Introducing our newest Play Therapist the lovely Meg Lewis. In this feature with Meg we learn how Play Therapy works as well as one possible pathway to become a Play Therapist!
Introducing our newest Play Therapist the lovely Meg Lewis. In this feature with Meg we learn how Play Therapy works as well as one possible pathway to become a Play Therapist!
Hi Meg! Please tell us how and why you became a Play Therapist.
I have always had an interest in working with children and a passion for early intervention. When working with children and families at DCJ we were often responding to parental crisis and doing a lot of ‘talking’, both with parents and children. It became clear to me that children were getting a little lost, their voices unheard (or only heard in a format that was difficult for them to access), they responded much better to methods of engagement that involved play. After 15 years as a social worker, and starting a family, I began to more seriously consider play therapy as a profession. Through my Masters of Psychotherapy I learned a lot more about play therapy and from there my passion was ignited so I went on to complete a Certificate in Clinical Play Therapy and started utilising play therapy knowledge and skills in my therapeutic work with children.
What do you love about your work as a Play Therapist?
So many things! I love seeing a child’s response when they understand that they get to lead me in their therapeutic journey, I love seeing their delight when I get it, when they have helped me understand the trauma underlying their behaviour and they invite me in to help them process it. I love making strong connections with children and, even more, fostering their connections with caregivers/being a conduit to the repair in these relationships.
You have a family of your own- are there certain skills or practices from your professional experience that you implement at home?
I definitely find myself using skills from Play Therapy with my own children when they are struggling with the ups and downs of life. Though, as I’m sure many parents experience, I often feel they get a raw deal since Mum Meg is not nearly as patient, considered or individually focused as Therapy Meg is 
You can find more info on our Play Therapy programs on our Play Therapy Page.
