Polyvagal in the Playroom
One of the most powerful and dynamic factors in play therapy is the relationship between therapist and child. Transference and countertransference can contribute to growth or a resistance to change in play therapy. Following Polyvagal Theory, the therapist lends his or her feelings, focus, and environment to the child during play therapy, which can facilitate the healing environment required for post-traumatic growth. Each child and therapist bring themselves, past experiences with play, and their own reactions to trauma experiences into the play therapy space. The therapist must be in tune with factors that may constrain the client’s ability to fully express themselves through play and heal, which can lead to a stuck feeling. If the child’s needs can be authentically and safely expressed, these same factors can be the mechanism that enriches the play therapy experience and lead towards further recovery and integration. Play therapy strategies will be selected for remaining present and emotionally regulated in order to create a safe, co-regulated environment rich for post-traumatic growth in play therapy.
Learning Objectives: After successful completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:
- Discuss the power of transference and countertransference in the play therapy relationship
- Analyze their own relationship with play and discuss how this affects their relationships with their play therapy clients
- Apply strategies to remain present and emotionally regulated as the therapist in order to effectively provide coregulation in play therapy sessions
2 APT Non-Contact CE | Play Therapy Special Topics
This workshop meets APT's definition of "Live Webinar."
About our presenter: Nikolaus Johnson, MS, LPC, Registered Play Therapist™, EMDR Consultant has been a private practice counselor at the Center for Counseling and Family Relationships since 2017. He works with children aged (4+), adolescents, and adults, specializing in complex trauma, dissociative disorders, and play therapy. Previously Nik worked at an agency in Missouri providing play therapy to children in the foster care system. He offers continuing education to professionals especially within the topics of working with developmental trauma, dissociative disorders, and play therapy.
NEAPT Members $40; Guests $50 | Limited to 50 participants
VIRTUAL: This will be a virtual meeting. Participants will be awarded NON-CONTACT CE upon successful completion of a post test. Participants must be visible throughout the presentation. This workshop meets APT's definition of "Live Webinar."
NEAPT is approved by the Association for Play Therapy to offer continuing education specific to Play Therapy. APT Approved Provider 02-123. NEAPT maintains responsibility for the program. Registrants understand and agree that any photograph (screen shot), video or audio recording of themselves may be used to further promote NEAPT.
Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be requested in writing and received no later than September 9, 2022. Cancellations are subject to a $15 processing fee. Substitutions (someone else attending) or transfer of registration to another training date may be requested. No refunds or partial refunds after September 9, 2022.
By registering for this training, you are giving NEAPT permission to add your email to our email list and you are giving permission for NEAPT to use any photographs or screenshots that are taken during the event containing your likeness for promotional purposes.
