Therapod Podcast

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In this episode of the TheraPod podcast, we first dive into the world of animal-assisted therapy with Karol Santisteven, an occupational therapist based in Casper, Wyoming. Karol, who runs her own practice called Ropes and Roses, integrates nature and animals into her therapeutic approach, helping clients of all ages—including children with trauma and adults dealing with PTSD—connect with themselves in a meaningful way.Karol explains the unique benefits of working with horses in therapy, highlighting how equine movement can aid physical rehabilitation and emotional regulation. She discusses hippotherapy, where the movement of the horse mimics human gait to stimulate muscle and brain connections, as well as equine-assisted therapy, which focuses on relational dynamics and communication skills. We also hear from hear from Matthew Knight, the founder of the Feed Ducks Initiative, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inspired by his young son Oscar's fascination with wildlife, Matthew started taking him to their local park in Carrigline, Cork, to feed ducks. Noticing that many people were feeding bread—something harmful to the birds—he sought to create a solution that would promote healthier feeding practices.
Matthew shares his personal experiences with his son and how it hepled him engage more with his surroundings and develop communication skills through interactions with the ducks and find joy in this activity. Matthew emphasizes the initiative’s goal of providing families with a fun and purposeful activity that fosters connection and well-being for both children and adults. Join us on this fun and informative episode about how animals can help people connect and bring people together! You can contact Mathew Knight or The Feed Ducks Initiative
[email protected]
www.feedducks.com
and Karol through her social media
https://www.ropesandrosestherapy.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057399311577
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karol-santistevan-971a3a43/

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In this episode of the TheraPod podcast, we chat with Julie Aldridge, an experienced art therapist, who demystifies art therapy and its benefits. She explains that art therapy involves a wide range of creative expressions, allowing individuals to explore their feelings without the constraints of traditional verbal communication. Julie highlights that art therapy is suitable for everyone, not just those with trauma, and emphasizes the importance of timing and motivation for effective engagement.She discusses how increased screen time limits opportunities for creative expression and encourages parents and teachers to foster environments that promote artistic exploration. Julie also shares her insights on the significance of self-reflection through art, advocating for more open-ended creative time in educational settings. Tune in for an engaging conversation about the transformative power of art in personal growth and emotional well-being!

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On this weeks episode we have Melissa Moore who is an accredited play therapist and parenting coach with nearly 30 years of experience dedicated to helping children and families navigate emotional and behavioral challenges. She specializes in supporting children who have faced adversities and offers parenting support services to help families understand and manage behavioral challenges at home. Passionate about children's mental health, Melissa also provides resources such as online courses for parents to assist them in supporting anxious children, making her a valuable resource for families seeking guidance in navigating childhood emotions and behaviors.Join us as Melissa delves into the world of play therapy, explaining its principles and how it differs from traditional counseling. She shares her insights on the importance of trust in the therapeutic relationship and discusses common concerns parents have when seeking help for their children. From addressing anxiety and grief to fostering emotional regulation and social skills, Melissa highlights the transformative power of play in children's lives. 

To contact melissa, her socials insta- @myspaceplaytherapymeath fb-https://www.facebook.com/myspaceplaytherapy
 website- www.myspaceplaytherapy.com  

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This week, we're joined by Aoife McCormack, a seasoned family therapist with a rich background in social work and child mental health. Aoife specializes in attachment and trauma, working with children in care and offering insights into family dynamics. She also runs a private practice focusing on acute mental health issues in young adults, including eating disorders. As a founding member of the Eating Disorders Special Interest Group in Cork and Kerry, Aoife brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her practice. Join us as she discusses the transformative power of family therapy, emphasizing the importance of communication and understanding within familial relationships.
   For more information on our work follow- @therapodpodcast on instagram @therapod pod on facebook Or email us at [email protected]. Thank you for listening.

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On this weeks episode of therapod podcast, we have Emily Murphy who is a dedicated cognitive behavioral psychotherapist and registered intellectual disability nurse with over a decade of experience in healthcare. She specializes in proactive mental health solutions that enhance well-being for both teenagers and adults, including those who are neurodivergent. Emily emphasizes tailored support to meet individual needs, focusing on creating effective mental health care through psychotherapy. In her engaging discussions, she shares valuable insights and strategies aimed at empowering individuals and families, fostering a collaborative approach to mental health that makes a real difference in people's lives. Join her on the Therapod podcast as she explores the transformative power of psychotherapy and mental wellness. You can check out Emily on her website https://www.emilymurphycounselling.com/ and For more information on our work follow- @therapodpodcast on instagram @therapod pod on facebook Or email us at [email protected]. Thank you for listening

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On this weeks episode of therapod podcast, we have Julie, Speech and language Therapist, who passionately explores the world of speech and language therapy with host Banu Balaji. With a background as a qualified speech and language therapist, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her discussions, covering topics from childhood speech delays to adult communication challenges. Julie's engaging style makes complex subjects accessible, as she shares insights on how effective communication impacts everyday life. Each episode features expert guests and practical tips, making TheraPod a valuable resource for parents, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the nuances of speech and language development. For more information on our work follow- @therapodpodcast on instagram @therapod pod on facebook Or email us at [email protected]. Thank you for listening

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In this episode of the Theropod Podcast, we chat with Dr. Victoria Page, a clinical psychologist with a wealth of experience working with children, adolescents, and their families in both community and hospital settings across the UK and Ireland. Dr. Page, who earned her doctorate from University College London, discusses her approach to therapy, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between parents and children in addressing psychological challenges like anxiety and low mood. She explains how her sessions often involve both parents and children to create a supportive environment for healing, while also highlighting the benefits of group interventions for parents that foster community and shared experiences. Tune in to gain insights into the role of a psychologist in family dynamics and learn how understanding the broader systems affecting a child's life can lead to more effective interventions for mental health. For more information on our work follow- @therapodpodcast on instagram @therapod pod on facebook Or email us at [email protected]. Thank you

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In this episode of the Theropod podcast, we welcome Aislinn Pierse, a pediatric occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience. Aislinn discusses the nuances of pediatric occupational therapy, emphasizing the importance of understanding a child's unique context and building strong therapeutic relationships. She explores common reasons for referrals, such as handwriting issues and emotional dysregulation, while highlighting that these often mask deeper challenges. Aislinn also shares her approach to assessments, advocating for qualitative observations over standardized scores to truly capture a child's needs. Join us for a thoughtful conversation that offers valuable insights into supporting children and their families through occupational therapy. 

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In honour of Occupational Therapy Week, we are re-releasing this episode featuring pediatrician Dr. Jay and experienced occupational therapist Banu Balaji. Banu who has a  special interest in developmental trauma and supporting children in care.
In this episode, Banu provides an overview of occupational therapy and explains how OTs work with children and families to promote independence, self-care, and participation in meaningful activities. She emphasizes the importance of considering the person, environment, and occupation (the PEO model) when setting goals and implementing strategies.
Banu shares practical advice for parents navigating long waitlists and managing expectations, encouraging a child-centered, collaborative approach. She highlights the value of making small, manageable changes in the home and school environments to have the biggest impact on a child's development and well-being.
This podcast offers accessible, expert guidance for parents, caregivers, and professionals supporting children with additional needs, sensory processing difficulties, and neurodevelopmental conditions.

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In this episode of the Theropod podcast, Banu Balaji, the host and an occupational Therapist chats with fellow host Dr Claire Barrett, Senior Clinical Psychologist for the final episode of Season 2 . Together, Banu and Claire look back at the previous episodes of season 2 where there have been several meaningful conversations with experts across various fields, including educators, therapists, and researchers, to explore the challenges and successes of supporting children in today's educational landscape. 

They address critical questions such as whether traditional schools effectively serve neurodiverse populations and how holistic approaches can enhance both academic and emotional development for all students.

They emphasize the importance of collaboration among parents, teachers, and professionals, advocating for a shift in how schools approach learning and development and highlight the innovative strategies, such as integrating movement into the classroom and recognizing the significance of emotional regulation in learning environments.They aim to provide listeners with practical tools and a deeper understanding of the neurodiverse experience. Listen to this episode for a sneak peak of what is coming next in Season 3.

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