Anya’s Speaking, Media & Guest Appearances
Anya has been invited to speak across universities, schools, parenting platforms, healthcare spaces, and educational institutions on Play Therapy, emotional regulation, parenting, child development, and therapeutic play. Her work brings together principles from Synergetic Play Therapy, attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology, and parent coaching to support children, families, educators, and professionals with greater emotional understanding, regulation, and connection. This page features selected talks, workshops, interviews, podcasts, and media appearances across India and internationally.
Conferences, Universities & Professional Institutions
Anya Reddy was invited to speak on “The Role of Play Therapy in Paediatric Pain Management” as part of the Paediatric Care and Palliative Pain Awareness Week Conference, hosted by the Department of Anaesthesiology at Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, Bengaluru.
Her session highlighted how Play Therapy can support children in coping with medical trauma, reducing anxiety, and building emotional resilience during hospitalisation and treatment.
As part of her presentation, Anya shared a glimpse into a real session with her client who was processing pain following a hospital visit - illustrating how play therapy offers children a safe space to express fear, regain a sense of control, and integrate difficult experiences.
I’m honored to be invited as a mentor for Cognify, a neuroscience-based toy design competition hosted by Shaastra ReWire at IIT Madras - Asia’s largest student-organised tech fest and the world’s first ISO 9001:2008 certified student-run event.
As a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist and PCI® Parent Coach, I’ll be guiding participants through workshops rooted in cognitive neuroscience, child development, and inclusive play design. The focus? Creating non-electronic, sensory-safe toys that support the unique needs of neurodivergent children, including those with ADHD, autism, sensory processing differences, and more.
In Round 2, I’ll mentor participating teams to refine their toy prototypes using evidence-based principles from developmental psychology, attachment theory, and neuroscience. These toys are not just fun - they’re therapeutic tools designed to foster regulation, connection, and creativity.
With potential collaborations on the horizon, this initiative could bring accessible, developmentally supportive toys to children across India and beyond.
This opportunity aligns deeply with my mission: to make play therapy-informed tools and parenting resources more widely available - especially for the neurodivergent community.
Anya Reddy returns to her alma mater, FLAME University, to speak with the current batch of Psychology students about how to leverage a Bachelor of Arts degree when exploring career opportunities and applying for higher education.
The Department of Human Development at Mount Carmel College (Autonomous), Bangalore presents a free webinar by Anya Reddy on “Therapeutic Intervention through Play!”
Join Anya Reddy, Certified Synergetic Play Therapist, as she introduces the foundational principles of Play Therapy - including its origins, theoretical framework, neurobiology, and real-world applications - through an engaging slideshow presentation.
The Department of Human Development, J.D. Birla Institute, Kolkata presents Anya Reddy on “Play Therapy as a Therapeutic Intervention.”
Join Anya Reddy, Certified Synergetic Play Therapist, for an insightful session exploring the therapeutic power of play in supporting children’s emotional and behavioral well-being.
Join Anya Reddy for an engaging session featuring a presentation, live demonstrations, and experiential exercises designed specifically for Montessori students.
This interactive workshop will offer valuable insights into how Play Therapy supports the development of social, emotional, and behavioral skills in children - with a special focus on its relevance and application in the Indian context.
Schools, Parent Education & Workshops
I was invited to be a panelist for a parent education session at Freedom International School, hosted in collaboration with First Adda. The discussion explored how everyday routines - mealtimes, playtime, and bedtime - shape children’s emotional regulation, social development, and overall wellbeing.
I shared insights from my work as a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist and PCI® Certified Parent Coach, highlighting how the neuroscience of safety and co-regulation form the foundation for healthy habits. We also discussed practical ways parents can nurture resilience and connection through small, consistent daily rhythms.
Podcasts, Interviews & Public Conversations
LonePack Conversations: May, 2021
“When asked to think about the significance of playing, we probably think of it as a way to help us with creative thinking, expelling our energy and social interaction. Let’s dig a little deeper on that thought today as we talk about Play Therapy. Welcome to LonePack Conversations!
In this episode, we talk to child and adolescent psychologist, Anya Reddy, on the impact of Therapeutic Play.” The episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud.
Tantrums to Triumphs: May, 2026
In Episode 19 of Tantrums to Triumphs, Deepti Mahesh from KydzAdda sits down with Anya from Play Therapy with Anya to explore the world of play therapy and how children communicate through play, behaviour, and emotional expression.
From observing shifts in a child’s energy and eye contact to understanding subtle emotional cues, this conversation highlights how play can reveal what children may not yet have the words to express.
Anya shares valuable insights on:
What play therapy really means
Why children shouldn’t be pressured with direct questions
The importance of observing emotional & behavioural patterns
Subtle signs parents should watch out for
If you’re a parent, educator, or someone interested in child emotional wellbeing, this episode offers thoughtful insights into understanding children with more empathy, awareness, and connection.
🎧 Watch the full episode and join the conversation.
Anxiety in Kids — Identifying the Signs & Dealing with it Through Play: Aug, 2020
Aditi and I discuss Play Therapy and supporting children with anxiety during COVID-19.
Play and its Effects on Behaviour: July, 2020
I went live on Instagram with Akhila Das from Indigrow. We discussed play therapy, the importance of play, different types of play, age-appropriate play, the role of a parent in a child's play, the role of gender in play and parenting, digital play and more.
Press Features & Media Mentions
Sand tray therapy: Healing through non-verbal expression: 23 Sept 2024
Wrapped in comfort: When parental touch heals pain: 15 Sept 2023
Boost Your Brain: Benefits of Card and Board Games: 25 Feb 2025
