22/09/2026
During a recent training weekend, we were shown the scene from Moana where she returns the heart to Te Fiti.
I had seen it before, but this time it really moved me. Listening to the words and watching the gentle, non-verbal moments between them, brought tears to my eyes..
“This is not who you are. You know who you are.” 🌺
Moana doesn’t focus on Te Kā’s anger. She sees beyond it. She approaches slowly, stays calm and recognises the hurt underneath.
It made me think about the children we meet through play.
Sometimes the feelings we see on the outside are only one small part of what is happening within. A child may not have the words to explain what they are feeling, but their play and behaviour can tell us so much when we take the time to notice.
For me, this is at the heart of play therapy. It is about creating a safe space where a child can feel seen, accepted and understood, even in their most difficult moments.
Children do not need us to change who they are. Sometimes they simply need someone who can look beyond what is happening on the surface and gently remind them:
“I see you. I’m still here. You are more than this difficult moment.” 💛
Cathy O Byrne-Psychotherapist Specialising in Parent Support
Siobhán@CTC, Play is my life!
ConnectionBeforeCorrection
