Ep. 39 - The Healing Power of Play: Why Children Heal When They're Allowed to Simply Be with Dr. Edan Alcalay

Play is often seen as just fun for kids—but what if it's actually one of the most powerful paths to healing?In this episode of The Play Base Podcast, host Frances Fishman talks with clinical psychologist and Certified Child-Centered Play Therapist Dr. Edan Alcalay about the science and heart behind play therapy. Drawing on over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Alcalay explains how child-centered play therapy strips away judgment and expectation, letting children's natural capacity to heal emerge on its own.Together, they explore why play is children's true language, how emotional safety underlies real growth, and why curiosity—not correction—is the key to understanding behavior. Frances also reflects on her background in ABA, comparing older compliance-focused methods to more compassionate, relationship-based approaches, and the two discuss what separates traditional play therapy from play-based ABA.Throughout, one idea stands out: kids can't truly heal while they're busy performing or masking to meet adult expectations. Healing starts when they feel safe enough to just be themselves.The episode ends with a simple challenge for every family: 8–10 minutes a day of uninterrupted, child-led play. No agenda, no teaching—just connection.A must-listen for parents, therapists, and educators alike.Connect with Dr. Edan Alcalay🌐 www.bocaratonchild.com Connect with The Play Base🌐 Website: www.us.theplaybase.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theplaybase/🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theplaybase