Parenting Shrink Wrapped
Parenting Shrink Wrapped is your all-access pass to the wild and wonderful journey of raising kids! Hosted by Dr. Melissa Wellner, a double board-certified psychiatrist and child and adolescent psychiatrist, and Samantha Straub, a licensed therapist, educator, and parenting coach, this dynamic duo brings a perfect mix of professional expertise and mom humor. With five kids between them—and thousands more they’ve supported in their professional roles—they’re here to share practical strategies and real-life stories that will help you navigate everything from tantrums to teen drama. Whether you're handling sleepless nights or the chaos of carpool, you'll find relatable advice and a good laugh along the way. Strap in, because parenting is a ride, and we're here to make it a little smoother!
Parenting Shrink Wrapped
#20: More Than Just Play: Unlocking the Power of Play Therapy with Vanessa Kellner
In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Dr. Melissa Wellner and co-host Sam Straub sit down with special guest Vanessa Kellner, a registered play therapist and founder of Wholesome Healing in Severna Park, Maryland. Together, they explore the true nature of play therapy—how it offers children a language beyond words to process deep emotions and experiences. Vanessa breaks down how play therapy works, why it’s far more than “just play,” and shares fascinating insights on how children express anxiety, trauma, and healing through toys, art, and imaginative worlds.
Whether you're a curious parent or a professional working with kids, this episode offers a warm, eye-opening look at how play becomes a powerful path to connection and transformation.
About Vanessa
Vanessa Kellner is a licensed clinical counselor and the owner of Wholesome Healing, a private practice specializing in Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), located in Severna Park, MD. She is an author, play therapist and play therapist supervisor, credentialed as a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S) through the Association for Play Therapy (APT), and certified as a Child-Centered Play Therapist (CCPT) through the University of North Texas Center for Play Therapy (UNT) and a Child-Centered Play Therapist Supervisor (CCPT-S) through the National Institute of Relationship Enhancement (NIRE). Vanessa was honored to receive the 2024 Play Therapist of the Year Award from the MD/DC Association for Play Therapy branch.
Connect with Vanessa
Website: https://www.wholesomehealingforall.com/
Facebook: Wholesome Healing
Instagram: @wholesomehealingmd
Contact us: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com
Follow us:
Work with Us:
Teen Savvy Coaching, Sam's coaching business for parents of teens and tweens
- Download Sam's free video guide: How to Have a "You Screwed Up" Conversation with your Child or Teen
- Download Sam's free e-book: Beyond Nagging: Empowering Parents to Transform Teen Homework Headaches
Annapolis Psychiatry, Dr. Melissa's private practice
Follow & Review the Pod: Click to follow on Apple Podcasts or to follow on Spotify.
You can use those same links to leave us a review! So easy and so appreciated!