Play, Art, and Healing: Unlocking Kids' Emotions in Therapy with Katie Lear

Mastering Counseling

• Episode Topic In this episode of Mastering Counseling, we embark on a journey into the world of child therapy through the insightful experiences of Katie Lear, an inventive counselor who seamlessly blends traditional and tech-driven methods to aid in child therapy. Here, our host Becky Coplen delves into the evolution of Katie's career, from an unconventional theater and French major to becoming a counseling entrepreneur with a unique vision.

• Lessons You'll Learn Katie's captivating journey, from an unconventional theater and French background to a thriving counseling entrepreneur, offers valuable insights. Her ability to thrive during challenges, like the pandemic, highlights the importance of counseling innovation. Discover how she used online gaming, particularly Dungeons and Dragons, to empower children creatively. Her book on managing childhood grief provides essential guidance in child therapy. Ultimately, Katie's journey inspires aspiring counselors to explore diverse avenues and remain adaptable in their pursuit of success.

• About Our GuestKatie Lear, a formerly anxious kid now anxiety conqueror, is on a mission to empower young minds. Specializing in helping kids aged 8-13, she uses creative methods to provide child therapy and teach essential CBT skills for anxiety and OCD, available both in person and online across New York, North Carolina, and Florida. She's also the author of "A Parent's Guide to Managing Childhood Grief" a valuable resource for families navigating loss, available at Simonandschuster.com. Katie runs a coaching business called "Young Dragonslayers" where she uses the game Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) to help kids aged 11-16 make friends and feel they belong. The space allows kids to play D&D together and have fun which also helps them with any worries or social anxieties. Katie's passion makes her a real superhero for kids who feel nervous or anxious.

• Topics Covered:Explore Katie’s adaptation to online therapy during the pandemic and her innovative use of Dungeons and Dragons for online gaming therapy. Learn about the value of online education in counseling and gain insights into managing childhood grief through open communication and play-based activities. The effectiveness of play and art-based healing techniques in helping children process emotions. Katie's journey encourages aspiring counselors to embrace innovation and adaptability in their careers, emphasizing their transformative impact on children and families in challenging times.

Check our website: https://mastersincounseling.org/