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
Episode 15 Play, The Importance of representation and EMDR; An interview with Dr Chanae Mayers
It was an honour to interview Dr Mayers and hear about her journey to becoming a clinical psychologist. She talked about her experience of play and the importance of having toys, books and figures in psychology to support her aspirations. She gave a beautiful insight into her childhood growing up in the west midlands, in a big family and how she and her siblings continue the traditions of play.
Dr Mayers has a private practice, and she explained about EMDR and attachment trauma and how this can support adults in their everyday lives.
Website: https://www.mayerspsychology.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayerspsychology/
Dr Chanae Mayers is a passionate Senior Clinical Psychologist and EMDR Therapist,
specialising in trauma and attachment difficulties. She has over 5 years’ experience working
with children, young people and families within the care system. She is trained in several
therapeutic approaches including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
(EMDR), Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) and many more, helping clients to
process complex emotional experiences, build resilience and develop healthy attachment
relationships.
Driven by a passion for trauma-informed care, Dr Mayers’ private practice stems from
wanting to support adults who have experienced significant childhood trauma. Through her
work, she highlights the substantial impact of unprocessed trauma on interpersonal
relationships, friendships and professional lives. Her mission is to raise awareness of
developmental trauma and its biological impact, understanding how this leads to attachment
difficulties and impacts mental health.
Dr Mayers is deeply committed to black mental health, understanding the stigma and
barriers to accessing services within the black community. She is an advocate for addressing
intergenerational trauma, racial trauma, and the systemic challenges that contribute to
mental health disparities. Her published Thesis, Exploring the Experiences of Black Men
Through the Decision-Making Process in Secure Settings: A Qualitative Study, featured in
The Journal of Black Psychology, highlights the experiences of black men in secure inpatient
services. The study focused on biased decision-making processes related to conflict
management and their impact on black male service users. It highlights how these decisions
affect care, including seclusion, the use of restraint, and the application of the Mental Health
Act.
Dr Mayers is also dedicated to mentoring aspiring Clinical Psychologists, particularly those
from minority backgrounds. Having faced her own struggles seeing few professionals who
reflected her identity, she is passionate about reducing the barriers to entry for
underrepresented groups in Clinical Psychology and increasing diversity within the field.
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