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Pondering Play and Therapy Podcast

Pondering Play and Therapy Podcast

Written by: Julie and Philippa
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About this listen

In a world where play can be seen as frivolous or unnecessary, Julie and Philippa set out to explore its importance in our everyday lives.
Pondering play and therapy, both separately but also the inter-connectedness that play can in its own right be the very therapy we need.
Julie and Philippa have many years of experience playing, both in their extensive professional careers and their personal lives. They will share, ponder, and discuss their experiences along the way in the hope that this might invite others to join in playfulness.

© 2026 Pondering Play and Therapy Podcast
Hygiene & Healthy Living Parenting Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • EP57 Healing Journeys; In Conversation with Kim Golding
    Feb 20 2026

    In this episode of Pondering Play and Therapy, host Philippa interviews Kim Golding, CBE, a clinical psychologist, author, and expert in dyadic developmental psychotherapy (DDP) with over 30 years of experience. Kim shares her unconventional journey into psychology, her long tenure in the NHS, and her work with children affected by early relational trauma. The discussion covers the evolution of attachment theory, the challenges of working with foster and adoptive families, and the development and importance of the PACE model (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy) in creating supportive environments for traumatised children. Kim also highlights the importance of long-term support for caregivers and introduces her upcoming book, aimed at making DDP approaches accessible through stories and visuals.

    https://kimsgolding.co.uk/

    Creating Loving Attachments - https://amzn.eu/d/eeSBaCe


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    52 mins
  • EP56 Towards a Play-Based Future - Eugene Minogue's Journey with Play England
    Feb 13 2026

    The State of Play in England: A Deep Dive with Eugene Minogue, Executive Director of Play England

    Welcome to this week's episode of Pondering Play and Therapy with Philippa and special guest Eugene Minogue, the executive director of Play England. In this episode, Eugene delves into the history, challenges, and current state of play in England. The conversation discusses Eugene's volunteer role in Play England, its evolution from the Children's Play Council, and the impacts of government policies on play opportunities. Eugene elaborates on Play England's new 10-year strategy to restore a play-based childhood and the organization's efforts in policy advocacy, including significant wins such as closing the smoking ban loophole in playgrounds and gaining statutory protection for play spaces in the National Planning Policy Framework. Eugene shares personal stories, insights into parkour, plans for future legislative changes, and the importance of community involvement in advocating for children's right to play. Tune in to learn about the importance of play and how we can work together to bring back a play-centered society.

    https://www.playengland.org.uk/what-we-do

    https://www.playengland.org.uk/newsblog/consultation-response-proposed-reforms-to-the-national-planning-policy-framework-nppf

    https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposed-reforms-to-the-national-planning-policy-framework-and-other-changes-to-the-planning-system/proposed-reforms-to-the-national-planning-policy-framework-and-other-changes-to-the-planning-system#scope-of-consultation


    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
    00:29 The Role and History of Play England
    01:34 Challenges and Changes in Play Policy
    05:15 Eugene's Passion and Background
    05:28 Parkour and Play Advocacy
    10:15 Play England's Strategic Reset
    14:45 Policy Wins and Future Goals
    33:01 The Importance of Investing in Children's Play
    34:26 The Shift from Play-Based to Phone-Based Childhoods
    34:45 The Role of Artificial General Intelligence in Future Childhoods
    35:19 The Need for Systemic Changes to Support Play
    36:19 Political Efforts and Challenges in Promoting Play
    38:58 The Role of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Play
    46:57 The Vision for a Play-Based Childhood by 2035
    48:35 Strategies for Promoting Play in Deprived Communities
    01:01:43 Encouraging Community Involvement in Promoting Play
    01:02:32 Conclusion and Call to Action



    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
    00:29 The Role and History of Play England
    01:34 Challenges and Changes in Play Policy
    05:15 Eugene's Passion and Background
    05:28 Parkour and Play Advocacy
    10:15 Play England's Strategic Reset
    14:45 Policy Wins and Future Goals
    33:01 The Importance of Investing in Children's Play
    34:26 The Shift from Play-Based to Phone-Based Childhoods
    34:45 The Role of Artificial General Intelligence in Future Childhoods
    35:19 The Need for Systemic Changes to Support Play
    36:19 Political Efforts and Challenges in Promoting Play
    38:58 The Role of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Play
    46:57 The Vision for a Play-Based Childhood by 2035
    48:35 Strategies for Promoting Play in Deprived Communities
    01:01:43 Encouraging Community Involvement in Promoting Play
    01:02:32 Conclusion and Call to Action

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • EP55 The Essence of Play - Nurturing Development in Children
    Feb 6 2026

    In this episode of 'Pondering Play and Therapy,' Philippa and Julie explore the concept of 'just playing' in therapeutic contexts. They discuss the fine line between play and therapy, sharing personal anecdotes and insights on how play can serve different roles for children. They reflect on the pressure therapists face to meet goals within limited sessions and emphasise the importance of allowing children the freedom to guide the play. They also touch on building agency, establishing safety in relationships, and the therapeutic value of unstructured play.

    Window of Tolerance - Dan Seigel - https://www.nicabm.com/trauma-how-to-help-your-clients-understand-their-window-of-tolerance/

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    56 mins
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