The Power of Play: How Play Therapy Helps Kids Heal & Communicate

Play therapy gives kids a voice when words fall short. In this episode, I’m joined by licensed counselor, play therapist, and drama therapist Katie Lear to explore how play helps children heal and communicate, and, how parents can use PRIDE skills at home with everyday play like drawing, dolls, or blocks.

We also dive into how role-play can be a powerful therapeutic tool not only for kids, but also for teens and adults: whether it’s helping neurodivergent individuals practice social cues, or supporting someone in exploring new behaviors and inner strengths through imaginative characters.

This episode is practical, playful, and deeply human, offering tools for parents, caregivers, and anyone curious about how creativity can open new doors for healing and connection.

Chapters:

0:00 An Introduction to The Power of Play

7:38 Katie’s Journey

15:57 What is Play Therapy?

19:35 What is Drama Therapy?

25:43 Role Theory

34:42 Therapeutic Benefits of Dungeons and Dragons

40:18 Therapeutic Benefits of Role-Playing & Play

48:41 What’s in a Play Therapy Room: Understanding Play Therapy Techniques

54:01 Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

55:41 P.R.I.D.E Skills: How Parents Can Play with Their Kid(s)

56:41 Defining Praise

58:41 Defining Reflect

59:53 Defining Imitate

1:00:26 Defining Describe

1:02:17 Defining Enjoy

1:11:46 The ONE thing A Child Therapist Wants Parents To Know

1:16:12 Nurture or Nature?

1:18:34 Connect with Katie

1:19:27 And How Does That Make You Feel, Katie?

1:20:40 Episode Journal Prompt

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Connect with Katie Lear:

Website: www.katielear.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katielearcounselor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katielearcounselor

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Guest Resources:

Overview | PRIDE Skills (Do’s & Don’ts): https://pcit.ucdavis.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/42_PRIDEskills-visual-learners5.16.pdf

Visual Examples | PRIDE Skills in Action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZDEF2AHwV8

Resource List | Most Common Play Therapy Toys: https://cpt.unt.edu/recommended-toy-list

Book | A Parent's Guide to Managing Childhood Grief: https://www.amazon.com/Parents-Guide-Managing-Childhood-Grief/dp/1507218370

Dungeons & Dragons Group | Young Dragon Slayers:

Website: www.youngdragonslayers.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youngdragonslayers

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youngdragonslayers

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@youngdragonslayers

Article | How D&D Improves Social-Emotional Skills: https://www.youngdragonslayers.com/d-and-d-video-blog/dnd-social-emotional-skills

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Use hashtag #AHDTMYF on all social media channels to join the conversation!

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Connect with Stori & the AHDTMYF Community:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@storileeann

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahdtmyf

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Remember To Be Kind To Yourself