2024 Brain Research and Child Dev. in a Play Therapy Setting June 12

Overview: This one day course explores current theories and research on brain development with a focus on common presenting problems encountered by play therapists, such as attachment problems, neglect and trauma exposure. This course will investigate the influence of “play” on the brain and consequently the “healing of children” within all models of play therapy. This overview of the… Continue reading 2024 Brain Research and Child Dev. in a Play Therapy Setting June 12

2024 Understanding Traumatized Children and Applying Play Therapy Tools in the Treatment of Trauma in Children June 13-14

Overview: Many children and adolescents are referred for therapy because they have experienced a traumatic event or a series of events. This workshop will define the various types of trauma including complex trauma and other disorders that may be trauma-based. It will provide an overview of trauma symptoms across the lifespan emphasizing the types of… Continue reading 2024 Understanding Traumatized Children and Applying Play Therapy Tools in the Treatment of Trauma in Children June 13-14

2024 Creating an Inclusive and Culturally Competent Play Therapy Practice June 17

Overview: Anti-oppressive practice, cultural competence, cultural humility and the integration of these in the provision of play therapy services is an essential element of working with culturally diverse children and families. The principals that inform this include a number of facets related to identity and experiences of relative power and privilege. One facet, and perhaps… Continue reading 2024 Creating an Inclusive and Culturally Competent Play Therapy Practice June 17

2024 Understanding and Treating Anxious Children using Play Therapy June 19

Overview Anxiety is the most frequently occurring mental illness among children and adolescents. It includes Generalized Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Separation Anxiety, Selective Mutism and Specific Phobias. This workshop will describe the most common anxiety disorders and how to assess for them. As they have both biological and behavioural components, the importance of working with… Continue reading 2024 Understanding and Treating Anxious Children using Play Therapy June 19

2024 Play Therapy with Abused Children June 20-21

Overview Using lecture, student practice sessions, instructor demonstration and teaching videotapes, this two-day course will integrate foundational child abuse theories with directive and nondirective play therapy methods to prepare play therapists to meet the unique needs of children and youth who have been physically, sexually and/or emotionally abused.