As a child therapist, my passion is helping kids navigate their emotions through play. I’ve seen how play can unlock feelings that children may not yet have the words for, build their confidence, and allow them to process challenging experiences in a safe and enjoyable way.
Then, 2020 turned everything upside down.
When the pandemic hit, I faced unexpected challenges like so many others. My mobile therapy kit—filled with art supplies, sand trays, puppets, and games—was suddenly replaced by lockdowns, social distancing, and uncertainty. In-person sessions with the children I worked with were no longer possible, and I knew I had to find new ways to connect.
The Need for Connection in a Time of Isolation
During those early months of COVID, I spent a lot of time thinking about how to reach the children I usually visited in schools. I tried virtual sessions, which have come a long way and provide wonderful support for children today. However, back then, the options were limited, making it difficult to recreate the hands-on, playful in-person experience.
I kept asking myself, “How can I bring emotional expression, creativity, and connection into children’s homes?”
As a parent myself, I understood that no one knows a child better than their own parent or caregiver. That special bond is something even years of therapy training can’t replace. I wanted to help families use that connection to support their children in working through emotions at home.
That’s when Emotions at Play was born.
Emotions at Play: The Power of Play-Based Therapeutic Storybooks
The idea was simple: create a way for children to engage in therapeutic activities through play at home. Since I had training in therapeutic story writing, and it was already an important part of my practice, It made perfect sense to develop play-based storybooks.
After sharing my idea with illustrator Sarah Wills from Happy Designer, we quickly discovered our shared passion for supporting children’s emotional well-being through creativity. This led to a wonderful collaboration, where Sarah’s amazing talent and branding skills brought Emotions at Play to life in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I feel so lucky to work alongside someone who not only understands my vision but also adds to it with her vibrant illustrations and thoughtful designs.
Each storybook is designed to provide a safe space for children to explore their emotions, featuring characters facing challenges or feelings, and incorporating role-playing, art, and sensory play. I also wanted to ensure that parents felt supported, so each play kit comes with a guide to help you encourage your child’s emotional exploration without feeling like you have to “do therapy” yourself. The goal was to bring the benefits of the therapy room right into your living room.
Sharing Our First Book
I’m excited to share that our beautifully illustrated first book, When the Rain Came Down, has just been published and will soon be available for sale! We have 15 more books waiting in the wings, with even more in development, all designed to support children through all that life brings, through storytelling and play.
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