Practical Play Therapy Applications of the Polyvagal Theory

In this experiential workshop, trainees learn the robust healing potential through regulation of the nervous system via practical application in Play Therapy with attention to neuroscience pertaining to emotions, communication and the social engagement system.

Since the autonomic nervous system impacts children's capacity to manage stress, navigate relationships, and regulate emotional states, a deeper understanding of the brain/body connection through Play Therapy application of the Polyvagal theory to support emotional wellness can substantially impact treatment effectiveness to support...Read more attainment of treatment goals.

To optimize the learning process, trainees will learn concepts via lecture and view videos of Play Therapy utilizing techniques in action, then, practice in breakout rooms with other trainees followed up by a participative discussion to strengthen understanding.

IMPORTANT: This training is NOT a comprehensive training of the Dr. Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Theory. While Jackie Flynn has acquired much knowledge from Dr. Porges' and Deb Dana's books, training programs, and videos, as well as from the process for her to become a SSP provider and applying the theory in her clinical practice, she is not affiliated as a trainer and does not claim to be an expert of the Polyvagal Theory. In this Play Therapy training, you'll learn some basic tenets of the theory as understood by Jackie. The main focus of this training is to explore practical Play Therapy applications of the Polyvagal Theory via explanation and demonstration through the lens of the Therapeutic Powers of Play. For a comprehensive, thorough understanding of the Polyvagal Theory, Jackie Flynn recommends learning about the Polyvagal Theory directly from Dr. Stephen Porges and Deb Dana. Less...

Learning Objectives

• Explain how Play supports regulation of the nervous system and widens the window of tolerance.
• Explain the neuroscience of the emotions, communication, and the social engagement system through exploration of adaptive reactions of the autonomic nervous system.
• Explain how to utilize the Window of Tolerance and Autonomic Nervous System mapping conceptual diagrams to support clients with state change.
• Differentiate between perception, interoception, and neuroception.
• Explain the functions of 3 states of the Autonomic Nervous System: Ventral Vagal, Sympathetic, and Dorsal Vagal.
• Identify 6 Play Therapy applications utilizing tenets of Polyvagal Theory to enhance social relationships and foster emotional wellness with children and adolescent clients.
• Identify 9 ways to convey cues of safety in Play Therapy.
• Apply basic tenets of the Polyvagal Theory through experiential practice among trainees in breakout rooms focusing on learned applications in a Play Therapy space supporting co-regulation and management of dysregulation followed by a participatory processing discussion.

Friday, August 27, 2021

12:00 PM EDT - 05:15 PM EDT