours 😊

In this episode I wade through some of the grey areas when it comes to gaining paid employment as a trainee. Yes, it is possible! I discuss the correct protocol, being ethical with your work and the process I have been through, to hopefully give you a clearer idea of what we are allowed to do as trainees and best practice. If you’re approaching this stage at your journey give it a listen 🎧

This week’s episode is a reflection about what this year has taught me as a trainee play therapist. The mistakes I’ve made, the doubts that have plagued me and the learning I’m taking forward into the year ahead.

🎄 This week’s episode is a Christmas special for trainee play therapists who are crawling to the end of term, slightly over-caffeinated, emotionally full and wondering how to get through the rest of December. In the words of Mariah 🎶 All I Want for Christmas is… less deadlines, more toys (!), less imposter syndrome and more me time 😂 Have a listen while you’re wrapping presents, avoiding assign...

A Beginner’s Guide to the Play Therapy Toolkit In this episode of The Trainee Play Therapist Diaries, I’m opening up my toolkit and taking you behind the scenes of what I use in the playroom — and why it matters. I’m sharing: 🎨 What a play therapy toolkit actually is 📚 Where I got mine and how it’s grown over time 🐻 My most-used tools (and my personal favourites!) and least used. Whether you’re...

In this episode, I talk honestly about the ways play therapy training has influenced my parenting. I share how I’m learning to slow down, listen more and really think about what might be behind my children’s behaviour as well as the guilt and reflection that’s come with looking back at how I used to parent. I also speak about the reality of it all: I’m still busy, still human and I definitely don’...

Think play therapy is just “playing”? Think again! In this episode I break down the biggest myths about play therapy, reveal what really happens in sessions and explore how it truly supports children’s emotional growth. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or fellow therapist this one’s for you. Listen now and get the real story behind the toys 🎧

In this episode, I talk honestly about some of the challenges I’ve faced during my play therapy training. Join me as I discuss my frustrations and fears, I break down five key struggles that have shaped my journey so far. If you’re training too, or simply curious about what the process is really like this episode gives a realistic look at the ups, downs and learning curves of becoming a play thera...

Many Play Therapists will experience those moments where a child is wary, resistant, withdrawn or vocal about their feelings. In this episode, I talk about holding space, respecting boundaries, and understanding what may be behind this. Because trust takes time. ⏳💚

Hey everyone 💛 this week’s episode is a little check-in from me. I’m sharing where I’m at right now in my training, in life and as I start to build my play therapy business. It’s been a time of so much learning and growth and I wanted to take a moment to pause and share what’s been going on, what I’ve learned and what’s coming next. 🌿 🎧 Have a listen if you’d like to catch up and of my journey...

🎙️ In this episode I explore one of the challenges which I’ve encountered in play therapy, when a child wants to bring something into the playroom or take something home. What are the reasons? How can we respond with empathy while maintaining clear boundaries? And some practical ideas for when this happens… Whether you’re a trainee, a therapist, or simply curious about the inner workings of play t...

🌱 This week on The Trainee Play Therapist Diaries, I sit down with experienced Play Therapy supervisor Naomi Kernighan to explore the heart of supervision. 💚 We talk about how supervision works, how to get the most from it as a trainee and Naomi gives some excellent advice and wisdom that only comes from years in the playroom.

🌟 New Episode Alert! 🌟 Join me for a peek into what a typical day looks like for me as a trainee Play Therapist. I’m sharing everything from school drop-offs to sand trays, supervision to swimming lessons and how I juggle it all. Plus, I’ve included a few little tips and tricks that help me make it all work ✨