Virginia Axline has told us that “Play is the primary and natural medium of communication for children” (1947) and that therapists can allow kids to express their emotions and process their experiences. However, those of us who work with distressed or traumatized children know that sometimes we need to do more than that.

This single-day clinical workshop is designed to answer child therapists' question, “Yes, but how exactly do I do that in session?”  

This workshop will be focused on the detailed how-to of directive play therapy with children. We will discuss the clinical frame – from setting up an office to addressing behavioral problems in session – and effective interventions within it. Directive play therapy can promote healing from traumatic events, facilitate the expression of emotions, develop more secure attachment patterns, introduce new ways of thinking and behaving, learn problem-solving skills, improve social and communication skills, and support regulation.

This class will give practicing therapists, child welfare professionals, and other pediatric providers working with children aged 0-11 practical tools and ideas to leverage therapeutic change. The workshop will be conducted in a Zoom format. Teaching modalities will include clinical discussion, lectures with clinical examples & video illustrations, and individual/group case exercises. (Please note: Workshop will cover clinical applications and interventions for children, not forensic assessment of play for evaluation purposes.)

CORE WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES:

• Explore the brain development, memory systems, attachment needs, and trauma impacts that influence our baseline neurobiology and a child’s capacity for therapeutic growth.
• Understand the distinction between directive and non-directive play therapy and the clinical applications for both with children.
• Knowing the therapeutic frame, learn to set daily treatment plans and establish the structure of a child’s session.
• Consider different categories of play useful for addressing various treatment goals.
• Explore therapeutic toys, games, and crafts options with examples of their use in sessions.
• Access provided references and resources for further study.