159 | How Child-Centered Principles Transformed My Art Classroom: Gabby's Transformation Story

0
00:00:00,409 --> 00:00:03,079
You're listening to the Play Therapy Podcast with Dr

1
00:00:03,190 --> 00:00:08,090
Brenna Hicks. Your source for centered and focused play therapy coaching.

2
00:00:08,148 --> 00:00:10,430
Hi, I'm Dr. Brenna Hicks, The Kid Counselor.

3
00:00:10,439 --> 00:00:14,100
This is the Play Therapy Podcast where you get a master class in child-centered,

4
00:00:14,109 --> 00:00:14,989
play therapy

5
00:00:15,109 --> 00:00:17,379
and practical support and application for your

6
00:00:17,389 --> 00:00:18,969
work with children and their families.

7
00:00:19,700 --> 00:00:20,809
In today's episode,

8
00:00:20,819 --> 00:00:25,170
we are on track to do another Q and A and I've actually been getting a lot

9
00:00:25,180 --> 00:00:29,139
of feedback from y'all lately about how much you value and appreciate the Q and A s.

10
00:00:29,409 --> 00:00:29,850
So,

11
00:00:29,860 --> 00:00:32,279
I'm so glad that you find them helpful and I'm glad

12
00:00:32,290 --> 00:00:34,490
that we're able to do that on a weekly basis.

13
00:00:34,500 --> 00:00:39,080
So keep sending me your, your questions. If you are wanting me to answer,

14
00:00:39,299 --> 00:00:45,500
you could also call and leave a message on my call in line 813-812-5525.

15
00:00:45,509 --> 00:00:48,369
Or you can email me brenna@thekidcounselor.com.

16
00:00:48,834 --> 00:00:50,884
My lightning rounds help me catch up.

17
00:00:50,895 --> 00:00:53,974
So thanks for indulging a very long lightning round last week,

18
00:00:54,205 --> 00:00:57,645
but that actually got me mostly caught up on my questions.

19
00:00:57,654 --> 00:01:01,064
So thanks for your patience. If you submitted one and had to wait a little bit

20
00:01:01,334 --> 00:01:01,775
I'm,

21
00:01:01,784 --> 00:01:03,854
I'm trying to monitor those a little bit better and

22
00:01:03,865 --> 00:01:05,855
I'll probably do more lightning rounds in the future.

23
00:01:05,864 --> 00:01:06,665
However,

24
00:01:06,705 --> 00:01:10,455
I'm deviating from my Q and A Thursday because we have

25
00:01:10,464 --> 00:01:13,714
another transformation story that I want to share with you all.

26
00:01:13,724 --> 00:01:15,415
So if you all remember a while back,

27
00:01:15,544 --> 00:01:17,154
I read Nathan's email

28
00:01:17,739 --> 00:01:20,419
and that was under the transformation stories

29
00:01:20,599 --> 00:01:22,709
and this is another one that I was just so

30
00:01:22,720 --> 00:01:25,510
excited to read and I was given permission to share.

31
00:01:25,599 --> 00:01:29,370
So I wanted to make you all aware of the amazing.

32
00:01:29,379 --> 00:01:30,569
See you all you,

33
00:01:30,580 --> 00:01:33,370
you hear me tell you that people email me and I'm so

34
00:01:33,379 --> 00:01:36,370
grateful when I get to hear from you all over the world,

35
00:01:36,529 --> 00:01:39,970
but you don't actually read the emails, you don't actually receive the emails

36
00:01:40,370 --> 00:01:46,739
y'all. This is, this is what fills me up. I'm so deeply grateful

37
00:01:46,849 --> 00:01:51,589
when you all email me and share what's going on with how child-centered play therapy

38
00:01:51,599 --> 00:01:55,370
is changing your lives and changing the lives of your kids and your families.

39
00:01:55,379 --> 00:01:55,589
And

40
00:01:55,970 --> 00:02:00,750
it, it is just, it fills me up and this is one of those emails. So

41
00:02:01,019 --> 00:02:04,480
Gabby gave me permission to share and I want to let

42
00:02:04,489 --> 00:02:07,900
you in on this email because it just makes me smile.

43
00:02:08,029 --> 00:02:10,070
Gabby is in South Africa.

44
00:02:10,639 --> 00:02:12,529
So hello to all my South Africans.

45
00:02:12,539 --> 00:02:14,000
I have a special place in my heart for you

46
00:02:14,009 --> 00:02:17,000
all because I had South Africans in my dissertation study

47
00:02:17,350 --> 00:02:20,080
and got to watch play sessions in Afrikaans.

48
00:02:20,279 --> 00:02:22,199
So that was amazing.

49
00:02:22,210 --> 00:02:26,050
And I'm so grateful for that experience with all of you on the other side of the world.

50
00:02:26,059 --> 00:02:26,380
So

51
00:02:26,720 --> 00:02:30,830
shout out to my South African audience. I'm happy to have you and Gabby.

52
00:02:30,839 --> 00:02:32,699
Thank you so much for sending this email.

53
00:02:32,710 --> 00:02:37,529
So let me read you all what she said and then I'll share some final thoughts too.

54
00:02:38,470 --> 00:02:41,050
Hi, Brenna. I just wanted to say thank you for your work.

55
00:02:41,550 --> 00:02:43,800
I'm an art teacher in South Africa with

56
00:02:43,809 --> 00:02:46,889
a specific interest in using art therapeutically.

57
00:02:47,339 --> 00:02:50,360
I'm not an art therapist though. I wish I was.

58
00:02:50,539 --> 00:02:53,979
And I came across your podcast, quite by accident.

59
00:02:54,360 --> 00:02:55,889
I'm pausing from reading

60
00:02:56,830 --> 00:02:59,350
so many of you say that to me. And

61
00:02:59,460 --> 00:03:03,789
I just, I find that humorous because there are no accidents, right?

62
00:03:04,050 --> 00:03:06,100
And CCPT finds us.

63
00:03:06,360 --> 00:03:11,350
So, you know, when, when we stumble on something by accident, it's purposed.

64
00:03:11,539 --> 00:03:16,449
And so I love it when there's like these happy little surprises to quote Bob Ross,

65
00:03:16,460 --> 00:03:16,809
right?

66
00:03:17,320 --> 00:03:20,990
So I'm back to the email. I came across your podcast quote by accident.

67
00:03:21,559 --> 00:03:23,699
And I've almost finished listening to both

68
00:03:23,710 --> 00:03:26,580
your therapist series and your parenting series.

69
00:03:26,589 --> 00:03:28,699
Well, overachieving Gabby, look at that.

70
00:03:29,070 --> 00:03:31,960
When I started listening, I felt that I'd come home.

71
00:03:32,649 --> 00:03:33,350
Isn't that true?

72
00:03:33,360 --> 00:03:37,830
Y'all, don't we feel like we came home when we found child-centered play therapy?

73
00:03:37,839 --> 00:03:38,990
We all feel that way.

74
00:03:40,330 --> 00:03:45,860
It all made such sense to me and a whole lot of things that I do and believe

75
00:03:46,149 --> 00:03:47,690
fell into place.

76
00:03:47,880 --> 00:03:51,789
It feels like my teaching is already quite aligned with what you're saying.

77
00:03:52,000 --> 00:03:56,889
But having the right words, structure and insight has changed my teaching.

78
00:03:57,479 --> 00:03:58,589
Listen to this y'all,

79
00:03:58,699 --> 00:04:02,990
this is an art teacher. OK? I I'm gonna reiterate that again because that matters.

80
00:04:03,000 --> 00:04:03,990
This is not

81
00:04:04,490 --> 00:04:06,809
in a playroom, this is not play therapy.

82
00:04:06,820 --> 00:04:11,089
This is an instructor in a school teaching art. OK. Listen,

83
00:04:11,720 --> 00:04:15,070
giving choices. It revolutionizes the classroom.

84
00:04:15,509 --> 00:04:18,850
I see a huge difference in the children just from feeling

85
00:04:18,858 --> 00:04:22,160
like they have more control and can make their own choices.

86
00:04:23,230 --> 00:04:24,010
That's why we do it.

87
00:04:24,880 --> 00:04:27,059
Limit setting has also been amazing.

88
00:04:27,459 --> 00:04:31,480
I find I no longer have to use the word no or don't,

89
00:04:31,779 --> 00:04:36,059
which automatically gives children something to push back against

90
00:04:37,109 --> 00:04:42,279
tables are not for climbing on is so clear and neutral and calm

91
00:04:42,540 --> 00:04:46,459
that I find the kids get it immediately and it makes sense to them.

92
00:04:47,630 --> 00:04:50,679
Age appropriate limits. That's exactly why we do what we do,

93
00:04:51,739 --> 00:04:57,299
reflecting feelings I was doing but definitely not as successfully as I am now.

94
00:04:57,899 --> 00:05:02,829
And letting the children take the lead by following and reflecting their feelings,

95
00:05:02,839 --> 00:05:06,209
creates a phenomenal sense of flow in the classroom.

96
00:05:06,220 --> 00:05:08,559
As the children direct the process.

97
00:05:09,200 --> 00:05:11,369
Listen to this. This is gold.

98
00:05:12,059 --> 00:05:14,380
I just have to hold the space.

99
00:05:14,750 --> 00:05:15,920
Pay attention

100
00:05:16,079 --> 00:05:17,760
and follow where they're going.

101
00:05:18,950 --> 00:05:20,079
That's what we do, right?

102
00:05:20,350 --> 00:05:23,450
We hold the space we pay attention and we follow their lead.

103
00:05:23,769 --> 00:05:26,470
That's child center play therapy in one sentence. I love it.

104
00:05:26,899 --> 00:05:31,200
Interestingly reflecting the feelings of one child seems to help

105
00:05:31,209 --> 00:05:35,369
the others in the class develop a vocabulary of emotions too

106
00:05:35,500 --> 00:05:37,399
and understand each other better,

107
00:05:38,399 --> 00:05:41,540
increased emotional vocabulary and increased emotional IQ

108
00:05:42,739 --> 00:05:46,239
there seems to be a greater sense of compassion among them.

109
00:05:46,980 --> 00:05:48,559
So, thank you. Thank you.

110
00:05:48,750 --> 00:05:52,730
I would love to be a play therapist but don't have the qualifications.

111
00:05:52,910 --> 00:05:58,890
But I know that what I can do in the classroom is of huge value and benefit to my kids.

112
00:05:59,179 --> 00:06:03,989
I've shared your podcast with the staff at my school and everyone who has a child.

113
00:06:04,459 --> 00:06:05,630
Such amazing work.

114
00:06:05,640 --> 00:06:07,859
Thank you for explaining it so clearly and

115
00:06:07,869 --> 00:06:10,279
for sharing your knowledge with such generosity.

116
00:06:14,369 --> 00:06:16,220
You know, I can't get through one of these without crying.

117
00:06:16,230 --> 00:06:17,720
So thanks for bearing with me.

118
00:06:18,320 --> 00:06:22,820
I'm wondering if you realize how much impact your work has and all around the world.

119
00:06:24,649 --> 00:06:25,279
And then

120
00:06:26,320 --> 00:06:30,190
she added in another subsequent email after she gave me permission

121
00:06:31,750 --> 00:06:35,850
yesterday, I said to a little boy who is extremely disruptive in class,

122
00:06:36,109 --> 00:06:38,489
you can choose to settle down and do art

123
00:06:38,640 --> 00:06:41,290
or you can choose to go and sit with the principal.

124
00:06:42,299 --> 00:06:44,519
It was like a light bulb, went on for him.

125
00:06:44,529 --> 00:06:48,350
He paused, made direct eye contact with me and said,

126
00:06:48,760 --> 00:06:50,920
oh, of course, I choose to stay here

127
00:06:51,989 --> 00:06:56,329
and his behavior was perfectly acceptable for the rest of the session,

128
00:06:56,910 --> 00:06:58,890
I have so many stories like that.

129
00:06:58,899 --> 00:06:59,489
Now,

130
00:06:59,500 --> 00:07:01,929
when I want to jump up and down with excitement

131
00:07:01,940 --> 00:07:05,529
because it's working for me and my classes are calmer,

132
00:07:05,540 --> 00:07:09,010
but mostly because I can see how it's working for the kids

133
00:07:09,579 --> 00:07:13,459
and it's not just a tool that makes my life as a teacher better.

134
00:07:13,510 --> 00:07:18,000
It helps the kids be actively involved in what's happening in the classroom.

135
00:07:18,019 --> 00:07:19,649
I could go on forever.

136
00:07:20,839 --> 00:07:22,239
And then finally,

137
00:07:23,250 --> 00:07:27,489
I've been inspired to start something I've wanted to do for a very long time.

138
00:07:27,500 --> 00:07:30,190
But I didn't feel that I had all the tools until now.

139
00:07:30,410 --> 00:07:32,730
It's called art play for kids,

140
00:07:32,739 --> 00:07:36,850
which is about boosting confidence and helping with inner resilience,

141
00:07:36,859 --> 00:07:40,950
giving them the chance to express themselves through non verbal play.

142
00:07:41,209 --> 00:07:44,429
It's not therapy but using what I've learned from you,

143
00:07:44,440 --> 00:07:47,029
I'm sure it's going to make a difference in kids' lives.

144
00:07:47,739 --> 00:07:50,720
Gabby. Thank you so much for emailing that to me.

145
00:07:50,730 --> 00:07:53,200
Thank you for being willing to share it with the audience.

146
00:07:53,690 --> 00:07:56,760
And here's what I know my audience

147
00:07:57,149 --> 00:07:57,720
is

148
00:07:58,130 --> 00:08:00,380
vast and broad and all over the world.

149
00:08:00,390 --> 00:08:04,480
And so many of you either are formerly from schools

150
00:08:04,489 --> 00:08:07,880
or are still actively doing play therapy in schools.

151
00:08:08,769 --> 00:08:12,989
And for every teacher, for every principal, for every parent,

152
00:08:13,000 --> 00:08:16,470
for every guidance counselor, for every you name it.

153
00:08:16,679 --> 00:08:17,869
That questions

154
00:08:18,179 --> 00:08:20,750
whether child-centered play therapy works,

155
00:08:21,109 --> 00:08:24,510
whether it is appropriate in a classroom, whether

156
00:08:24,619 --> 00:08:27,019
teachers should implement these skills,

157
00:08:27,029 --> 00:08:30,950
whether kids can actually self regulate without being directed,

158
00:08:31,160 --> 00:08:35,369
whatever push back, whatever question, whatever is going on

159
00:08:35,510 --> 00:08:38,119
when we are interacting with people outside

160
00:08:38,200 --> 00:08:40,349
of the child-centered play therapy field.

161
00:08:41,558 --> 00:08:47,359
This is pretty much the most effective testament that I could possibly create

162
00:08:47,789 --> 00:08:53,969
for the value of the child-centered principles in interacting with kids period.

163
00:08:54,599 --> 00:08:58,239
It doesn't matter the environment, it doesn't matter what's going on.

164
00:08:58,250 --> 00:09:01,229
It doesn't matter where we are, it doesn't matter what the issues are.

165
00:09:01,849 --> 00:09:03,479
Child-centered, play therapy,

166
00:09:03,789 --> 00:09:06,460
tools and principles are effective.

167
00:09:06,770 --> 00:09:08,640
They're developmentally appropriate,

168
00:09:09,229 --> 00:09:10,780
they're kid friendly

169
00:09:11,539 --> 00:09:13,750
and they respect the child's

170
00:09:14,190 --> 00:09:16,119
capacity to handle

171
00:09:16,429 --> 00:09:17,679
interacting with us.

172
00:09:18,809 --> 00:09:20,549
And Gabby. Thank you.

173
00:09:20,559 --> 00:09:24,309
I'm so excited that you're going to start this art play program.

174
00:09:24,340 --> 00:09:28,250
I'm so excited that you have seen such improvement in your classrooms.

175
00:09:28,520 --> 00:09:32,270
This is the beauty of the child-centered model.

176
00:09:32,960 --> 00:09:34,570
It just works

177
00:09:34,770 --> 00:09:35,979
and it's good.

178
00:09:36,200 --> 00:09:39,770
It, it, it makes the entire relationship

179
00:09:39,919 --> 00:09:42,099
more important than anything else.

180
00:09:42,140 --> 00:09:46,140
And really what I read, Gabby in that entire email, what I read

181
00:09:46,369 --> 00:09:47,049
is

182
00:09:47,390 --> 00:09:50,770
you are preserving the relationship with those students

183
00:09:51,299 --> 00:09:53,700
because you are treating them with kindness and

184
00:09:53,710 --> 00:09:56,390
with respect and with love and with dignity

185
00:09:56,919 --> 00:09:58,739
and they're responding in kind

186
00:09:59,260 --> 00:10:03,450
because you understand where they are, you understand they're emotional,

187
00:10:03,460 --> 00:10:06,460
you understand the child-centered principles

188
00:10:06,890 --> 00:10:10,500
and therefore your interaction with them says I'm here. I hear you.

189
00:10:10,510 --> 00:10:12,559
I understand I care and I delight in you.

190
00:10:14,599 --> 00:10:16,169
That is why

191
00:10:16,479 --> 00:10:22,010
the relationship is the most important thing and it's written all over that email.

192
00:10:22,159 --> 00:10:24,750
So I hope that that encourages you for those of you that are in

193
00:10:24,760 --> 00:10:29,690
schools share this episode with everybody in the school system that you are,

194
00:10:30,030 --> 00:10:32,109
you know, you even consider they would listen.

195
00:10:32,250 --> 00:10:33,380
Please share this,

196
00:10:33,570 --> 00:10:38,719
help them see the value of child-centered principles in the classroom

197
00:10:38,729 --> 00:10:41,130
because we know the value of it in the playroom.

198
00:10:41,349 --> 00:10:45,530
But sometimes people outside of our space need to see what this looks like,

199
00:10:45,539 --> 00:10:47,710
practically speaking in other environments.

200
00:10:47,859 --> 00:10:53,169
So, Gabby, thank you so much transformation stories. It's one of my favorites.

201
00:10:53,179 --> 00:10:54,219
If you have one,

202
00:10:54,419 --> 00:10:56,130
if you have

203
00:10:56,549 --> 00:10:58,770
witnessed what happens

204
00:10:58,940 --> 00:11:02,369
when you use child-centered play therapy and I don't care what capacity

205
00:11:02,669 --> 00:11:03,409
you've seen it.

206
00:11:04,020 --> 00:11:08,090
Please email me. I would love to include it in a transformation story episode.

207
00:11:08,440 --> 00:11:13,619
There are bazillions of them, so I would love to share them because it inspires us.

208
00:11:13,630 --> 00:11:15,739
It reminds us of why we do what we do

209
00:11:15,900 --> 00:11:20,609
and it just hypes us back up to keep us invested and passionate about this model.

210
00:11:20,659 --> 00:11:23,890
I would love to share it brenna@thekidcounselor.com.

211
00:11:23,969 --> 00:11:28,429
Email me and I can't wait to hear from you all. Love you all so much.

212
00:11:28,440 --> 00:11:31,609
So grateful that you spend time with me each week. We'll talk again soon. Bye.

213
00:11:32,630 --> 00:11:35,549
Thank you for listening to the Play Therapy Podcast with Dr

214
00:11:35,650 --> 00:11:38,770
Brenna Hicks for more episodes and resources.

215
00:11:38,780 --> 00:11:43,690
Please go to www.playtherapypodcast.com.