In this gentle and deeply insightful episode, we’re joined by Crystal Luk-Worrall, a music therapist, EMDR practitioner, and founder of Clap and Toot, who specializes in helping children and families heal from early trauma—especially within adoptive and special guardianship communities.

Crystal shares how music and creative expression become powerful tools for children who struggle to verbalize their emotions. From guiding non-verbal children through trauma recovery, to building safety and trust through sound and imagery, Crystal’s approach blends clinical expertise with compassion.

We also explore emotional regulation in parenting, how to balance boundaries with love, and why presence—not perfection—is the most healing gift we can offer a child. Crystal’s work is a beautiful reminder that healing doesn’t require big breakthroughs—it often lives in the quiet, consistent moments of connection.

Connect with Crystal:

Music therapy: www.clapandtoot.com;

EMDR: www.emdrwithcrystal.com

Top Episode Quotes:

“Children begin to receive love when they feel safe—and sometimes, safety starts in silence, not words.”

“Music is part of us—it bypasses our defenses and speaks directly to the body.”

“Parents don’t need to be perfect. They just need to keep their sun shining, even when their children are hiding in the cave.”

“Regulation is like an accordion—it requires movement, expansion, and contraction. That’s where harmony lives.”
“You’re not trying to make art for anyone else—you’re making space for your emotions to move through you. That’s the real goal.”

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#MusicTherapy #ChildhoodTraumaHealing #AdoptionSupport #EmotionalRegulation #CreativeTherapies #CrystalLukWorrall #ParentingWithPresence #AttachmentHealing #TraumaInformedCare #SomaticHealing #EMDR #ClapAndToot #DeepWithinPodcast #ParentingWithLoveAndBoundaries