Neuroscience of Play Therapy Summit at the Beach

Dive into Fun at the Neuroscience of Play Therapy Summit in Cocoa Beach, Florida!

Welcome to a beachside playground of knowledge and fun! Join us at the Neuroscience of Play Therapy Summit for an unforgettable experience that combines learning and play, all available both in-person and virtually.

Meet Our Amazing Keynote Speaker: Lisa Dion

We are thrilled to announce that the renowned Lisa Dion, the visionary behind Synergetic Play Therapy, will be our keynote speaker! Lisa is an extraordinary teacher and an inspiring human being. Her teachings have touched countless lives across the world, and we are honored to welcome her to share her wisdom with us. Those who have had the privilege of learning from her know firsthand the incredible impact she has on the field of play therapy.

Get ready to be inspired by her session on Transforming Trauma Patterns: A Neurobiological Approach to Intergenerational Trauma in Play Therapy.

Our Stellar Lineup of Speakers

• Waldo Winborn: Dive into From Sand to Synapses: Exploring and Experiencing Neural Integration in Sandtray Therapy and Play Therapy. Discover how sandtray therapy can create powerful neural connections.
• Dr. Carmen Cubillo: Explore Creative Connections: Blending Neuroscience, Art, and Culture in Play Therapy. Learn how to fuse creativity and science for effective therapy.
• Liliana Baylon: Join Bridging Worlds: Play Therapy, Neuroscience, and Embracing Culture with Newcomer Communities. Understand how to support diverse communities through play therapy.

Sponsored by the Association for Play Therapy, this program is approved for up to 15 contact CEs for in-person attendance and 15 non-contact CEs for virtual attendance. Approved Provider #22-666, Dora Henderson. 

Please note: Each session is separate, and attendance at all sessions is required to earn credit. The optional Neuroscience Applications in Play Therapy Supervision training is available in person only and is exclusively for Registered Play Therapy Supervisors™.

Thursday, February 13th

Presentation Title:
Neuroscience Applications in Play Therapy Supervision
For Registered Play Therapy Supervisors™ Only

Presenters:
Dora Henderson and Jackie Flynn

Time:
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
In-Person Only Event

Description:

This exclusive training for Registered Play Therapy Supervisors™ explores the practical application of neuroscience in the supervisory process. By integrating neuroscience principles into play therapy supervision, participants will learn to better support supervisees in managing complex trauma cases. Inspired by the teachings of Dr. Karen Fried and the Oaklander Model, this session emphasizes both theoretical and practical aspects of supervision, helping supervisors deepen their understanding of play therapy interventions and their impact on the nervous system.

Objectives:

1. Identify key principles of play therapy supervision, including its historical evolution and various models, to enhance understanding of supervision in a play therapy context.
2. Explain the therapeutic benefits of play therapy interventions on the nervous system, allowing supervisors to better support supervisees in managing challenging trauma-related cases.
3. Apply neuroscience-informed techniques and play therapy interventions to case conceptualization and supervisee growth, fostering a more effective and empathetic approach to play therapy supervision.

Friday, February 14th

Presentation Title:

Transforming Trauma Patterns: A Neurobiological Approach to Intergenerational Trauma

Time:
9am – 3pm (6-hour course)

Presenter:
Lisa Dion

Description:
This specialized course crafted for play therapists focuses on enhancing skills in identifying and breaking intergenerational trauma patterns. Drawing from neuroscience and Synergetic Play Therapy principles, the course explores how trauma is stored and repeated across generations and how play therapy can support the healing and integration of these patterns. Participants will gain knowledge and skills to facilitate transformation in their clients.

Objectives:

1. Examine how trauma patterns are stored and how they show up in play therapy.
2. Explore the Synergetic Play Therapy concept of "The Set Up/Offering" and how to use this concept to explore intergenerational patterns.
3. Explore what it takes to repattern the activation of the autonomic nervous system in play therapy sessions.
4. Examine the importance of working with parents in the play therapy process when the goal is intergenerational healing.
5. Explore the role "perception" plays in trauma storage and healing in the play therapy process.
6. Understand the significance of the therapist becoming the child's "external regulator" for trauma integration and healing in play therapy.

Saturday, February 15th

Morning Presentation

Presentation Title:

Bridging Worlds: Play Therapy, Neuroscience, and Embracing Culture in Newcomers' Communities

Time:
9am – 12pm

Presenter:
Liliana Baylon

Description:
Join us for an illuminating workshop on the transformative power of Play Therapy techniques. Discover how these approaches profoundly shape newcomers' neurobiological processes, fostering strength and adaptability. Our exploration will uncover the intricate neurobiological roots of trauma and cultural adjustment, highlighting the pivotal role-play therapy plays in tackling these multifaceted challenges. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to these methods, this workshop guarantees an engaging experience that will broaden your horizons and enhance your therapeutic toolbox.

Objectives:

1. Explain a comprehensive overview of play therapy and its tailored applications within newcomers' communities.
2. Describe the neurobiological underpinnings of trauma and cultural adjustment to enhance understanding of client experiences.
3. Apply practical strategies and tools for integrating play therapy techniques with neuroscience insights into your clinical practice.

Afternoon Presentation

Presentation Title:

From Sand to Synapses: Exploring and Experiencing the Neural Integration in Sandtray Therapy and Play Therapy

Time:
1pm – 4pm (3-hour course)

Presenter:
Waldo Winborn

Description:
Dive into the neuroscience of Sandtray Therapy in this dynamic workshop designed for play therapists. Explore how Sandtray Therapy can represent the states of the autonomic nervous system and how these states influence regulation, expression, and integration in therapy. Participants will learn how to process the Sandtray through a neuroscience lens and discover practical techniques for using the Sandtray to support nervous system regulation in clients. This workshop offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice to deepen your understanding of the intersection between play, neuroscience, and Sandtray Therapy.

Objectives:

1. Describe how play therapy techniques can use the Sandtray to represent states of the autonomic nervous system.
2. Discuss how play therapists can process a Sandtray using neuroscience principles to support therapeutic goals.
3. Explain how play therapy with the Sandtray can be used as a tool for nervous system regulation.

Sunday, February 16th

Presentation Title:

Creative Connections: Blending Neuroscience, Art, and Culture in Play Therapy

Time:
9am – 12pm

Presenter:
Carmen Cubillo

Description:
This engaging experiential learning course on play therapy blends foundational neuroscience principles with practical interventions tailored specifically for therapists working with immigrant populations experiencing trauma. Participants will learn how to establish a safe and effective therapeutic environment through both theoretical understanding and hands-on practice. The course emphasizes the integration of art and cultural elements into play therapy, providing participants with examples and experiential opportunities to explore and apply these techniques.

Objectives:

1. Describe the foundational neuroscience principles of therapeutic play with immigrant populations experiencing trauma.
2. Discuss the integration of art and cultural elements in play therapy, illustrating examples and experiential opportunities.
3. Explain the role of cultural competency in play therapy, detailing strategies for incorporating clients' cultural backgrounds into the therapeutic process.
   
   
   
   

Special Extras for In-Person Attendees

• Sound Healing Session: Focused on Intergenerational Trauma.
• Neuroscience-Infused Play Therapy Supervision: Culturally attuned approaches for effective practice.
• Experiential Learning on the Shore: Explore the neuroscience of play therapy on the beach with Dr. Janet Courtney, Dr. Nidhi Kirpalani, and Alyssa Meyer.

Why You Should Attend

• Choose Your Adventure: Join us in person at beautiful Cocoa Beach or participate virtually from the comfort of your home.
• Beachside Play Therapy: In-person attendees can experience therapy with the sand between their toes.
• Social Engagement Hour: Connect, laugh, and learn with fellow attendees in a fun and relaxed setting.

Continuing Education Credits

• Earn up to 15 Continuing Education Hours for both in-person and virtual attendance.
• CE credits for licensure are pending, and more information on the amount will be available soon.

This event is sponsored by Dora Henderson, APT Approved Provider #22-666

Important Note

Speakers, dates, and event details may change due to unforeseen circumstances. We have plans in place to ensure a fantastic experience no matter what. Thank you for your understanding and for joining us at this exciting event.