In this week’s episode, hosts Philippa and Julie ponder the playful traditions that shape who we are—past and present. From cherished family games like cribbage and Rummy to the joyful, sometimes complex dance of blending new traditions in modern families, they explore how play weaves connection, identity, and belonging across generations.

Through personal stories, thoughtful metaphors, and reflections on adolescence, the episode unpacks how play is more than fun—it’s foundational. It can unite or exclude, heal or divide, depending on how we hold it. Whether you're nurturing your family’s rituals or starting new ones, this episode invites you to reflect on how traditions can be both a bridge and a legacy.

🔗 Tune in for insights on play, tradition, and the gentle power of connection. Subscribe now and start your listening tradition today!

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Podcast Episode Description:

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Mandy Jones, a skilled therapist, based in Chicago, who shares her expertise on the transformative power of play in therapy. Mandy discusses her unique approach, combining sand tray work and Theraplay, to help children and adults process and understand their trauma. She explains how these therapeutic techniques foster emotional healing and support the parent-child relationship.

Mandy also opens up about her personal journey, detailing the interesting path that led her to open her practice. With a deep passion for supporting children and families, Mandy has become a dedicated advocate for those impacted by the challenges of COVID-19, helping them navigate the emotional toll of the pandemic. Listen to the episode for a pondering conversation on the essential role of play in healing, connection, and emotional growth.

Website: Meet Our Team - Nurtured Roots Counseling & Consulting

Mandy Jones-Fischer (She/Her/Hers) is a licensed clinical social worker and registered play therapist from Chicago, Illinois. She is also a Certified Theraplay® Practitioner, Trainer, and Supervisor and is the former Executive Director of The Theraplay Institute.

Mandy has extensive training in sandtray therapy. She has worked almost exclusively with adoptive and foster families since she began her career. She takes a particular interest in helping families with young children form strong attachments and work through sensory concerns. Mandy is also experienced in helping adopted individuals with identity, loss, and anxiety concerns throughout their lifespan. More recently, Mandy has been focusing her clinical work on helping children born during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic who are struggling with overwhelming anxiety.
While Mandy doesn’t regularly practice law, through her legal work she has advocated for children in both the Illinois and Michigan child welfare systems. She continues to use her legal knowledge and advocacy skills to help families gain Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and other essential resources for children. Mandy earned her BA in Political Science and her BS in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago.

She currently runs a private therapy practice serving children under 8 and their families in Chicago.

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In this episode of 'Pondering Play and Therapy,' hosts Julie and Philippa discuss the significant reduction of play spaces for children and teenagers within communities affected by poverty and deprivation. Reflecting on changes over the past 10-15 years, they explore how budget cuts and austerity measures have led to the loss of essential community resources like parks, youth clubs, and play schemes. The discussion emphasises the importance of unstructured play for children's development, including reading social cues, risk assessment, and building community ties. They contrast their childhood experiences with current conditions and highlight the need for policies supporting accessible play spaces for all children, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The episode invites listeners to reflect on these issues and share their own views.

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