MEMBER SPOTLIGHT


Laura Williams MSW, LCSW, RPT-S Private Practice Kamuela, HI


Tiffany Hawkins-Berry MA, LPC, RPT Private Practice Oklahoma City, OK


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How long have you been practicing Play Therapy? 29 years.


What drew you to the field of Play Therapy? My mother was a kindergarten teacher, so expressive play was


actively encouraged. When I started babysitting I brought toys and books, and found these play materials helped children feel more comfortable.


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What is your primary theoretical orientation and how you “developed” into that orientation.


The lens through which I “see” the world is developmental and attachment focused. I also incorporate neuro-developmental play activities that more fully activate both sides of the brain.


Do you have a technique that you use that you feel is unique to you or your type of clientele? If it’s not widely known, please share it.


My mentor, Marie-Jose Dhaese, emphasizes the importance of creating a play room that incorporates beauty. I offer many ways for children to interact with the natural world, and celebrate the cycles and rhythms of nature. This activates children’s senses, connects them with their inherent wholeness, and facilitates healing and recovery.


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What is the one item in the Playroom you could not live without?


The fairy house and fairies. All children are drawn to this area of the playroom. Children choose and name their fairy. Their fairies move around the playroom, and are incorporated into their art and play, reconnecting them to the imagination and magic of childhood, which often have been taken from them through trauma and loss.


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How does your personality contribute to your style of Play Therapy?


I am naturally curious and interested in exploring and understanding life. This creates a sense of safety and freedom for children to engage in their own unique healing journey.


What would you like to learn more about or develop more in your own play therapy practice?


How to more fully incorporate spiritual and cultural healing practices.


What do you do to practice Self-Care? Gardening, time with family and friends, hanging out with my


granddaughter, reading, mentoring younger play therapists, being in nature, volunteering at Church, and contemplative prayer.


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What do you do to practice Self-Care? By exploring my creativity through art, photography, and design.


Spending time with my loved ones and catching a great movie by myself.


14 PLAYTHERAPY | September 2016 | www.a4pt.org


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How long have you been practicing Play Therapy? I have been practicing play therapy for almost 2 years now.


What drew you to the field of Play Therapy? I have always had a passion for working with children. I knew at a


very young age that during my adulthood I wanted to serve, help, and inspire children and adolescents. I am very grateful to have been given an opportunity to help bring healing, insight, and hope to young lives with the use of play therapy.


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What is your primary theoretical orientation and how you “developed” into that orientation.


By having an integrative approach to therapy, it allows me to recognize the client as a unique individual and also allows me to center therapy according to my clients’ specific needs. I also enjoy the underlying concepts of psychodynamic theory and cognitive behavioral theory.


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Do you have a technique that you use that you feel is unique to you or your type of clientele? If it’s not widely known, please share it.


I enjoy utilizing all areas of the playroom including puppets, art, games, and sand play. I enjoy sand play the best.


What is the one item in the Playroom you could not live without?


The child’s imagination. It inspires hope and healing in a playroom. My arts and crafts comes in a close second.


How does your personality contribute to your style of Play Therapy?


I feel that I have an easy going and creative personality. These personality traits bring about so many possibilities for creative explorations through various forms of play and art. It also contributes to the play therapy environment by aiding in establishing trust, comfort, and openness.


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What would you like to learn more about or develop more in your own play therapy practice?


I love to learn….any new form of researched techniques and about Theraplay and Sand Tray.


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