In this enlightening episode of Trauma Undone, Natasha sits down with counselor and child advocate Jenny Hornby for a powerful deep dive into the healing language of play. Jenny unpacks how play therapy helps children—and adults—process emotions that words alone cannot reach. She explores the connection between EMDR and movement, how parental trauma shapes a child's emotional world, and why creating safe spaces for expression is essential to long-term healing. Jenny also opens up about her own path into therapeutic work and why embracing vulnerability through play can transform families, relationships, and the inner child within us all.

✨ Key Takeaways

✨ Play opens the doorway to emotional vulnerability, connection, and healing.

✨ Adults need play too—it's essential for emotional wellness and nervous system regulation.

✨ Play therapy bypasses language barriers and helps access deeper emotional layers.

✨ Movement-based practices like EMDR integrate naturally with play to enhance healing.

✨ Parental trauma deeply impacts a child’s emotional development and worldview.

✨ Inner child work reveals hidden patterns and supports lifelong healing.

⏱️ Chapters

04:59 — Understanding EMDR and Its Connection to Play

How movement unlocks emotional processing and why EMDR works so well with children.

09:50 — Navigating Parental Trauma and Its Impact on Children

How our unhealed parts affect the way children experience safety, emotions, and relationships.

15:07 — The Power of Processing Emotions

Why emotional avoidance creates long-term challenges and how healthy processing changes everything.

20:01 — Inner Child Work and Its Relevance

How exploring your inner child helps decode patterns, triggers, and emotional scripts.

24:59 — Finding Balance in Adult Play and Coping Mechanisms

The difference between healthy play, numbing behaviors, and avoidance strategies.

29:58 — Jenny’s Journey Into Play Therapy

From early inspiration to creating safe, intentional spaces for children to heal.

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