In this workshop, participants will learn how play therapy can be a powerful tool in helping children process and heal from trauma. Play allows children to safely express and make sense of their traumatic experiences, reducing fear and confusion. The workshop will cover specific trauma-informed play therapy techniques that can help children rebuild trust, regulate emotions, and develop coping strategies. Through case examples and experiential exercises, participants will learn how to guide children through their trauma narratives using symbolic play and creative interventions. By the end, attendees will be equipped with strategies to support children in overcoming the effects of trauma and fostering resilience.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Identify the impact of trauma on children and how play therapy can help them process and heal from traumatic experiences.
- Learn trauma-informed play therapy techniques that facilitate emotional expression and trauma processing in a safe, supportive environment
- Explore how to use symbolic play, art, and other creative interventions to help children reconstruct their trauma narratives.
Syllabus:
Introduction
- Overview of workshop purpose and learning objectives
- Understanding play as a child’s primary language
- Brief reflection on trauma presentation in children
- Common clinical challenges in working with traumatized children
Objective #1: Impact of Trauma and Role of Play Therapy
- How trauma affects emotional regulation
- Impact of trauma on attachment and sense of safety
- Common trauma responses across developmental stages
- Why play therapy is developmentally appropriate
- Reducing fear and avoidance through play
Objective #2: Trauma-Informed Play Therapy Techniques
- Principles of trauma-informed care
- Rebuilding trust and establishing safety
- Play-based strategies for emotional expression
- Supporting self-regulation through play
- Developing coping skills through structured and unstructured play
Objective #3: Symbolic Play and Creative Interventions
- Using symbolic play to externalize trauma
- Incorporating art and storytelling
- Supporting trauma narrative processing
- Avoiding re-traumatization
- Case examples
Objective #4: Clinical Integration and Resilience
- Integrating play therapy into treatment planning
- Adapting interventions for age and presentation
- Supporting resilience and mastery
- Promoting post-traumatic growth
- Experiential exercises
Summary / Q&A
- Review of key concepts
- Participant questions
- Resources for continued learning
Social workers completing this course receive 2 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Aseem Garg, LPCC-S, LMFT
Recording Date: September 5, 2025
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 2hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com