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Katerina Andrikopoulou

BA, M.Ed Psychology

Certified Play Therapist

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Sometimes words fail but play doesn't

Image of gauge/speedometer-style dial with the needle in the lower range, green section with text "Some children get upset, angry, frustrated or scared a lot easier than others. This isn't them being 'too sensitive', this is them responding to feeling more.
This isn't them being 'too sensitive', this is them responding to feeling more." by @more than one neurotype

Image of yellow road sign with a black "Y" fork/arrow indicating diverging paths and text "Some children find it more difficult to change what they are doing and move on to a different task. This isn't them being stubborn or not listening to instructions, this is them needing time to transition." by@more than one neurotype

Image of Comic-style explosion clouds in orange/yellow and text "Some children find big feelings really hard to regulate so will hit, scream, yell or swear. This isn't them being naughty, this is them being overwhelmed. by @more than one neurotype

Image of wavy, colorful brush strokes with text "some children find stillness and focusing very hard. This isn't them being disruptive, this is them having a brain that requires movement. by - @more than one neurotype

Image of green swirling/looping arrow shape]
with text " some children repeat sounds, words or phrases, even in situations where it may not 'make sense'.
This isn't them being strange, this is them using sound as a way to soothe themselves or communicate." by @more than one neurotype

Image of pink human skeleton outline with question mark thought bubble with text "Some children continue to need prompting to eat, drink or go to the bathroom. This isn't them 'acting like a baby', this is them having difficulty registering what sensations in their body mean." by @more than one neurotype

Image of plate of food with a large red X over it with text "Some children don't eat a variety of foods and tend to eat the same things. This isn't them being fussy, this is them having a range of sensory issues and anxiety relating to texture and taste which makes variety very difficult." by @more than one neurotype

Image of pair of red and white high-top sneakers with text "Some children need help with small self-care tasks such as getting changed, brushing teeth, putting on shoes etc. This isn't them being lazy, this is them having difficulties with planning, organising, and completing things." by @more than one neurotype

mage of speaker icon with red slash through it with text "Some children won't respond to their name when you are trying to get their attention. This isn't them ignoring you, this is them being 'zoned out', 'hyper-focused', overwhelmed, or having dissociation from their own name." by @more than one neurotype

Image of small orange corked bottle jar with text "Some children appear 'fine', but a parent will express concerns about their well being. This isn't them having 'dramatic' parents, this is them having parents who know their child holds in feelings until they're home." by @more than one neurotype

Image with illustration of woman holding broken heart and text "You've lost your cool at your child, now what?" by @createplaygrow_

Image with text "First things first, Congratulations, you're human, not a robot. There is always a story behind our reactivity and trigger points (just like there's always a story behind a child's behaviour). Part of being a parent involves some self-discovery to better understand ourselves and our past, so that we can show up in the ways we want to for our children." by @createplaygrow_

Image with text "It's important to remember that although we can't fix the past, we can create new moments of connection and learn from our mistakes. The key to this is repairing the rupture. As Dr Galit Atlas shares: 'Good enough parents get it right about 30% of the time, the rest is all about how we repair with our children'." by @createplaygrow_

Image with text "Repairing with your child: Reconnecting with your child. Apologising and letting them know what was happening for you. Sharing what you could have done differently and letting them know you will try to do better next time. Repairing from a rupture involves apologising without getting defensive. It's taking ownership for your actions, not placing the blame onto the child. It's getting real about your triggers and finding healthier ways to process these." by @createplaygrow_

Image with illustration of adult and child hugging with text "A repair may sound like... 'I'm sorry that I [yelled, screamed, hurt] you. That was not okay. I was feeling [tired, frustrated, embarrassed]. I should have [gone outside, asked for some space, taken some breaths]. I apologise for my behaviour and will try to do better next time.'" by @createplaygrow_

Image with text "Why is repairing a rupture important? A rupture is a break in connection with your child. A rupture without repair creates disconnection. Secure relationships are based on the ability to repair. The process models to your child how to do a healthy, connected apology (rather than a forced 'say you're sorry'). The process also heals parts of yourself that never experienced these repairs when you were a child." by @createplaygrow_

Image with text "Repairing from a rupture can feel uncomfortable, particularly if no one ever said sorry to you as a child. But when we repair a rupture, we are modelling to our children how to make healthy, connected amends when they make mistakes in relationships." by @createplaygrow_

Image with text "This process involves: Repairing with yourself - Tuning in with how your body feels both in that moment, as well as when the rupture occurred. Getting real about what was taking place internally (were you feeling frustrated, uncomfortable, tired?) and acknowledging that it's okay to feel these emotions. Finding ways to calm your nervous system (a walk outside, breathing techniques, music, a cry, calling a trusted partner, screaming into a pillow). To then repair with your child." by @createplaygrow_

Image of stylized brain diagram in soft pastel colors (teal, peach, coral) divided into three layered sections with labels and arrows with text "Inside your child's brain: Cortical Brain 'The thinking brain'. Limbic System 'The emotions and relationship brain'. Brainstem 'The body brain'." by @CREATEPLAYGROW_

Image with text "Responding to your child's brainstem: Ask yourself: Is my child overwhelmed in their body and do they feel safe? Feeling overwhelmed and a lack of safety can come from: feeling hungry, tired or sick; sensory overwhelm; things don't feel predictable; too many transitions. Some appropriate responses could be: reducing sensory stimulation (turning lights down, reducing noise, noise cancelling headphones); stopping for a meal; engaging in some big body breaths; rhythmic movements (swinging, rocking)." by @CREATEPLAYGROW_

Image with text "Responding to your child's cortical system: Ask yourself: Is there a skill missing that my child may still need to develop? Often children simply don't yet have the skills to handle specific situations well. Remember that a stressed brain is unable to learn so we must first calm the body, connect and then teach. They don't yet know how to express their feelings any other way. They're being asked to do something beyond their skill level. Some appropriate responses could be: once calm, brainstorm together how else they could show that they are angry/sad/upset; validate their feelings and suggest a do-over; use play to model how someone could respond in the situation." by @CREATEPLAYGROW_

Illustration of brain with text overlay "NEUROPLASTICITY the brain's ability to continue to be shaped, molded, or altered
the brain has the ability to adapt as a consequence of the experience

supporting the growth of emotional and behavioral regulation

positives exchanges can help to create new neural pathways"

Image of girl blowing bubbles and text "Common Misconception. Why Play Therapy? It's just playing... created by clearsky CHILDREN'S CHARITY"

Katerina Andrikopoulou

BA, M.Ed Psychology

Certified Play Therapist

Filial Play Coaching/StoryPlay Facilitator

Member of EDPE, PTI, PTGR.

playtherapyKA.gr

Created by Van

Contact

+30 697 080 7869

Paleo Faliro, Attica

kathyandrikopoulou@gmail.com

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