Neurobiologically-Informed Play Therapy to Address Trauma

2000 South Eastern Avenue,Las Vegas NV 89104

09 February, 2023

Description

Complex traumas are defined by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) as a series of traumatic experiences that are usually interpersonal in nature, which lead to numerous long-term adverse effects on health and well-being. Similar to this conceptualization, van der American Academy of Pediatrics (2014) describes experiencing repeated traumatic events, during childhood, as developmental trauma. The duration and intensity of the traumatic experiences as well as the age of onset of the experiences can determine the outcome of both complex trauma and developmental trauma. Neuroscience research provides ample evidence of neurochemical and brain structural changes caused by complex trauma that result in affective and behavioral dysregulation (Lanius et al., 2011). Adams et al. (2016) noted that it is important to screen individuals to determine their victimization type, because most of those who experience repeated/ongoing, emotional and/or physical traumas are conceptualized as poly­victims and may require a different level of treatment. Screening should also consider pre-trauma resilience, active support systems, and available resources. Treatment considerations include (a) building on the safety and security of caregivers and community, (b) being developmentally sensitive, and (c) addressing affective-­behavioral dysregulation. ABOUT OUR PRESENTER ~ Franc Hudspeth, PhD, NCC, LPC-S, ACS, RPT-S, RPh is Chair of Counselor Education and Associate Professor at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT. He is Editor of the International Journal of Play Therapy and Co-editor of the Journal of Military and Government Counseling as well as an editorial board member for the Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, The Professional Counselor, and the Journal of Counseling Research and Practice. He serves as secretary on the APT Board of Directors, Past-President of the Association for Creativity in Counseling, and President-Elect of the Military and Government Counseling Association. He received his PhD, in Counselor Education & Supervision, from the University of Mississippi. He has been a Registered Pharmacist for over 33 years and a Licensed Professional Counselor for over 18 years. His writing and research interests include play therapy, neuroethics, trauma’s impact on brain development, psychopharmacology, and neuroscience influences on counseling. Learning Objectives - Play therapists and mental health professionals will: (1) Conceptualize what is meant by "neurobiologically-­informed treatment." (2) Describe the characteristics of complex and/or developmental trauma and be able to identify the neurobiological changes associated with complex trauma. (3) Discuss the components of evidence based, relationally-­focused, treatments and incorporate aspects of these treatments into their practice. (4) Assess the level and type of complex trauma caused by varying types and durations. (5) Determine the treatment course of action (frequency & length), based on assessment results, to address the complex trauma. (6) Develop treatment plans that address the issues arising from complex trauma. ** NVAPT is approved by the Association for Play Therapy to offer continuing education specific to Play Therapy. APT Approved Provider 22-671. NVAPT maintains responsibility for the program. ** For mental health professionals pursuing a Registered Play Therapy (RPT) credential, this training fits under Category 4: Play Therapy Special Topics Grievance and Refund Policy ~ The NVAPT is fully committed to conducting all activities in strict conformance with the Code of Ethics of Nationally Certified Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, and Licensed Clinical Social Workers. NVAPT will comply with all legal and ethical responsibilities to be non-discriminatory in promotional activities, program content and in the treatment of program participants. The monitoring and assessment of compliance with these standards will be responsibility of the President and Board of Directors. While NVAPT goes to great lengths to assure fair treatment for all participants and attempts to anticipate problems, it recognizes that complaints do and will arise. As such, NVAPT will do its best to anticipate problems and, when they do present themselves, attempt to alleviate complaints as quickly as possible Grievance Policy ~ When a complaint, either verbally or written, is filed with the President and/or a member of the Board of Directors, the following guidelines are followed with respect to achieving resolution: 1. Complaints relative to a speaker or workshop leader, contents of instructional materials being presented, or an individual educational style being utilized, the individual voicing disapproval is requested to first address concerns to the presenter. If the presenter is not available, place his/her comments in writing. The President will convey these comments to the speaker while maintaining confidentiality of the complainant. 2. If the complaint concerns a continuing education activity, its content, level of presentation, or facilities in which the event is being held, the President will attempt to resolve the matter as expeditiously as possible. If the offered resolution (resolutions may include, but not be limited to partial/full refund of fees paid; credit toward future event) not satisfactory to the individual filing the complaint, then further action may be taken. In the latter instance, the individual is requested to place his/her complaint in writing to the attention of the NVAPT Board of Directors. The complaint is then reviewed by the NVAPT Board of Directors. A written response will be issued within 30 days of receipt of the written complaint. Within 30 days of the resolution rendered by the NVAPT Board of Directors, the complainant may file a written appeal to the Association for Play Therapy. The decision of the Association for Play Therapy is final. Refund Policy ~ All refund requests must be made in writing within 15 days of the purchase of continuing education programs. Every effort will be made to achieve resolution, including, but not limited to: refund of fees, substitution of course purchased, credit provided for future course. Please contact President of the NVAPT at 7260 West Azure Drive; Suite 140-1226; Las Vegas, NV; 89130 for additional information.