Building a Village
It’s been nearly a month since our website went live and the blog got underway, so I thought it would be a good time to share a little about the roots and vision of Popeth.
About 18 months ago, Louise and I reached a turning point in our work as play therapists. We deeply valued the power of play, but we could also see the limitations of non-directive play therapy when it came to supporting children, especially those with developmental trauma. As a parent—or with experience in foster families—we understood the immense challenges parenting can bring, particularly when caring for children who have experienced trauma.
The proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child,” became central to our thinking. To truly help a child, we understood, we needed to support the entire "village" surrounding them—the parents, caregivers, and community who interact with the child every day. In therapy, we might spend up to an hour a week with a child, but the village is with them 24/7. For therapy to have a lasting impact, the work had to extend beyond the therapy room.
And so, Popeth was born. In English, Popeth means "everything." While we knew we couldn’t be everything to a child, we believed we could help harness the support systems around them. Consistency is one of the most critical factors for children with developmental trauma. Their brains need repetition to form new, healthier pathways. When everyone in the child’s village—parents, caregivers, educators, and therapists—is "singing from the same song sheet," the child is more likely to feel safe, seen, and supported.
When a child feels heard, they can start to feel seen. When they feel seen, their needs are more likely to be met. This process is slow, requiring patience, understanding, and a commitment from everyone involved. It’s a long journey, but it’s one we are fully committed to, as we help the child and their village learn to navigate the child’s unique trauma language.
Here we are today—still learning and growing, but so inspired by the way the villages are coming together to prioritise the well-being of each child. We’re excited to continue this journey and do popeth we can for every beautiful child who comes through our doors.
Welcome to Popeth