For the past six years, Flower Breathing has been one of the tools I keep coming back to. I've used it in therapy sessions, classrooms, groups, and most recently with students experiencing test anxiety. The flower gives children a simple way to follow their breath, but what I've found is that the breathing is only part of it. Like any regulation strategy, it works best when it's woven into moments of connection. 💙 I introduce it PLAYfully, breathe WITH children, and give them time to experience it when they're calm rather than waiting until they're overwhelmed. Over time, the flower becomes familiar. Children know what it feels like because they've experienced it with someone else first. Then, when distress shows up, they have something they already know how to do. Familiarity makes all the difference..

When reprocessing slows down, I often find myself wondering, "Am I following the client's nervous system, or am I trying to follow my treatment plan?" With children, I often return to the PLAY. To notice where the energy goes, what brings connection, what creates distance, and what seems to invite a little more flexibility into the system. Attunement is key. And sometimes, it's trusting the play.

Remember to join us for this week’s EMDR Playground Practice Lab with Waldo Winborn. If you’ve ever wondered what to do when a client’s experience shows up through play, imagery, metaphors, sandtray scenes, sensations, or symbols rather than words, this Practice Lab is for you. Together, we’ll explore how symbols emerge before language, why that matters from a neurodevelopmental perspective, and how symbolic expression can inform all 8 phases of EMDR. More importantly, this won’t just be something you learn about. You’ll have the opportunity to brainstorm, discuss, and practice applying these ideas to your clinical work. You’ll leave with fresh insights, practical strategies, and new ways of understanding the symbolic material that naturally unfolds in therapy. One hour. A little teaching. Collaborative brainstorming. Hands-on practice. Real connection.

I have learned so much from Marshall Lyles over the years, and while Marshall won't be joining us live tomorrow, I wanted to share one of his videos because his ideas have deeply influenced the way I think about therapy, EMDR, play, attachment, expressive arts, and healing. If you've taken a training, consultation group, or workshop with Marshall, you probably know exactly what I mean. He has a way of opening up possibilities you didn't even realize were there. Before learning from him, I never would have imagined that poetry could be such a natural and powerful integration within therapy. He helped me see that poetry isn't about being a poet. It's about finding language, imagery, meaning, and connection in places where ordinary words sometimes fall short. If you're planning to join us for tomorrow's Practice Lab, I encourage you to watch this video beforehand: https://youtu.be/c-OcYLaW2KI?si=r-3fgZxtkQ1A6GJl As always, this Practice Lab is not about becoming an expert. It's a space to play, experiment, wonder, and learn together. Come curious. Bring your ideas, your questions, and your willingness to try something new. My hope is that Marshall's video sparks your imagination and helps you begin thinking about how poetry might support EMDR, deepen reflection, and create new pathways for healing. I can't wait to explore this with you tomorrow.https://youtu.be/c-OcYLaW2KI?si=rTzwqaNFHv6TGLdj

The impacts of trauma can lead to behaviors that were once adaptive and protective but may no longer be serving the child well. Sometimes children and teens show up in ways that look intentional, defiant, or resistant. Yet often these behaviors reflect survival strategies shaped by past experiences, current challenges, or fears about what might happen in the future. This song speaks to that experience. As you listen, notice what sounds familiar. Do any of the themes remind you of kids you’ve worked with? https://youtu.be/xgxihKuXFs4?si=DqYWDXA-jN78sDod