Linda Smallbones Play Therapy and Counselling

17/10/2025

Maybe YOU need to hear this today?
Do Less.

It is fully OK to recognise when you need to Do Less. You're not lazy, you're looking after yourself. Enter a bit of "rest and digest" mode, which, btw leads to more productivity and happiness in the future!

12/09/2025

Happy Friday morning from a drizzly, mizzly Howick! I hope today's blog can add some cheer to your day. It is a re-post of a post from two years ago when I first published some responses from the Emotional Connection Survey. I have updated it and added a couple of new responses that have been collected in this time. If you haven't taken the survey, it continues to be open and you can take it anonymously.

I hope that it can encourage you to think about emotional connection intentionally in your relationships, in a way that feels meaningful to you. It looks a little different to each of us, but we know it when we see it!

Explore survey insights on emotional connection, children's behaviour, and parenting responses. Learn practical ways to foster connection and overcome obstacles.

05/09/2025

Sandy is my friend and colleague. Always worth listening to what she has to say and full of JOY!! I highly recommend this talk 🥰

📅 Event Reminder!

Rooted in Relationship - Nurturing Connection in the Early Years, with Sandy Meyer.

The Wykeham Collegiate is delighted to host an interactive and practical talk on Parenting for Connection, with a special focus on the power of play in building strong parent-child relationships.

Led by our Play Therapist, Sandy Meyer, this hands-on session is designed for parents and their 4 to 6-year-old children (boys and girls welcome). Through fun, play-based activities and practical guidance, parents will learn simple, meaningful ways to connect with their children in everyday moments.

Details:
📅 Date: Wednesday, 17 September 2025
🕞 Time: 15:30 – 16:45
📍 Venue: Junior School Atrium, The Wykeham Collegiate, 100 Villiers Drive, Clarendon
🎟 Cost: Free (but RSVP is essential, by 12 September)
🔗 RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/r/4KUw3mRiBL
📧 Enquiries: media@twc.org.za
Come and discover how play can deepen your connection with your child and support their emotional development.

05/09/2025

Good Morning!! Happy Spring everyone!
Check out today's blog to find out what is NEW this Spring!

A project aimed at addressing the increase of inappropriate sexual behaviours between children.

02/09/2025

I love these thoughts...the number one reason children and especially teenagers don't tell us when they've messed up...
"They don't want to have to manage their parent's reactions..."

29/08/2025

A new interview with a lovely person out today! New to Howick and already making a massive positive impact, along with her family. Introducing the lovely Tracey Joelson!

I have loved getting to know Tracey as a friend and fellow professional and small business owner this year. I've been intrigued by Tracey's chiropractic work and understanding the diversity of services she can offer.

12/08/2025

Don't miss out on this fabulous opportunity to hear a brilliant gardner speak! Spring is around the corner, get inspired🌻🥰 AND support a hugely worthwhile organisation, Singakwenza

The foundation for vibrant health begins in our kitchens and gardens. Preparing meals from scratch using nutritious, wholesome ingredients – ideally homegrown and organic – is an investment in our long-term health and wellbeing. Even something as simple as growing herbs on a windowsill can make ...

11/08/2025

Hi! I've been a little quiet on the social media front, but I am still here!
I wanted to share a few photos of my Friday and Saturday, speaking at two lovely events!

First up Proudly Primary, hosted by St. Charles College. Lovely atmosphere, super friendly and helpful SCC staff and volunteer students. A lovely turnout for my play therapy workshop - thank you awesome teachers for your participation!!

Then, on Saturday morning I headed to Umhlanga bright and early for Immanuel Church's ladies morning. I had the privilege of leading a mini journalling workshop with just over 100 women. It was a beautiful time, I loved every minute. AND, I got to participate in a "Worship and Paint" session. Thank you Immanuel and Sue Stevens for inviting me!

My heart is full after a busy but beautiful weekend.

18/07/2025

I created my own boardgame in 2019 and have been using it since. A little "getting to know you" game many kids love and ask to play again. We have others in the playroom, like Pictureka, and Snakes and Ladders. (Mmm, time to add a couple more, I think!) I love how this post explains the therapuetic value of boardgames.

18/07/2025

Today would have been Nelson Mandela's 107th birthday. In his honour, we mark 18 July, Mandela Day, with acts of service.

Some practical ideas for ways to give and serve on Mandela Day!

12/07/2025

Happy Saturday! I just came across this and had to share it. I once wrote a blog about the book by Michael Rosen called "We're going on a bear hunt" and here is a rap about it!! AND the video features Mr. Rosen himself totally into the rap, jiving away in the corner (the man with the cool hat) - HOW AWESOME IS THIS!!

If you just need a little smile today, watch this!

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AkVkQ8cGk/

08/07/2025

Are you ready for this? A mid-year check-in! A few reflection questions to help you take a pause. And breathe. As we've just passed the halfway mark of 2025.

Another quarter has finished, we're half way through the year. I thought it might be a good time to do a little check-in.