Lessons from the Playroom 193. Unleashing your Creativity: A Conversation with Mama Owls Minis
In this heartfelt and most inspiring episode, Lisa sits down with Catherine and Alicia Denham—the visionary clinical duo behind Mama Owls Minis, Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisors with over 40 years of combined experience. Together, they explore the messy, meaningful, and magical journey of creativity in play therapy, inviting listeners to reconnect with their inner artist and trust their instincts.
This episode dives deep into how therapists can embrace creativity—not as a quest to be "good at art," but as a powerful process of authentic expression, moment-to-moment attunement, and healing. From hand-sculpted sand tray minis to a teenage client's request for a tornado miniature, the conversation is packed with stories, reflections, and practical wisdom that illuminate how creativity invites us to break free from rigid protocols and create what truly fits what the child needs.
You'll hear:
- How Alicia transformed from doodling to crafting stunning therapeutic figures
- Why Catherine treasures her first "wonky" sculpture as a symbol of imperfection embraced
- The creative origins of Synergetic Play Therapy and the tension between formal training and intuitive innovation
- Insights on parenting as a creative act—like turning a living room into a sensory playground
- How neurodivergent experiences shaped their unique approach to therapy and creativity
- Powerful stories of trust, flexibility, and letting go of control in therapy sessions and life
- An invitation to therapists to give themselves permission to explore and create what is needed despite self-doubt or fear of rejection
Whether you're dreaming of crafting something new for your clients or simply seeking encouragement to trust your own creative voice, this episode offers inspiration and gentle permission to embrace the imperfect, beautiful process of authentic play and healing.
🎧 Tune in and reconnect with your creative self—your clients and children will thank you.