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Let Me Introduce You to Dr. Janet Courtney & Merab Akinyi
Dr. Janet A. Courtney, PhD, RPT-S is the Founder of FirstPlay Therapy®, an innovative infant mental health and developmental play therapy model designed to strengthen attachment, connection, and healing in young children and families. She is a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™, TEDx Speaker, internationally recognized author, and former Chair of the Association for Play Therapy Ethics and Practice Committee.
Merab Akinyi is a Licensed Professional Counsellor, Play Therapist, Certified FirstPlay® Infant Practitioner, and founder of PlayTalkSpace in Nairobi, Kenya. She is recognized as the first Certified FirstPlay® Infant Practitioner in Africa and is a passionate advocate for infant and child mental health across the continent.
Together, Dr. Courtney and Merab bring decades of experience in infant mental health, attachment-focused care, play therapy, trauma healing, and expressive therapies. Their work combines neuroscience, developmental play therapy, and culturally responsive healing practices to support children, families, and clinicians worldwide.
Through trainings, mentorship, clinical work, and advocacy, they continue to advance nurturing, attachment-centered approaches that foster connection, resilience, and emotional wellbeing.
To Learn More from Dr. Courtney
Here are just a few of the ways Dr. Courtney supports healing, learning, and professional growth
• Founder of FirstPlay Therapy® and creator of the FirstPlay Infant Play Therapy Certification• International presenter specializing in infant mental health, attachment, trauma, and play therapy• Integrates expressive arts, storytelling, movement, and relationship-based healing into clinical practice• Author, trainer, and mentor supporting clinicians and helping professionals worldwide• Supports clinicians in creating nurturing, attachment-centered approaches for children, caregivers, and families
To Learn More from Merab Akinyi
Here are just a few of the ways Merab supports healing, learning, and growth
• Recognized as Africa’s first Certified FirstPlay® Infant Practitioner• Founder of PlayTalkSpace in Nairobi, Kenya• International presenter and advocate for infant and child mental health across Africa• Provides play therapy, trauma-informed care, mentorship, and supervision for children, families, and emerging therapists• Integrates attachment-focused approaches, expressive arts, and culturally responsive healing practices into her work
Connect with Dr. Courtney & Merab
Dr. Janet Courtney
Website: https://firstplaytherapy.com/
Facebook Group: FirstPlay and Infant Play Therapy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-janet-courtney-phd/
Merab AkinyiOrganization: PlayTalkSpaceAssociation: Association for Play Therapy Kenya
Let Me Introduce You to Dr. Janet Courtney & Merab Akinyi
Dr. Janet A. Courtney, PhD, RPT-S is the Founder of FirstPlay Therapy®, an innovative infant mental health and developmental play therapy model designed to strengthen attachment, connection, and healing in young children and families. She is a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™, TEDx Speaker, internationally recognized author, and former Chair of the Association for Play Therapy Ethics and Practice Committee.
Merab Akinyi is a Licensed Professional Counsellor, Play Therapist, Certified FirstPlay® Infant Practitioner, and founder of PlayTalkSpace in Nairobi, Kenya. She is recognized as the first Certified FirstPlay® Infant Practitioner in Africa and is a passionate advocate for infant and child mental health across the continent.
Together, Dr. Courtney and Merab bring decades of experience in infant mental health, attachment-focused care, play therapy, trauma healing, and expressive therapies. Their work combines neuroscience, developmental play therapy, and culturally responsive healing practices to support children, families, and clinicians worldwide.
Through trainings, mentorship, clinical work, and advocacy, they continue to advance nurturing, attachment-centered approaches that foster connection, resilience, and emotional wellbeing.
To Learn More from Dr. Courtney
Here are just a few of the ways Dr. Courtney supports healing, learning, and professional growth
• Founder of FirstPlay Therapy® and creator of the FirstPlay Infant Play Therapy Certification• International presenter specializing in infant mental health, attachment, trauma, and play therapy• Integrates expressive arts, storytelling, movement, and relationship-based healing into clinical practice• Author, trainer, and mentor supporting clinicians and helping professionals worldwide• Supports clinicians in creating nurturing, attachment-centered approaches for children, caregivers, and families
To Learn More from Merab Akinyi
Here are just a few of the ways Merab supports healing, learning, and growth
• Recognized as Africa’s first Certified FirstPlay® Infant Practitioner• Founder of PlayTalkSpace in Nairobi, Kenya• International presenter and advocate for infant and child mental health across Africa• Provides play therapy, trauma-informed care, mentorship, and supervision for children, families, and emerging therapists• Integrates attachment-focused approaches, expressive arts, and culturally responsive healing practices into her work
Connect with Dr. Courtney & Merab
Dr. Janet Courtney
Website: https://firstplaytherapy.com/
Facebook Group: FirstPlay and Infant Play Therapy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-janet-courtney-phd/
Merab AkinyiOrganization: PlayTalkSpaceAssociation: Association for Play Therapy Kenya
