Exploring the Use of Play and Art.-4 hour CEU
Play therapy allows the child to address problems in a safe
environment. Processing trauma through play therapy can allow the child to
heal. Symbolic problems can be created and solved giving the child skills for life
outside of the therapy session. This course teaches the therapist how to
connect with parents and the child. Play therapy, art therapy, anger
management, parents and homework, toys and play, sand tray therapy, art
therapy, and the difference in therapy from three years to teens are all
included.
Play is the work of children, preparing them for adulthood.
It is in our play as children that we begin to learn to interact with our
environment, clarify social relationships and control aggressive impulses. In
play therapy feelings can be expressed, choices explored and new behaviors
taught or modeled.
The term play therapy may include games, sand tray, drawing,
dance, music, drama, puppets, or interactive play. These activities combined
with psycho therapy techniques and used in a purposeful manner can help
children release anxiety, resolve conflict, learn anger management, communicate
more effectively, learn about self, and increase social skills.
The relationship with the therapist is an important aspect
to effective treatment with children. Play therapy allows the child to address
problems in a safe environment. Processing trauma through play therapy can
allow the child to heal. Symbolic problems can be created and solved giving the
child skills for life outside of the therapy session.
This
course will explore the following play therapy tools.
Parents
and the child’s therapy. First contact with parents. First contact
with the child. Explaining confidentiality and putting the parents at ease.
Building trust with the child. Building rapport. When to involve parents in
homework.
Art to
express and to assess. Using art to give the therapist
information about therapeutic needs. Art for resolution of anxiety and fears.
Art includes painting, drawing, clay, sculpy, and crafts. Knowing your tools
and mediums.
Anger
management for children. An outline of anger management tools for
children and parents. Building negotiation skills. Teaching resolution of
problems. Bully proof. Teasing.
Dollhouse
and Dolls. Discussion of roles of dollhouse and dolls in
the play therapy process. Different doll houses. Baby dolls. Anatomically
correct dolls.
Sand
Tray Therapy with Children. Exploring the difference in sand tray
with children and adults. How to know when to leave a world without
dismanteling.
From
three years old to teens. Play therapy with toddlers and children
who had pre-verbal trauma. How to
connect with teens. Teen/adult therapy.
Course meets the qualifications for four hours of continuing education credit for
MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of
Behavioral Sciences. Refunds are given if the course is canceled. Enrollment
fee can be refunded or transferred to another class with 30 day notice prior to
scheduled class.
