Incase You Missed It: Top 11 Freebies, Downloads, and Resources in 2023

2023 has been a productive year over at The Playful Therapist Blog!  Here are the stats: 

• 51 new blog posts 
• 11 new downloads, cheat sheets, and master classes  
• 3 new play therapy courses added to my course catalog 
• 9 prize bundle and gear giveaways 

 
Wheeeww. 😅

With all the real-life going on over on your end (cue to scarfing down lunch at your desk while working on progress notes) I wanted to make sure you didn’t miss the best-of-the-best and the crème de la crème of what The Playful Therapist Blog had to offer in 2023. 
 
I’m talking the downloads, interventions, techniques, mini master classes, and real-life support that makes your job just a little bit easier. 
 
AND because I couldn’t stop at 10 I have 11 for you this year!
 
So…. incase you missed it here are the top 11 blogs, resources, activities, and downloads for 2023:
 
Downloads, Free Resources, and Mini Master Classes: 
 
Free Download: 13 Check In Prompts for Teens That Won’t Talk 
 
This one's for you if you have ever felt like you are working harder than your teen clients.  If your sessions have ever felt like the silence is deafening and you get met with one word answers and “I don’t know” as the answer for everything.  Mix up your check in and breathe life back into your sessions! 
 
15 Phrases for Documenting Progress In An “Unproductive” Session 
 
See download above.  This one is for how you take the sessions that you think “what did we even do here” and turn it into a legit progress note.  
 
Free Download: 70+ Ways That Therapist Can Help Kids and Teens Complete The Stress Cycle 
 
You definitely want to get your hands on this if you see dysregulated kids in your practice.  So that means basically every therapist that works with kids and teens needs a copy of this in their office.  It is your SOS go-to for when you are working with regulation skills and hear for the hundredth time “nothing works for me”.  With 70+ ways on this list - there is something for everyone. 

Free Download: 42 Self Esteem Affirmations for Teens 
 
Ahh being a teen is hard.  The struggle is real.  And in this very important stage of identity development teens can often feel down, different, or “basic”.  Teens can walk away with their own positive affirmation stack that can really move the needle on self acceptance and positive self talk! 
 
Free Download: Experiential Regulation Cards for Anxiety, Anger, and Depression 
 
A picture is worth 1,000 words. AND sometimes you need to think out of the box when you are engaging in emotional regulation activities.  Check out this activity that uses these free printable cards to identify nervous system states, feelings, and somatic reactions! 
 
Free Download: How To Identify A Play Theme 
 
This one is, well, pretty self explanatory. If you have ever wondered if something is a play theme or “just playing” grab this free guide! 
 
Free Mini Master Class: Discovering The Themes Behind 4 Play Sequences 
 
Have you ever wondered “what just happened” or “what is he trying to tell me” during a Child Centered Play Therapy session?  Dive deeper into play theme interpretation with this mini master class that unpacks four common play sequences I see in the playroom! 
 
Resources and Techniques: 
 
The Magic of Sunshine: Play Therapy Activity for Depression 
 
This is a great intervention for teens and young kids alike when sometimes it feels like the rainy downpour of depression never goes away. Learn how to use the magic of sunshine for a sweet (and effective) regulation tool! 
 
A Play Therapist's Go-To Book For Anxiety And Dysregulation: Hey Warrior! 
 
If you haven’t heard of this book you need to tab over to Amazon and add to cart.  This is hands down one of the best books about anxiety and dysregulation that breaks down polyvagal theory into kid friendly terms, all with the most adorable amygdala guiding the way.  Learn more about how I use this book in my practice! 
 
Taming The Tiger Inside: Play Therapy Intervention for Anger 
 
There was definitely a theme with the most popular and accessed resources and this one is a gem.  It’s pretty easy, versatile and incorporates all things play therapy.  Check out this intervention for anger that can help with compassion and a deeper understanding of the emotional regulation cycle!

And that’s a wrap on the best of 2023! What do you want to see from The Playful Therapist in 2024?  Comment be