Meet Debi John
Play Consultant | Trauma-Responsive Practitioner | SEND Educator | Founder of the PAUSE, PLAY, CONNECT® Flow
Debi John is an emerging voice in the global play-based wellbeing movement — helping overwhelmed parents, therapists, SEND educators, and families in crisis reclaim joy and connection through the power of play.
With over 20 years’ experience across safeguarding, education, the creative arts, and therapeutic coaching, Debi has worked with displaced families, NHS professionals, specialist school teams, and corporate leaders — all through one unifying lens: play as a bridge to healing, regulation, and human connection.
As the founder of Play Healing®, creator of the PAUSE, PLAY, CONNECT® Flow, and host of the Play Healing Parenting Podcast, Debi is on a mission to “pollinate play” — from war zones to workplaces, kitchens to classrooms and is curious around the blocks to play and the pressure on educators and parents to ‘feel playful.’
She has shared her work on BBC Radio, trained hundreds of professionals, and supported parents through moments of breakdown and breakthrough. Known for her practical warmth, creativity, and deep compassion, Debi is often described as “the calm in the chaos” — all while raising two of her own (now 17 and 19).
“To live life the play-fuelled way is to pause with intention, play with curiosity, and connect — with others and with the neural foundations that build resilience to make learning and healing possible.”
Training
Why PAUSE, PLAY, CONNECT® Works
A trauma-responsive, neuroscience-informed approach to building connection — in ourselves and with others.
PAUSE, PLAY, CONNECT® is a simple, powerful flow that helps people move from stress and survival into calm, connection, and growth.
It’s grounded in:
Attachment theory
Child development and Play Therapy research
Polyvagal Theory
And years of real-life work with families, educators, and therapists
This approach has been used with:
Parents and carers facing crisis including foster-care breakdown and displacement
SEND professionals supporting neurodivergent children
Schools and communities working with trauma
Whether you're at home, in the classroom, or in a therapy session — this flow helps you:
Create safety
Support emotional regulation
Build stronger relationships
Make learning possible again
Training and Partnership Programs
The presentation below outlines how you can work with Debi at Play Healing and create a licensed PAUSE, PLAY, CONNECT Ⓡ program to help the families you serve.
Consultation Sessions
Personal consultation sessions are mostly online, unless part of a retreat package.
Sessions are relaxed and collaborative with a focus on empowering and equipping you to take the next steps towards fostering deeper connection and lowering stress levels.
As well as a trained therapist, Debi is also a trained Quantum Energy Coach allowing you to break free from addictions, childhood trauma, anxiety, and stress if you choose to work in a deeper way. To find out more visit: www.qecliving.com or send her an e-mail anytime if you have any further questions.
Debi is fully insured and has been registered with BACP.
Parent Retreats
‘PAUSE and learn how to CONNECT within, so that you can PAUSE to PLAY and CONNECT with your child.’ Debi John
Debi loves to run small intimate retreat sessions and speak at retreats in the UK and abroad and recently hosted a VIP Retreat Experience at Bowood House, Wiltshire, UK.
“The violence towards me in the home was unbearable. Without your help Debi, my daughter would have ended up in foster care.” (Natalie)
"Brilliant insights in how I can help myself and my kids by pausing in this busy world and reconnecting on their level." (Kirsty, FTI Consulting)