MEMBER STORYTELLING B


Embracing 


| REENA FREEMAN, PSYD


eing a female raised by somewhat non-traditional parents contributes largely to how I understand the


Indian


complexities of diversity, inclusion, and equity in play therapy. Having been raised in a family that marries the values of Indian culture with those of the dominant culture in one of the most diverse states in           belonging have deepened my understanding of and appreciation for a holistic view of diversity. In addition to my own cultural story,         for Play Therapy, has been integral to the feeling of belonging in the various domains of my life including my family, friends, community and profession.


“How did you get into this,” is an often-asked question by those who learn of my involvement in play therapy. My curiosity about human behavior was ignited during high school. After earning my undergraduate degree in Psychology, I had my plan and mapped a path for my journey.


I earned my Master of Arts in Forensic


Psychology and started my doctorate program. And, as tends to happen, forks in the road provided me with thought-provoking respites from the original path. In these moments, I found myself adjusting my plan to better manage the terrain – an evolution of goals and change in direction. At one particular juncture, I saw an announcement for a play therapy workshop held by one of my graduate school professors. Sometimes our foundation is shaken in transformative ways. Stepping into that workshop not only expanded the course of my graduate study focus, but ultimately my career. Best. Decision. Ever.


The transition to a path newly focused on play therapy allowed me                    including use in yoga, and is related to play, playfulness, creativity.       progress over the past few decades has turned the once male-          now outnumber male therapists. I remember being asked, “You want to study what!? Why?” or “You do what for a living?” While disparities continue to exist in an ever-changing and evolving world, we have


38 | PLAYTHERAPY | June 2022 | www.a4pt.org


experienced growth. This evolution was borne out of societal and professional necessities for health, prevention, and the overall well- being of children. The world is much more aware of play therapy today. Health professionals, educators, parents, and hospitality staff at our conferences not only know of play therapy, but also have heart- warming stories of how it has left an indelible mark upon their lives. My students divulge that our discourse during lectures has been the catalyst for pursuing their dreams of working with children. Because      knowledge and experiences from an increasing number of research studies, articles, educational programs in colleges and universities, and trainings.


Throughout the fourteen years of my membership in APT, I have witnessed a growth of diversity beyond the usual categories. While I may not see many who look like me or have had my life experience, I have felt a sense belonging in yet another community. I recognize that I might not have the same goals as before, the path is not as I had planned, and I have evolved personally and professionally. I whole-heartedly embrace that life can take us to unexpected places, that we reach our destinations with the many small steps taken along the way, and detours still take us places. I am proud to be a part of an organization that embraces the complexities of diversity and integrates them with the mission, values, and goals of APT and our work as play therapists. Along with belonging, my membership 


ABOUT THEMEMBER


Reena Freeman, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Psychology, MA in Forensic Psychology, and MA in Clinical Psychology. She’s an adjunct professor and active member of APT, serving on the APT Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Awareness Team (IDEA Team) and in other leadership roles. reena@palmettofamilyworks.com


CLINICAL EDITOR’S COMMENTS:


 


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