Play Therapy Training 03/19/2021: Poly Vagal Theory
6 CONTACT APT CEs. Virtual, real-time training. Many play therapists are aware of the importance of utilizing a bottom-up brain approach in the play therapy room, but did you know that cuing into the nervous system is just as vital? Is this 6 hour contact training, participants will be introduced to the Ventral Vagal and Dorsal Vagal portion of the parasympathetic nervous system as well as the sympathetic fight or flight response. Join us as we map our own nervous systems and learn how to do this with our play therapy clients as well. Participants will be able to identify calming strategies as well as strategies to liven the nervous system. Sometimes it is more than emotion at play...sometimes it is the nervous system!
Identify the importance of attachment and it’s impact on a child’s nervous system
Identify ways that the play therapist can stay regulated during dis-regulated play
Describe the sympathetic nervous system and it’s impact on a child’s mental health symptoms and subsequent behavior
Describe the Ventral Vagal and Dorsal Vagal’s significance in a child’s mental health and behavior
The play therapist will identify his/her ventral vagal “anchors”
Describe inaccurate diagnoses that are often given to a dis-regulated, misunderstood child
Describe playful ways to help regulate a child’s nervous system
Describe ways to use art, sand tray and other play therapy tools with a child/teen to help them map their nervous system
Describe why a bottom (of the brain) up strategy can be helpful in the playroom