Polyvagal Theory and Play Therapy for Children

CPD

Handouts

Speaker

Dora Henderson, LMHC, RPTS™, CST Related seminars and products

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Dora Henderson, LMHC, RPTS™, CST, is a Registered Play Supervisor (RPT-S™) and Licensed Mental Health Counsellor Qualified Supervisor (LMHC-QS), specialising in integrating the power of play with Polyvagal Theory, EMDR and the integration of neuroscience with play therapy. She is also a TraumaPlay™ Supervisor and an EMDR Consultant-in-Training, and the co-host of the Neuroscience of Play Therapy Summit at the Beach. Dora is passionate about helping individuals of all ages heal from traumatic experiences and move towards a happier, healthier life. She has training and certifications in various areas, to include Sand Tray Therapy, TraumaPlay™, Theraplay®, MAP, Adlerian therapy, as well as the Safe & Sound Protocol. Dora is also the creator of beautiful puppets and books, to include Neuro & the Ception Force Friends™ series, Polly Vagale, Neuro & The Ception Force Friends  and The Vagus Nerve Super Highway, as well as the Adventures of Sandi & Clammy series. Her trainings, consultations and supervision, and professional work integrates play, puppetry, expressive arts, and neuroscience in easy-to-use and family-friendly ways.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dora Henderson maintains a private practice. She is the co-host of The Neuroscience of Play Therapy Summit at the Beach. Dora Henderson receives royalties as a published author. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dora Henderson is a member of the Association for Play Therapy and the EMDR International Association.

Objectives

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the components of polyvagal theory as they relate to play therapy and the therapeutic powers of play, deepening knowledge of the Vagus nerve, Ventral Vagal, Sympathetic, Dorsal states as well as blended states & the Vagal brake.
2. Identify key aspects of the neuroception of safety and their importance in play therapy applications when working with children who have experienced trauma.
3. Master the Brain-Body Connection with Creative Tools: participants will be able to identify key brain regions such as the amygdalas, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex on a brain hat, and understand their roles in emotional processing.
4. Learn about the Powers of play. Participants will be able to identify 5 or more specific ways in which play therapy can be used to improve emotional and behavioral outcomes for children.
5. Describe the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the play therapy process as it applies to play therapy and complex trauma.
6. Describe and create a fun hand-Neuron & neuron parts
7. Articulate the “Ceptions” (Equilibrioception, proprioception, thermoception, nociception, interoception, exteroception & Neuroception) and explain how each of these sensory systems contributes to overall bodily awareness, enabling a deeper understanding of human sensory and perceptual processes.
8. Develop and Utilize Interoception Puppets for Emotional Exploration: Participants will be able to construct an Interoception Puppet and effectively use it to facilitate discussions with clients about their feelings. They will also learn to identify and implement creative strategies for clients to engage with their puppets, aiding in deeper emotional understanding and expression.
9. Apply 5 or more play therapy techniques to assist children in regulation, stress reduction, and social interactions utilizing somatic play.

Outline

Day 1:

Polyvagal Theory & Neuroscience

• Ms. Polly VagaleTM & the Polyvagal Theory-States of the Autonomic Nervous System
• The importance of the Vagus Nerve
• The brain-body connection
• Tying it all together with a Brain Hat expressive arts

The Power of Play Therapy

• The Therapeutic Powers of Play
  • Fostering emotional wellness
  • Facilitate communication
  • Enhance social relationships
  • Increase personal strengths
• Diversity, equity, & inclusion within the Expressive Arts & Play Therapy

Day 2:

Integration Station…Polyvagal-Somatic Play

• Discover more about Neurons, and create a hand neuron
• Create your own Intero-Ception puppet,
• Discover strategies to foster emotional wellness
  • Regulate meltdowns with Extero by creating a sensory-infused calm place
  • Increase positive self-talk with Neuro
  • Identify & manage somatic distress with Polly’s super-scanner
  • …and more!

Target Audience

• Psychologists
• Counsellors
• Social Workers
• Family Therapists
• Psychotherapists
• Play Therapists
• Other Mental Health Professionals

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