Understanding Trauma and using Play Therapy Interventions

Chronic stress, childhood adversity and various forms of trauma are often encountered by children, families and communities in our work. Children learn to make sense of their world through a healthy co-regulating relationship with their primary caregiver and other significant adults in their lives. Play is a universal language and significant way of how children understand and express themselves and connect with others and their environment.

This introduction level workshop focuses on introducing attachment and trauma theory, and ways to understand and work with nervous system and emotional regulation to help children and youth cope and work through adverse life experiences with Play Therapy.

It also offers a great opportunity for participants to be introduced to Play Therapy and will provide a variety of tools, along with directive and non-directive interventions to use with clients of a wide age range. This experiential training explores how to understand and apply strategies to support children, youth and families on their path to healing.

Throughout the presentation we will utilise short videos, hands-on and experiential practices, as well as group discussions. This workshop will cover:

• Attachment and trauma theory
• Adverse Childhood Experiences
• Tools for nervous system regulation
• Creative Interventions for Emotional Awareness and Regulation
• Somatic Approaches and Body-Based (embodied) exercises
• How Play Therapy can help with Trauma
• Creative-Based Therapy
• Using Directive and Non-Directive Play Therapy

Learning Objectives

• Gain an understanding of attachment theory and childhood adversity in a developmental and relational context
• Learn the signs, impacts and approaches to recovery and interventions for early trauma
• Describe the principles and benefits of play therapy
• Introduce directive and non-directive play therapy tools and interventions
• Attain strategies and skills to promote recovery and resiliency

Spaces are limited. Contact [email protected] today to make a pencil booking if you are seeking funding approval.

Please note: This workshop does not certify participants as a Play or Trauma Therapist – the aim of the workshop is to provide some practical strategies for a wide range of helping professionals who support children, youth, parents and families.

Who Should Attend

This is a beginner to intermediate level workshop suitable for educators, health care and mental health professionals (psychologists & psychiatrists), counsellors, social workers and other professionals wanting to gain increased knowledge and skills in helping children and youth.

It is for anyone who works with / is supporting families and young people who have experienced trauma.

About the Presenters

Poornima Ranchhod, Play Therapist
Poornima is a qualified and experienced Play Therapist. She is the Founder of Play Sense and is currently working in private practice.  Poornima works with organisations such as Oranga Tamariki, and is a school-based play therapist. Over her career, she has spent many years working with children, young people with complex psychological issues (e.g. depression, anxiety, attachment disorders, family problems) and difficult life experiences (e.g. family stress, divorce, bereavement, family and sexual violence).

Andra Moldoveanu, Social Worker
Andra is a trauma-informed professional with an extensive educational and work background in social work, psychology and child and youth counselling. In addition, she is a certified yoga teacher, a trained mindfulness facilitator working from a trauma-sensitive lens, and a Registered social worker and a full member of ANZASW.

Price & Registration

Online One Day Workshop
$305.00 pp inc GST

Please visit the website to read more.