A Little, Medium, Big, and Biggest: Family play therapy for young children
Young children develop in the context of relationship. Infants are born with an immature brain that requires nurturing from a mature brain for the development of affect, behavior, and eventually self-regulation in the child. This occurs following many instances of co-regulation by an adult. The social communication system activated when a child plays with another person involves the brain structures and the vagus nerve (Porges, 2009). Understanding brain science, the role of social interaction between two brains becomes clear. Co-regulation through mutual and attuned interactions results in adaptation by the child that can be protective during stress. Children under age 7 are still learning the skills of social interaction and self-control and require attuned activities with adults to build such skills.
Several evidence-based practices promote positive social interactions that support the child’s development of social and emotional skills including imitation, expression, and modulation. Many kids did not get enough bottom up practice with regulation to grow the skills to manage challenges. This workshop will provide foundational skills on the theorists who have inspired using play therapy to support adult-child interactions. Using the principles of Child-Centered Play Therapy, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy, and Developmental Individual-Differences & Relationship-based Model (DIR), participants will experience the power of play interactions to teach children the skills of modulation.
Learning Objectives: After successful completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:
- Explain three ways in which social interactions promote healthy development of emotional regulation
- Identify at least 2 play therapy strategies that promote therapeutic interactions in the context of adult-child interactions, using drama, music, and art
- Identify at least 2 play therapy strategies that promote healthy and therapeutic interactions in the context of family therapy children and in peer groups using drama, music and art activities
3 APT Contact CE | Foundational | Play Therapy Special Topics
About our presenter: About our presenter: Denise Galford-Koeppel, PMC, MS, MS Ed, LMHC, RPT™ is a special educator, licensed mental health counselor, trainer, and registered play therapist™ with years of experience. Denise supports children, parents, and educators through the approaches of the Hanen Program®, the Pyramid Model, and Developmental Individual-Differences Relationship -Based Model® with specialization in working with young children.
NEAPT Members $75; Guests $125 | Limited to 40 participants
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, 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 June 30, 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 June 30, 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.
