Description
Aggressive play is a controversial topic amongst therapists who work with children in play therapy. Understandably, there is much uncertainty around children being allowed to exhibit aggression in sessions and whether a therapist is promoting aggression by allowing it in the play therapy space. In this workshop, we will explore how aggression is an important and necessary theme in the play therapy process, especially with children who are trauma survivors. We will also explore the neuroscience around aggression and how therapists can use play therapy to promote growth in the child.
Instructor
Therapy
Kristian Owens is the Owner/CEO of Resilient Child Therapy Institute, LLC, where she provides brain-body based psychotherapy and integrative wellness services to children and families impacted by trauma and loss. She also has a special interest in training and supporting clinicians in their clinical work with Communities of Color. Ms. Owens is a licensed clinical social worker and supervisor in Maryland, a certified yoga teacher, certified Reiki Master, and a play and expressive arts therapy enthusiast.
Agenda & Learning Objectives
AGENDA:
08:50 – 9:00 Log On/Registration
9:00 – 10:30 Understanding Aggression
10:30 – 10:45 Break
10:45 – 12:15 Understanding Aggression (cont.), Teaching Regulation and Boundaries
12:15 Reflection and adjournment
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Upon the completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:
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Identify at least two reasons why aggression is a necessary theme in play therapy with trauma survivors.
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Identify three ways play therapy can address aggression based on the neuroscience of aggression.
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Gain at least three practical skills for interacting with children during aggressive play.
Bibliography & References
BIBLIOGRAPHY & REFERENCES
Dion, L. (2019). Aggression in Play Therapy. New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company.
Gil, E. (2017). Posttraumatic Play in Children: What Clinicians Need to Know. New York, NY: Guilford Press
Landreth, G. (2012). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship. New York, NY: Taylor & Francis Group.
Siegal, D., & Bryson, T. (2012) The Whole Brain Child. New York, NY: Bantam Books.
Van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. New York, NY: Penguin Books.
Crenshaw, D. A., & Swan, A. (2020). Play therapy for children exhibiting aggressive behaviors. In H. G. Kaduson, D. Cangelosi, & C. E. Schaefer (Eds.), Prescriptive play therapy: Tailoring interventions for specific childhood problems (pp. 192–210). The Guilford Press
Parker, M. M., Glickman, C. P., Smelser, Q., & DeRaedt, M. (2021). Therapeutic or traumatic: An exploratory study of play therapists’ perceptions of toy guns and aggressive toys in the playroom. International Journal of Play Therapy, 30(1), 61–71.
Target Audience
Social Workers, LCPCs, and Psychologists
We welcome anyone interested in the topic!
Late Fees and Refunds
Fee & Registration:
Cost is $70 and includes CE credit. Registering after 9/15/23 will incur an additional $20 late fee. Cancellations* must be received 24 hours in advance prior to the workshop to receive a refund or an account credit.
*ALL cancellations will be subjected to a $35.00 administration fee.
