CEs Available: 6  (No APA Credit)     |     Two Day Training     |     Virtual     |     Prerequisite: Level One Theraplay 

Dissociation is the primary defense mechanism the psyche uses to cope with trauma, whether this trauma is caused through abuse, neglect or a disorganized attachment. When there is trauma, there is always dissociation.  However, despite this fact, very little training is offered to help play therapists understand dissociation, especially when it comes to managing children who dissociate within session. This workshop aims to address this.

This workshop will introduce an adapted version of Janina Fisher’s Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment model to working with children in play therapy. This model works particularly well within Theraplay sessions, as Theraplay is a relational therapy where children often trigger into dissociative parts. This dissociation can lead to sessions going wrong and/or becoming stuck. This can be frustrating and disheartening for play therapists. However, once therapists understand that the child is dissociating and how to work with this, the therapist can effectively process the trauma with the child using Theraplay activities. Children and parents feel more empowered and more in control as a result. 

Additional Information

Schedule

This two day training will take place January 26-27, 2023 from 9am-12:15pm Central Time (CST). View detailed agenda. 

Trainer

Karen Andor, BA, BA (hons), BEd (hons), MEd, is an Educational Psychologist and a Psychotherapist. She works in private practice. She has trained in Psychodynamic Play Therapy and Family Therapy. She is a Certified Theraplay Practitioner and is in the process of completing the Supervisor’s Theraplay Practicum.

Summary

– Build an understanding of dissociation
– Understand parts and the core self and how they communicate
– Teach parents and children about parts and the core self
– Identify dissociation in therapy sessions
– Manage dissociation using Theraplay activities
– Identify which parts have been triggered
– Manage children’s resistance to working with parts
– Manage parents and parts

Learning Objectives

1.  Define dissociation
2. Identify 7 non-verbal cues that a child is dissociating
3. Differentiate between the “core self” and “dissociating parts”
4. Identify and use 4 Theraplay-based activities to manage dissociation in the session
5. Name and explain the 6 stages for working through dissociation

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 program’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.

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