Interpersonal Neurobiology of Play Therapy (2.0 CE)

Over the last decade, we have seen a significant trend toward integrating the neurobiological perspective when offering parenting advice and creating effective therapies for our children. Play therapists have long been aware of the therapeutic benefits of play in working with children, but how does play specifically nurture healthy brain development? And how can we understand the neurobiology of play experiences that happen at home, school, and in the therapy room to optimize a child’s sensory integration and emotional regulation? In this two hour training, you will learn specific play practices designed to improve sensory and emotional functioning targeted to meet the diverse needs of children. Drawing on concepts of interpersonal neurobiology, the benefits of child-centered, brain-building play experiences to achieve relational attunement, neural integration, and the development of a fully functioning sense of self will be clearly defined.

Learning Objectives
After the workshop participants will be able to:
1. Describe 3 play therapy principles from a Child-Centered Neurorelational model of therapy.
2. Recognize 4 tools and materials necessary to use with children in order to provide child-centered interventions that improve neural functioning.
3. Utilize 3 play interventions designed to build up left-right brain integration, and bottom up/top down processing, leading to sensory and emotional improvement.
4. Observe and track 4 specific types of therapeutic change recognizing gains from an interpersonal neurobiology and play-based perspective.