Psychology, Parents & Play: Laura Hanks on Play Therapy and Family Systems

In this episode of Self Matters, host Charlie Wells interviews Laura Hanks, a specialist in play therapy and senior lecturer at the University of South Wales. Laura shares her journey into play and filial therapy, walking us through how her early career experiences in social care and psychology shaped her career. Learn more about the principles and benefits of play therapy, its applications for children with various difficulties, and the importance of involving family systems in therapy. Laura also discusses an exciting new project that she is involved with as part of her role as a board member of Association of Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ACAMH) as well as her efforts in educating future play therapists. She advocates for more trained therapists and better support for parents and siblings of children with mental health issues.

00:00 Introduction to Self Matters Podcast 
00:07 Meet Laura Hanks: Play Therapy Specialist 
00:33 Laura's Journey into Play Therapy 
03:55 Understanding Play Therapy 
09:09 Applications and Effectiveness of Play Therapy 
10:33 Outcome Measures in Play Therapy 
12:23 The Role of Family 
16:48 Challenges and Future of CAMHS Education 
18:41 ACAMH and Disseminating Best Practices 
21:41 Balancing Professional and Personal Life 
22:52 Final Thoughts