Description:

The focus of this webinar is on supporting and empowering clinicians to really focus on, and stay with, the play in their play therapy sessions! This experiential workshop is a hands-on, skill-building session that will allow the participants to experience the therapeutic powers of play in action and equip them with an eclectic mix of play-based techniques suitable for use with children and teenagers of various ages. In play therapy, the healing occurs through PLAY – not through conversation. Play is therapy.

Participants will engage in a range of therapeutic play techniques that activate a wide range of the therapeutic powers of play and encourage expression and communication. Specific therapeutic powers will be highlighted and explored throughout the session. Child-centered play and adult-led play-based and playful activities and therapeutic play tools will be explored. Relaxation and regulating activities will also be practiced and developed. During the session, we will explore when and why therapists may need to shift from child-centred play into more interactive or even adult-led play. The therapeutic use of self within play therapy sessions will be identified as a critical component in any therapy process and participants will be supported to lean into their own playfulness. Please come prepared to play as the session is highly experiential! Participants will develop therapeutic play skills which can be used to enhance their therapeutic relationships and meet the clinical needs of a range of client groups and will leave feeling energized and well-equipped to really focus on the play in play therapy!

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will describe specific therapeutic play skills and an awareness of:

·     The therapeutic powers of play

·     Identify when and why clinicians may need to move into more interactive and/or adult-led play

·     List two play therapy techniques for building connection and enhancing the therapeutic relationship

·     List play therapy techniques for improving self-esteem and self-confidence, reducing anxiety and for supporting regulation.

·   Explain how to focus on the play in a child or teenager’s play therapy process.