Pondering Play and Therapy Podcast
In a world where play can be seen as frivolous or unnecessary, Julie and Philippa set out to explore its importance in our everyday lives.
Pondering play and therapy, both separately but also the inter-connectedness that play can in its own right be the very therapy we need.
Julie and Philippa have many years of experience playing, both in their extensive professional careers and their personal lives. They will share, ponder, and discuss their experiences along the way in the hope that this might invite others to join in playfulness.
Pondering Play and Therapy Podcast
Latest Episodes
EP72 Beyond Words: The Role of Metaphor in Healing Trauma; A conversation with Tim Woodhouse
Julie interviews Tim Woodhouse of Tiptoes Child Therapy Services in northwest England, a multidisciplinary practice founded in 2010, named after Janusz Korczak’s quote about “standing on tiptoes” to reach children’s feelings. They discuss worki...
EP71 Empowering Futures: Playful Sustainability Education; An interview with Louise Robertson
Philippa hosts an episode of Pondering Play and Therapy with guest Louise Robertson, founder of The Sustainables Academy (nominated for the Earthshot Prize in 2025) and a lecturer at Aberdeen University, formerly a teacher and head teacher. Lou...
EP70 Play Interruptions Explored: From Parenting to the Therapy Room, and the Moments in Between.
Philippa and Julie explore how interruptions shape children’s play and emotional wellbeing, from everyday endings like mealtimes, bedtimes and school bells to more harmful breaks when adults are distracted, unwell, or inconsistent. They discuss...
EP69 Understanding Attachment: Tools for Families and Therapists; A Conversation with Viv Norris
Julie welcomes Viv Norris, founder and CEO of the Family Place on the Welsh borders, supporting adoptive and other families across Wales and parts of England, and co-founder of Theraplay UK. Viv traces her path from intense residential therapeu...
EP68 Post-COVID Childhood Anxiety, Insights for Parents and Therapist; A Conversation with Mandy Jones-Fischer
In this episode of Pondering Play and Therapy, host Philippa welcomes back Chicago-based child therapist Mandy Jones to discuss how COVID continues to affect children and families five to six years on. Mandy shares what she’s seeing in her prac...
Fan Mail
Dear Julie and Phillipa, I am finding your new podcast so valuable to listen to. Thank you for creating this. Sending you my best wishes, Tijen O'Neill (play therapist)
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
