What the press is saying

About the book It's Our Turn to Play!

Raphael and a growing number of researchers say that the fun of noncompetitive playing is a healthy way for adults to combat stress. Not only are there physiological benefits that are by-products of laughter – thymus stimulation for increased immune response, increased function of endorphins, a generalized increase in arterial and venous circulation – but Raphael believes there's a more ethereal reward: magic.

"The magic," Raphael writes in her most recent book, It's Our Turn to Play!!!, "Is the communication skills, teamwork and creativity engendered by play." Play, according to Raphael, "is also a direct connection to the 'inner child' that can heal emotional scars."

"Getting Goofy: For Folks Who work with Victims of Abuse, Fun and Games Can Be a Real Stress Reliever" Steve Levin. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, August 26, 2000.

Raphael begins the book with her own story, how an adult playgroup turned her from a shy person into a center stage ham and put joy into her life. Now, she is called the "fun lady." …The book takes you through every stage of planning a playshop, from choosing costumes to closing circle.

Book Review, The Association For the Study of Play Newsletter, Winter 2000

It's Our Turn to Play!!! is a fun book. With big type and large photos, you can graze through the book. For the serious would-be playshop leader or someone who wants to put some humor into their next staff retreat, the workbook is a must for any play library.

Book reviews, Point of Light Magazine, Spring 2000

About playshops

It looks like a lot of fun -- making faces, speaking gibberish, playing games and lots of laughter. But wait, these aren't a bunch of children playing together: it is a group of adults... fun seems to be in just about everything Raphael is involved in.

"Having Fun Is Not Just Child’s Play," Successful Women, May 1997

Cathy Raphael has been a gargoyle. She's been Morgan Fairchild. She's a GUPPI. In a society where words "adult" and "play" seem antithetical, Raphael conducts play groups for adults.

"Group Invites Adults to Come Out and Play," Cathy Lubenski, Pittsburgh Tribune Review, April 1996

Cathy Raphael isn't afraid to make a fool of herself in front of others. In fact, she does it on purpose. That's often the best way, she says, to get others to join in her vocation. A self-styled storyteller and advocate of play, Cathy believes playing is as important to adults as it is to children. But alas, too many of us have lost the ability to play and enjoy ourselves. Fess up: When's the last time you actually played, not counting sports? The last time you made funny faces, got tangled up in a game of Twister or pretended you were a rumbling bulldozer or a soaring jet plane?

"Just Playing Around," Teresa K. Flatley, Pittsburgh Senior News, April 2000

Broadcast appearances

KDKA-TV, Channel 2, Pittsburgh, PA with Brenda Waters. "Good News" August 2000. Profile of Cathy Raphael’s work with staff of Greater Pittsburgh Women’s Center and Shelter.

WQED-TV, Channel 13, Public Television, Pittsburgh, PA. "Agewise with Eleanor Schano," February 2000 and October 2000. How Adults Can Play. Cathy demonstrates play with Pittsburgh’s popular anchorwoman.

PCNC TV, Pittsburgh, PA. "NightTalk with John McIntire Show," May 2000. Cathy talks about her new book, It’s Our Turn to Play!!!

Laura Lee's Conversation for Exploration Radio Show, New York. April 2001. Interview with Cathy Raphael.