Understanding and Working with Deaf Children in the Playroom | Gabriel Lomas (Best Of)

In this groundbreaking episode, Lisa is joined by Gabriel (Gabe) Lomas, an expert in the field of play therapy, to address a topic rarely discussed in the world of therapy: working with deaf children in the playroom. This episode offers a unique and insightful perspective that will deepen your understanding and approach to supporting children who are deaf.

In this episode, Gabe shares his expertise on the challenges and nuances of working with deaf children in therapy, helping to shine a light on an often misunderstood and overlooked aspect of play therapy.

In this episode, you'll hear:

🔍 Understanding deaf children—Why deaf children are often misunderstood and how to address these misunderstandings in the therapeutic space.

💬 Challenges of being deaf—The emotional and developmental challenges deaf children face, especially in the parent-child relationship.

🗣️ Effective communication—Why it's crucial to speak to deaf children in a language that makes sense to them and how this influences the therapeutic relationship.

🎲 The role of play therapy—How play therapy can bridge the gap, helping deaf children explore perceptions of themselves and their world.

🤝 Joining the world of a deaf child—How to offer deaf children a felt sense of being understood, seen, and validated during play therapy sessions.

🔊 Advocacy for deaf children—What therapists, educators, and caregivers need to be aware of when advocating for deaf children’s needs in therapy and beyond.

This episode will provide you with deep insights into the lived experiences of deaf children and how to be a more effective and compassionate therapist, parent, or educator for them. Gabe shares real-life case examples from his own experiences in child welfare and play therapy, and he even reveals what he believes to be the superpowers of deaf children—a powerful ending you won’t want to miss!

🌟 Listen to this episode and gain a profound understanding of how to support and advocate for deaf children in your practice and beyond.

Additional Resources:  

💜 Learn more about Synergetic Play Therapy: Visit our website for courses, resources, and certification opportunities

📚 Explore Our Books and Read Aggression in Play Therapy

✨ SPT Foundation: Learn more about its mission, team, and initiatives

🔗 Follow us on Instagram

🔗 Find us on Facebook