Brain Research and Child Development In A Play Therapy Setting
$220.00
Training Date: June 10, 2026
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 key principles of neurodevelopment will be invaluable for play therapy clinicians during the assessment process and for developing effective treatment plans. This course will also review some promising treatment approaches, such as neurosequential programming, to help inform the selection of appropriate play therapy models.
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify key structures and functions of the brain and nervous system, and their deficiencies if damaged
- Understand developmental milestones in brain development: object permanence, self-recognition, social reference, and perspective taking
- Understand important and useful brain functions for Play Therapists: left and right brain; upstairs and downstairs brain; mirror neurons; use or lose; brain hierarchy and function; neurotransmitters; and memory
- Identify how neglect, poor attachment, abuse, prenatal exposure to drugs and alcohol, and relational trauma affect the brain; including fear driven brain Understand how play optimizes brain development
- Understand how play therapy and various therapy models and approaches heal the brain through the power of relationships and brain integration.
Course Instructor: Cynthia Manley
