Description:

One of the most powerful and dynamic factors in play therapy is the relationship between therapist and child. Transference and countertransference can contribute to
growth or a resistance to change in play therapy. Following Polyvagal Theory, the therapist lends his or her feelings, focus, and environment to the child during play
therapy, which can facilitate the healing environment required for post-traumatic growth. The child and therapist bring themselves, past experiences with play, and their own reactions to trauma experiences into the play therapy space. The therapist must be in tune with factors that may constrain the client’s ability to fully express him or herself through play, which can lead to a stuck feeling and an inability to heal. If the child’s needs can be authentically and safely expressed, these same factors can be the mechanism that enriches the play therapy experience and lead towards further recovery and integration. Play therapy strategies will be selected for remaining present and emotionally regulated in order to create a safe, co-regulated environment rich for post-traumatic growth in play therapy.

Cost:

$105.00

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss the power of transference and countertransference in the play therapy relationship
2. Analyze their own relationships with play and discuss how this affects their relationships with their play therapy clients
3. Apply strategies to remain present and emotionally regulated as therapists in order to effectively provide coregulation in play therapy sessions

Journal Article:

http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/pla0000101

How to Get the Journal Article:

**Additional $17.95 purchase of APA PsycNet journal article is required for non-APT members. If you are an existing APT member, please see below for instructions on how to access the journal article.**

To access the journal article:

APT members can access current and past journal articles via the American Psychological Association website. 

1. Visit the APA website: http://my.apa.org
2. Request your password by clicking “Forgot your password or email/username?” and entering the email address APT has on file for you. 
3. Then create a new password.  
4. Once logged in to the APA website, you can use the link provided in the training to access the article.
5. Read the article and complete the quiz.

Non-APT members can purchase the journal article on this website: http://my.apa.org

1. Click the link provided in the training to access the article.
2. Click “Get Access on the APA website.”
3. Purchase PDF.
4. Read the article and complete the quiz.

Presenter:

Nik Johnson, M.S., LPC, RPT, EMDR Consultant

Nik has been a private practice counselor at the Center for Counseling and Family Relationships since 2017. He works with children (aged 4+), adolescents, and adults, specializing in complex trauma, dissociative disorders, and play therapy. Previously Nik worked at an agency in Missouri providing play therapy to children in the foster care system. He offers continuing education to professionals, especially within the topics of working with developmental trauma, dissociative disorders, and play therapy.