S8 E7: Healing Trauma Through Play w/Steve Gross, MSW, Founder, The Life is Good Playmaker Project

S8 E7: Healing Trauma Through Play w/Steve Gross, MSW, Founder, The Life is Good Playmaker Project

In this episode, Alexis and Gerald speak with Steve Gross, MSW, founder of The Life is Good Playmaker Project to discuss the value of play as it pertains to creating a context for healing amongst children who have endured trauma and stressors in their life. Steve shares personal stories of his formative experiences that led him to a career focused on helping children heal and grow through positive experiences that elicit trust, care, and joy. We discuss a conceptual understanding of being trauma-informed and how play and genuine openness in a trusting relationship can be powerfully therapeutic. We acknowledge how easily adults and children can lose touch with their playful nature when experiencing the traumas and stressors of life that create a survival instinct and ultimately can contribute to disconnection and loneliness; and how to return to that playful nature with intention and prioritization.

Summary:

• The psychological and relational value of playfulness
• The significance of relationships in healing trauma
• The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
• From being Trauma-informed to being Play- and Healing Relationship-informed
• Regaining one’s playful nature and connection

Be curious. Be Open. Be well.

The Reid Connect-Ed Podcast is hosted by Siblings, educational therapist, Alexis Reid, M.A. and licensed psychologist, Dr. Gerald Reid, produced by CyberSound Recording Studios, and original music is written and recorded by www.Jerapy.com

*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.