175. Books as Bridges: Co-Regulation and Attachment through Bibliotherapy with Tammi Van Hollander

Lessons from the Playroom

In this special episode, Lisa welcomes Tammi Van Hollander, LCSW, RPT-S™, to explore a transformative approach to bibliotherapy. Moving beyond the traditional view of books as cognitive tools, Tammi introduces us to using bibliotherapy as a means for co-regulation, attachment, and creating a sense of safety within the therapeutic space.

Tammi, who was initially trained in client-centered play therapy, shares her journey of discovering the profound impact that books can have when used as co-regulators. Through her experiences and insights, she reveals how stories can extend beyond mere words, becoming powerful tools that facilitate deeper connections between children and their caregivers.

Key Takeaways:

• Tammi's Journey with Bibliotherapy: How she discovered the power of books as a co-regulation tool.
• A Paradigm Shift: Using bibliotherapy from a “bottom-up” approach to support attachment, safety, and emotional regulation in children.
• Integrating Books into Play Therapy: Practical strategies for making books an extension of a child’s play, fostering a more client-centered therapeutic experience.
• Engaging Kids Who Aren’t Interested in Reading: Innovative ways to use books beyond just reading the words.
• Types of Bibliotherapy: Differentiating between developmental, therapeutic, and play-based bibliotherapy.
• Enhancing Parent-Child Relationships: How books can strengthen the bond between parents and children, addressing attachment and repair in relationships.
• Attunement and Trusting the Process: The importance of being present and attuned to the child, allowing books and other tools in the therapy space to facilitate healing naturally.

*Check out Tammi’s new book on Amazon, PESI website, or Tammi’s website: The Bibliotherapy Toolbox: 100+ Creative and Playful Story-Based Interventions to Help Kids Create Safety, Overcome Challenges, and Build Resiliency.

*Tammi Van Hollander, LCSW, RPT-S™, is a leading expert in attachment, sandtray play therapy, and sensory integration with over 25 years of experience. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania and advanced training from the Family and Play Therapy Center in Philadelphia. Tammi is the author of Casey’s Greatness Wings and The Bibliotherapy Toolkit, and she delivered a TEDx Talk, "Stories in the Sand: Healing Trauma, Anxiety, and Grief," in 2023. Connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.

Podcast Resources:

• Synergetic Play Therapy Institute
• Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website
• FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey
• Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity

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