Tele-Play Therapy During a Pandemic
We are living in a scary, crazy, historical time. The uncertainty of each day is hard to tolerate while keeping a happy face for our children and clients. This is a time to quiet the anxious mind and just breathe. We need to take this time as a reset. We are being asked to stop, slow down, be home, and stay with our families. What a gift. We have been given an opportunity to challenge ourselves, to become more tolerant, more resilient, more connected.
It is easy to stay in our comfort zone, but what happens when we are not given a choice? Many of us had to quickly move to telehealth with little warning. The play therapy community stepped up courageously to share resources and support each other. It is essential to get appropriate training and understanding of telehealth for us to do our work ethically and effectively. Parents really need our support and parent coaching is important at this time. Many parents are having a harder time than their children.They have to adjust to being home with the whole family and living with the uncertainty of this situation. Many kids are enjoying this "staycation" (the first week in at least).
So, what have the children taught me in this first week of tele-play therapy?
- The relationship you have with your clients does not go away because you are not in the playroom
- Children are excited to share their home, family and pets with their therapist
- No matter what you may put on the agenda, children will find a more creative and therapeutic way. TRUST THEIR PROCESS.
- Children love being home with their families
- Children are happy to be out of school
- Children are really missing their friends
- Children do best with a routine and need time outdoors everyday.
- Children are resilient and need loving, nurturing, playful, connections.
Many of you know my passion for play therapy and for helping children and families. I knew I needed to do something to share my resources with other play therapists. I have done daily youtube videos providing support and sharing resources. You can check them out below and subscribe to my YouTube channel "Tammi Van Hollander."
Make a difference in the lives of children and earn up to 18.75 CE hours, all counting towards becoming a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) through the Association for Play Therapy.
Master play therapy skills for trauma, behavioral issues and more in this self-paced, online course – now 68% off.
Tammi Van Hollander, LCSW, RPT-S™, RST-C/T, is a licensed clinical social worker, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, and Registered Sand Therapist Consultant/Trainer with over 25 years of experience working with children, families, and individuals. She earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania and is internationally recognized for her innovative contributions to play therapy. Tammi is the author of Casey’s Greatness Wings and The Bibliotherapy Toolbox: 100+ Creative and Playful Story-Based Interventions to Help Kids Create Safety, Overcome Challenges, and Build Resiliency. She is also the creator of Greatness Sticks, a tool designed to foster resilience and self-esteem in children. A leader in the field, Tammi played a pivotal role in co-teaching the first-ever Sandtray therapy class in China, helping introduce this transformative modality to the country. She is founding board member of the World Association for Sand Therapy Professionals (WASTP), an organization dedicated to upholding the integrity of sand therapy through research, training, ethical standards, and global community building. Tammi is a sought-after international speaker and delivered her first TEDx Talk in October 2023, titled Stories in the Sand: Healing Trauma, Anxiety, and Grief.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Tammi Van Hollander is the owner of Main Line Therapy, LLC. She receives royalties as a published author. Tammi Van Hollander receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Tammi Van Hollander is a member of the Association for Play Therapy and the National Association for Social Workers. She is a board member of the World Association for Sand Therapy Professionals and a program committee chair for the Specialists of Schools.
