Ever wished you could step outside your family dynamic, watch it play out, and change the ending? That’s the magic of psychodrama: acting out relationships and inner conflicts to see them clearly and rehearse healthier ways of responding. We sit down with licensed psychotherapist and mindset coach Ioana Chei to explore how role‑play, play therapy and mindful language help kids and parents move from reactivity to connection.
We unpack the Oaklander model, a child‑centred approach that uses play, art and creative expression to surface emotions kids can’t always name. Ioana explains why older children start to “own the play,” spotting themselves in stories and choosing new scripts. We talk candidly about the belief that keeps many parents stuck (“this is just how I am”) and how to replace fixed identity with flexible skills. You’ll learn why all feelings are allowed but behaviours are guided, how to notice when your reaction is bigger than the situation, and a simple way to map the “buttons” you brought into parenting long before your child arrived.
We also address the lingering effects of lockdowns on social development, especially for children who missed key practice years. Expect practical ideas for gentle exposure, short structured playdates, and debriefs that build confidence without pressure. Along the way, we share real moments about modelling self‑talk and body image, and how a small shift in the words you use about yourself can reshape what your child believes about theirs.
If you’re ready for tools you can use today, start with two: listen more than you lecture and choose presence over perfection with ten minutes of child‑led play. You can follow Ioana on Instagram at @ioanachei or email her at help@ioanachei.com for further information.
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