Harnessing Play and Connection in Child Therapy: A Conversation with Claudia Rickard

When was the last time you saw a simple conversation transform a child's entire world?

If there’s one thing you can count on at HypnoThoughts Live, it’s discovering transformative new techniques that leave a lasting impact. This year, we had the pleasure of chatting with Claudia Rickard, whose approach to working with young children is not only innovative but deeply personal, rooted in her journey as a mother. Let’s take you through her story and the incredible "Bunny Talk" technique she developed—a technique that beautifully illustrates the power of play and connection in therapy.

The Birth of Bunny Talk: A Mother-Daughter Connection

Claudia’s story begins with a simple, yet powerful, activity—shadow puppets. With her husband frequently away, Claudia found herself sharing a bed with her young daughter to keep her company. What started as a playful bedtime routine soon evolved into something much more meaningful. They created characters—"Mummy Bunny" and "Baby Bunny"—who became their special bond.

Through these playful bunnies, Claudia found a way to teach her daughter everything from the days of the week to math, all wrapped up in the magic of play. But this wasn’t just about education. By engaging in this kind of playful interaction, Claudia was laying the foundation for a tool that would greatly enhance her daughter’s emotional resilience and unconscious learning. The safety, love, and kindness embedded in their Bunny Talk sessions were anchoring positive emotional states in her daughter—states that would serve her well throughout life.

The Power of Play in Emotional and Mental Development

Children naturally gravitate toward play, and it's through play that they learn most effectively. Claudia’s Bunny Talk technique exemplifies this perfectly. By turning everyday learning into a game, she was nurturing her daughter’s emotional intelligence and creating a safe space where her daughter felt loved, supported, and, most importantly, understood.

One of the key elements of effective child therapy is meeting children where they are, which is often in the world of imagination. In the world of "Bunny Talk," there was no judgment—only kindness and encouragement. Mummy Bunny never scolded Baby Bunny, and this non-judgmental environment became a powerful tool. By embedding these positive states into her daughter’s unconscious, Claudia was unknowingly equipping her with the tools she would need to navigate more challenging emotional landscapes in the future.

Remember, the unconscious mind is deeply influenced by the emotional states we experience during play and connection. By harnessing the power of these states, we can open doors to healing that words alone cannot.

Addressing Trauma Through Safe Dissociation

As Claudia’s daughter grew older, life’s challenges became more complex. The COVID-19 pandemic brought isolation, anxiety, and a sense of loss, which, combined with the natural struggles of adolescence, led her daughter into a difficult emotional space. She began to engage in self-harm, a painful reality that many parents find overwhelming and heartbreaking. Claudia faced this situation with the same love and creativity that had always guided her—by turning to their trusted "Bunny Talk."

One night, when her daughter came to her room sobbing uncontrollably, Claudia knew she had to find a way for her daughter to express what she was feeling. But instead of asking her directly, which her daughter wouldn’t respond to, Claudia instinctively brought out Mummy Bunny. This seemingly simple act was a stroke of genius because it allowed her daughter to communicate in a way that felt safe and non-threatening.

Here’s how the bunnies played their vital role in this delicate situation:

1. Creating a Safe, Dissociated Space: Claudia first introduced Mummy Bunny into the conversation, signaling to her daughter that they were entering a familiar and safe space. By doing this, Claudia provided a layer of emotional distance between her daughter and the painful feelings she was experiencing. This form of dissociation is crucial because it helps the individual feel less directly exposed to the pain they are discussing, making it easier to open up.
2. Facilitating Expression Through Play: Claudia’s daughter, now assuming the role of Baby Bunny, was able to express her feelings and experiences in a way that felt like play rather than a serious, daunting conversation. The act of using the bunny characters allowed her daughter to externalize her feelings, talking through the bunny rather than directly as herself. This externalization is a key technique in managing and processing trauma, as it allows the person to discuss their experiences in a less direct and more manageable way.
3. Listening Without Judgment: Throughout the conversation, Mummy Bunny (as channeled by Claudia) maintained a calm, non-reactive presence. Claudia knew the importance of not showing shock, anger, or distress, as this could shut down the communication. Mummy Bunny simply listened, providing unconditional support and understanding. This non-judgmental stance was critical in helping her daughter feel safe enough to continue sharing.
4. Processing the Trauma Together: As her daughter shared her pain—her feelings of self-loathing and the reasons behind her self-harm—Mummy Bunny responded with compassion and curiosity, helping her daughter process these feelings. They didn’t rush to solutions but instead explored the emotions together, gently discussing what Baby Bunny might do to feel better. This slow, patient approach allowed her daughter to feel heard and understood without the pressure of immediate solutions.
5. Reinforcing Positive States: As the conversation continued, Mummy Bunny and Baby Bunny worked together to find ways to cope with the negative feelings. They might have talked about things Baby Bunny could do to feel better or ways to practice kindness towards herself. These discussions were not just about problem-solving; they were about reinforcing positive emotional states and nurturing self-compassion. By framing these ideas within the Bunny Talk, Claudia was anchoring these positive states into her daughter’s unconscious mind.
6. Ending on a Reassuring Note: After the heavy emotions were aired and explored, Claudia’s daughter decided when the conversation was over. At around 5 AM, she told her mother that she could go back to her room, signaling that she felt calm and safe enough to be alone. This empowered her daughter, giving her control over the interaction and reinforcing her sense of safety and autonomy.

This use of Bunny Talk was a deeply therapeutic process that allowed Claudia’s daughter to safely explore and express her trauma. The bunnies served as a bridge between her internal world and the external support of her mother. This method aligns perfectly with the principles of safe dissociation used in hypnosis, where a client is gently guided to discuss difficult emotions in a way that feels less threatening, thereby opening the door to healing and transformation.

From Personal Practice to Public Resource: The Evolution of Bunny Talk

Realizing the profound impact of Bunny Talk on her daughter, Claudia felt a calling to share this technique with others. Encouraged by her peers, she turned her personal practice into a public resource. First, she authored a book titled A Parent’s Journey, which offers best practices for parenting in challenging situations, such as divorce or blended families. This book introduces the Bunny Talk process, making it accessible to other parents and therapists.

In her sessions, Claudia uses creative and engaging activities like body drawing and coloring to make therapy a fun and meaningful experience for children. She also incorporates elements like eye movements and cuddly toys, adapting her approach to meet the unique needs of each child. These techniques are highly therapeutic and effective for building rapport and trust with any child.

But Claudia didn’t stop there. In the year 2024, at HypnoThoughts Live, she presented Bunny Talk for the first time, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Encouraged by the interest, Claudia developed a comprehensive course that teaches others how to integrate Bunny Talk into their own practice. This course includes everything from creative activities like body drawing to advanced techniques in emotional intelligence, showing how these principles can be applied not just in therapy but in everyday parenting.

Integrating Emotional Intelligence in Child Therapy

One of the most crucial aspects of Claudia’s work is her emphasis on emotional intelligence—not just for the children, but for the parents as well. Often, when parents bring their children to therapy, they’re hoping for a quick fix. But as Claudia rightly points out, it’s usually not the child who needs fixing, but the environment they’re in.

This is a fundamental principle in effective therapy: addressing the root cause of the issue, rather than just the symptoms. When Claudia works with parents, she helps them develop their own emotional intelligence, so they can create a supportive and nurturing environment for their children. That’s because the unconscious mind of the child is highly influenced by the emotional states of those around them. By helping parents manage their own emotions and reactions, we can also help children heal.

How to Learn More

At HypnoThoughts Live, we’re reminded every year of how innovative and dynamic the field of hypnosis and therapy can be. Techniques like Bunny Talk demonstrate the profound impact that personal experience and passion can have on therapeutic practices. 

For those interested in learning more about Claudia’s work,you can visit her website at ClaudiaRickardHypnosis.com. Whether you’re a parent, therapist, or someone passionate about emotional healing, there’s something in her approach that can benefit everyone.

To further expand your knowledge in hypnosis and explore a wide range of effective techniques, join the Mike Mandel Hypnosis Academy. MMHA provides comprehensive training that can help you master the art of hypnosis and apply it in various therapeutic contexts. You can start with a free test drive, no credit card required.

Take the next step in your journey by exploring these incredible resources—you'll find a wealth of knowledge and practical tools to enhance your skills and make a lasting impact.