Art in the playroom can be a challenge, especially for therapists who believe they are artistically limited. But art provides a necessary and informative outlet for children. It’s not the final product that’s important; it’s the process that counts. Being present and attuned keeps the therapist from painting themselves into a corner of insecurity and self-doubt.

1:24 Lisa introduces LFPR series

2:50 Art can be scary for play therapists

3:30 Play therapists who feel like they’re not artists

3:55 Books by Cathy Malchiodi

4:32 Windows to Our Children

5:15 Art materials are wide-ranging

5:50 You must know art materials intimately

6:30 Take the time to explore the materials in your playroom

7:38 Finding an art material that is in your window tolerance

8:50 Lessons from the Playroom Podcast 4: What Our Playroom Says About Us

10:00 What does art bring out in the child?

10:58 The importance of providing a timeframe

12:21 Why is it important to allow the art to unfold?

13:30 Symbols change over time and require us to be flexible

14:30 Children will hide things and change things in their art and reflect the relationship they have with their therapist

15:00 It’s important to be in the process with the child

15:39 Why is it vital not to interpret art brought in from home?

17:30 How does the nervous system play a role?

17:50 Attuning right brain to right brain

18:30 Regulating yourself

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