CEs Available: 6.5     |     One Day Training      |     In-person

Group Theraplay® is an adult-directed, structured play group that incorporates playful, cooperative and nurturing activities that enhance the emotional well-being of children. Unlike other play group approaches, Theraplay learning takes place on a non-verbal level. Instead of talking about positive social behavior, the group leaders and children do positive social interaction. Positive messages from the group interaction gradually become a part of the child’s internal sense of self. If you are a professional working in classrooms, day cares, residential settings or with family groups, this training is for you. 

This training will take place a day after the Level One in Chicago, IL August 22-25, 2022 and there are seats still available. Those not participating in the Level One are still welcome to participate so long as they have completed the prerequisites by the day of the training.

Additional Information

Schedule

This is a one day training taking place August 26, 2022 from 8:30am-4:30pm Central Time. View this training’s detailed agenda.

Prerequisite 

Any of the following trainings are required before taking this training: Level One Theraplay, Module 1 and 2, Intro to Theraplay Seminar

Trainer

Kerri Garner, LPC specializes in the use of Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy and EMDR along with Theraplay® in her work with children, adolescents, families, and adults from all over the world. An adoptive mother herself, Kerri is passionate about bringing children and their caregivers into closer, healing relationships with each other. While her specialties include childhood abuse, trauma, attachment, PTSD, relationship, and parenting, she enjoys working with cross-cultural transition, immigrant families, and adjustment related to multicultural experiences as well.

Summary

••• Principles of attachment theory on an intellectual and experiential level
••• The Four Dimensions of Theraplay for child development
••• How to quickly assess which of the dimensions a particular child might need
••• Strategies for incorporating Theraplay in daily interactions with children
••• The importance of touch for children’s well-being and regulation
••• The effects of complex trauma on a child’s brain and behavior
••• Applying Theraplay principles to children’s groups
••• Adapting Theraplay Groups to different populations
••• Leadership skills for implementing a Theraplay Group
••• Experiential practices of both being a participant and a leader
••• Strategies for successful implementation

Learning Objectives

••• Apply Theraplay principles to group treatment in a school setting
••• Describe how touch helps a child feel more calm, organized, and can result in an increased ability to self regulate in the classroom
••• Describe the four dimensions of Theraplay, a modality of play therapy
••• List a variety of materials and activities that are appropriate for this Group Theraplay model
••• Develop skills in using the group rules and group techniques in practice
••• Describe three techniques for managing resistance and problem situations in groups
••• List three strategies for incorporating Theraplay in daily interactions with children
••• Describe how feeling safe shapes a child’s social/emotional development and executive functioning
••• Describe how a child’s feelings of safety are shaped by the following:
••••••••••••– Attachment
••••••••••••– Neurosequential development
••••••••••••– Polyvagal system
••• Demonstrate how to engage children in activities that promote felt-safety in-person and virtually

Who Should Attend?

People who work with children and families in many different capacities will benefit from training programs offered by The Theraplay Institute. Visit our Who Should Attend page for more information. This course’s Content Level is Intermediate.

Bibliography

View this training’s bibliography for books and other materials referenced in the development of the content for this program.

Notes

Special Notes: Our cancellation policies have been temporarily adjusted to reflect our response to the pandemic and local government and health department directives. Please review this policy before completing your registration. We urge all participants to put their health and that of members of their communities first.

For information about our CE process, cancellation policy, and how to contact us with questions and concerns visit our FAQ page.

There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.

Registration Terms and Conditions