A play therapy based approach to treating fears and phobias in young children with or without ASD, Williams Syndrome, or other developmental disabilities
This workshop describes a play therapy based gradual exposure treatment model for the fears and phobias of young children with or without a developmental disability. Fears and phobias associated with anxiety are very common in young children, with the pandemic resulting in even higher numbers of impacted children. Children with developmental disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder or Williams Syndrome are at even higher risk for anxiety, with estimates of 40-60%. While treatments for adults, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy have been adapted to children with overall good outcomes, children with less language and meta cogitive ability due to their young age and/or developmental differences cannot access this approach. Gradual exposure is a common treatment for children’s fears, yet this can involve inducing distress in the child. In this play therapy based approach the therapist engages the child in play related to their fear experience, as well as to the source of their fear. The therapist spontaneously adjusts the degree of exposure to the feared elements up or down, based on the child’s affect, while integrating play therapy techniques to foster joyfulness in the context of emotional regulation in the child throughout.
Learning Objectives: After successful completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:
- Identify possible reasons for why fears are common in children with developmental challenges
- Discuss why play therapy oreiented treatment approaches are better suited than cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat fears in very young children and/or some children with developmental disabilites
- Describe how play therapy tools of interactive pretend play, interactive play, and playfulness can be integrated with gradual exposure
2 APT Live Webinar CE | Intermediate | Play Therapy Special Topics
This workshop meets APT's definition of "Live Webinar."
About our presenter: As a Developmental Psychologist of 35 years, Dr. Karen Levine’s passion for improving the well being of children who have developmental, social or emotional challenges has been the driving force throughout her career. She uses a developmental, relationship-based approach to assessment and treatment, incorporating playfulness, fun and humor into treatment when feasible, as a means of increasing happiness and lowering anxiety and distress. Karen believes there is not a one size fits all approach to assessment or treatment, and that individual children and families need different kinds of support at different points in their development. Karen is a Licensed Psychologist with a Ph.D. in Psychology from Boston University (1989), a Masters in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education (1985) and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Brandeis University (1982). She holds an academic appointment as a part-time Lecturer on Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School and as Adjunct Faculty, Lesley University. She was the co-founder and co-director of the Boston Children’s Hospital Autism Program in the late 1980’s, of the Building Blocks and the Spotlight programs of the Northeast ARC in the late 1990’s. She formerly worked at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Cambridge Health Alliance.
NEAPT Members $40; Guests $50 | Limited to 50 participants
VIRTUAL: This will be a virtual meeting. Participants will be awarded LIVE WEBINAR 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 February 17, 2023. 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 February 17, 2023.
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.
