Hello! My name is Julia Krenz, I am a senior at Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. My concentration is in Child Welfare, and my interests include justice-involved youth, housing, and family-centered policies. I approach my work with an intersectional-feminist and anti-oppressive lens.
In my free time, I am participating in leisure or play. I love watching reality TV, birdwatching in Prospect Park, doing pilates, roller skating, doing crossword puzzles, and visiting my friends.
For my project in my Child Welfare class, I wanted to explore how family play promotes family well-being and what the barriers families in urban areas face to engaging in play. On this site you will find information about family play therapy, including first-hand accounts from families who have engaged in therapeutic play, an FAQ, and information about the barriers to play in an urban space. I hope those who stumble upon my site enjoy it and lean into play for families!
This website was inspired by my own experience with family play. Although, my experiences were never formally labeled as family play, my family, that at times had a tumultuous dynamic, prioritized play; we visited the beach, went camping in national parks, visited museums and zoos, took road trips, and experienced new things together. Our yearly family reunion with the extended family is always focused on play. During the summer together we create Olympic games, go water skiing, and go on canoe and camping trips. These moments create opportunities for team building, building confidence as a family, and discovering strengths. I have a strong bond with my extended family and thus a support system that is mutually beneficial.
