Training/Course
"Empower parents and professionals with flexible training on the power of play to support children’s development, regulation, and connection."
We understand that every setting is unique. That’s why our training courses can be developed and tailored on request to meet the specific needs of your school, organisation, or family group. Whether you're looking for a one-off session, a multi-day training series, or a focused module on regulation, attachment, or development through play—we can create a programme that works for you. In addition to training, we also offer speaking engagements and professional consultation to support your team or community in deepening their understanding of the power of play.
Supervision and Consultation
We offer supervision for professionals working within play-based modalities, including Theraplay®, play therapy, and other child-centered approaches. This is a reflective, supportive space where you can explore your clinical work, deepen your understanding of relational dynamics, and strengthen your therapeutic presence. Whether you’re seeking supervision for professional registration, skill development, or simply to feel more grounded in your practice, our sessions will focus on your needs with compassion, curiosity, and collaboration. Supervision is available online or in person, offering flexibility while maintaining a nurturing environment for growth. One-off consultations are also available for those seeking focused support or guidance on a particular issue or case.
Rooted in Connection: Supporting Fathers in Deepening Attachment Through Play and Presence
Dates: (must attend all sessions)
Nov 21, 2025
Dec 5, 2025
Dec 12, 2025
Time: (for all days) 9 am - 11 am Central US Time
Facilitators:
Marshall Lyles (he/him), is a Licensed Professional Counselor - Supervisor (LPC-S), Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist - Supervisor (LMFT-S), and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S). Marshall has 20 years of practice in family, expressive arts, and play therapies. Drawing on lessons learned from working with attachment loss and trauma in a variety of mental health settings, Marshall regularly teaches on complex trauma and grief, medical trauma, expressive therapies, and attachment-informed family play therapy.
Philippa Kelly – Social Worker & Senior Psychological Therapist is an experienced and compassionate social worker with over 20 years of professional practice, based in Stoke and the wider Staffordshire area. Throughout her career, she has worked across a wide range of settings, including Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Tier 4 inpatient units, fostering services, and as an independent practitioner. Her educational background reflects her deep commitment to professional development and specialist therapeutic practice. Philippa holds a Diploma in Social Work (DipSW), a BSc in Family Therapy, an MSc in Mental Health Social Work with Adults and Children, and an Advanced Award in Social Work. In addition, she is a Certified Theraplay® Practitioner (2019) and a Theraplay® Supervisor, along with a BUSS (building underdeveloped sensory systems) practitioner.
Mandy Jones-Fischer (She/Her/Hers), LCSW, RPT, JD is a Certified Theraplay® Practitioner, Trainer, and Supervisor. She also has extensive training in sandtray therapy. Mandy 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.
Description: In this three-part series, these are the things that will be highlighted:
The important role that fathers play in the family system
The impact on the family system of father’s physical and/or emotional absence
Different roles that father has in playful connection with children
Play and Co-Regulation:
Playful Parenting: Helping Your Child Feel Safe, Seen, and Settled Through Play
Date: Friday 26th September
Time: 9.30am - 12.30pm - UK time
Venue: Online
🎯Purpose:
This course will help you understand how play can be more than just fun — it’s a powerful tool to help your child manage big emotions, build trust, and feel more connected to you.
🎓What You’ll Learn:
By the end of this workshop, you’ll be able to:
Understand what co-regulation is and why your child needs it.
See how everyday play helps your child feel emotionally safe and connected.
Learn simple ways to use play when your child is upset, overwhelmed, or acting out.
Discover how your calm presence during play helps your child learn self-control over time.
💡Key Ideas We’ll Explore:
What is Co-Regulation?
Co-regulation means using your calm, steady presence to help your child manage emotions they can’t handle on their own (yet).
It’s not about fixing feelings — it’s about staying connected while emotions run their course.
Why Play Works So Well:Play helps your child feel safe and connected to you — their most important emotional anchor.
When children are stressed, overwhelmed, or dysregulated, playful interaction can bring them back to calm faster than lectures or discipline.
Play builds trust, emotional flexibility, and even brain development to clean
👥Who This Is For:Parents and caregivers of children aged 1–8
Child minders
Nursery and early years workers and teachers
Especially helpful for children who are sensitive, strong-willed, or have trouble with transitions, frustration, or big emotions