Clair Mellenthin – The Power of Play: Proven Strategies for Trauma and Attachment in Children & Adolescents

Clair Mellenthin – The Power of Play: Proven Strategies for Trauma and Attachment in Children & AdolescentsDescriptionInteractive day of case examples, videos and hands-on techniquesRebuild trust in parent-child relationshipCreate developmentally appropriate trauma narrativesTools to decrease nightmares, flashbacks and intrusive thoughtsPlay Therapy is a powerful tool for children who’ve experienced trauma. It is a safe space where they can feel in control, learn how to identify and manage distressing symptoms and give language to what they are feeling within their body and mind.In this innovative workshop, we will explore how trauma impacts the brain, the resulting impact on the parent-child relationship, as well as how to effectively treat and resolve trauma symptoms utilizing attachment-centered play therapy techniques.By giving children opportunities to work in a child-centered setting, you will observe and document how children:Utilize gradual exposureRegulate affectGain knowledge of their traumatic experiencesManage their experiences that can feel overwhelming or frighteningThis trauma-anchored model teaches you powerful play therapy interventions. It deepens metaphor work by amplifying the child’s ability to explore the material they externalize, and provides the child with a safe, predictable environment for processing interpersonal trauma. You will learn theory and techniques that values children’s pacing, respects defensive strategies, and seeks to help children build alternative skills to cope with difficult thoughts, emotions and behaviors.HandoutsManual (1.12 MB) 44 Pages Available after Purchase Instructions for ASHA Credit – SELF STUDY ONLY – 01/26/17 (0.03 MB) Available after Purchase ASHA Participant Form – SELF STUDY ONLY – 01/26/17 (1.54 MB) Available after PurchaseOutlineFramework of Attachment TheoryRethinking the Attachment Spectrum4 Key concepts of Attachment TheoryCreating safety in parent-child relationshipThe Brain–Behavior RelationshipParts of the brain affected by traumaRegulatory processing and Executive functioningImpact on right brain and its behavioral consequenceWarning signs of traumaTrauma impact on the parent-child relationshipBehavior and emotional challengesProven Play Therapy Techniques to Strengthen Parent-Child AttachmentDecrease whining, clinging, angry, avoidant behaviors in child clientsImprove family relationships and communication skillsRebuild trust in the parent-child relationshipPromote whole-child and whole-brain healingPlay Therapy Techniques to Treat Trauma, Utilizing Attachment-Centered TherapyGuided Imagery to teach distress toleranceLemon Squeezies – Full Body Relaxation to reconnect with the body, decrease trauma symptomsMy Many Colors of Me – Increase emotional intelligence and connect feelings to words instead of acting out behaviorsInside/Outside Box – Increase self-esteem and self-acceptanceTelling My Story – Create age-appropriate trauma narrativesMaximize the role of parents and caretakersCreate hands-on tools to decrease trauma symptoms: flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and nightmaresFacultyClair Mellenthin, LCSW, RPT-SClair Mellenthin, LCSW, RPT-S, is a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor and is the past president of the Utah Association for Play Therapy. Throughout her career, she has focused on providing therapy to children, teens, and their families. Clair is the director of Child and Adolescent Services at Wasatch Family Therapy. She is a sought-after supervisor, training graduate students and interns in play therapy, and an adjunct faculty member at the University of Southern California MSW program. Clair is the author of Play Therapy: Engaging & Powerful Techniques for the Treatment of Childhood Disorders (PESI, 2018) and My Many Colors of Me Workbook. (Self-Published, 2013). In addition to being an experienced play therapist and professor, she frequently presents professional play therapy and family therapy trainings and appears on local and national TV and radio as an expert on children and family issues.Speaker Disclosures:Financial: Clair Mellenthin is the clinical director at Wasatch Family Therapy. She is the author of My Many Colors of Me Workbook; she maintains intellectual property rights and receives royalties. Ms. Mellenthin receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc.Non-financial: Clair Mellenthin is the president of the Utah Association for Play Therapy.