The episode of “Pages and Play” focuses on emotional literacy as central to bibliotherapy and play therapy, emphasising that children need language and safety to understand and express feelings, and that adults’ own emotional awareness is vital. We discuss how books and play provide safe ways to explore big emotions (anger, grief, anxiety, jealousy) and reduce shame, supporting co-regulation and later self-regulation.

We reference theories and research from Claude Steiner, Daniel Goleman, and Mia Kellmer Pringle on emotional security and learning. We discuss how hide-and-seek and the Hansel and Gretel fairytale illustrate how a child can process separation anxiety, attachment needs, and autonomy, alongside the importance of validating feelings. Practical prompts include body-based questions and open-ended reading discussions, plus book recommendations for children, teens, parents and caregivers.

Learn how books from renowned authors like Brené Brown, Tom Percival, and Mark Wolynn can guide both adults and children through the complex landscape of emotional development. Whether you’re seeking guidance for yourself or your child, you’ll find resources to nurture self-awareness, compassion, and connection within your family.

00:00 Emotional Literacy Basics

01:21 Why Words Matter

02:28 Emotional Literacy Research and Foundations

04:01 Play Therapy Goals

04:50 Lessons from Hide and Seek

06:57 The Use of Fairytales in Bibliotherapy and Play Therapy

07:58 Hansel and Gretel Case Study

10:08 Characters as Containers

13:58 Multiplicity of Feelings

19:38 Body Signals and Questions

22:15 Building Secure Attachment through Hide and Seek

27:06 Back to the Hansel and Gretel Case Story

35:21 Imagination & Executive Skills

37:51 Bibliotherapy Reading Tools

42:47 Book Recommendations

51:59 Closing Takeaways

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