Workshop Descriptions
Day One – June 13, 2008
Developmentally Sensitive Trauma Treatments
for Children and Teens
In this presentation, you will learn dozens of research-based techniques and approaches for the treatment of young trauma survivors and receive a comprehensive review of evidence-based trauma treatments. Specifically, you will receive information to: a) enhance the diagnostic accuracy of trauma-related disorders; b) explain the physiological aspects of trauma to clients and their parents; c) identify elements to include in the development of a treatment plan; and d) create individually tailored treatment plans using play-based methods to deliver the core concepts contained in evidence-based trauma treatments. Through experiential activities, media demonstrations, and discussion, this presentation will provide attendees state-of-the-art research findings in a practical, engaging way.
Objectives
Participants will be able to
- List at least five practical, engaging play-based techniques for traumatized children and adolescents
- Cite best practice standards for the treatment of traumatized children and youth
- Cite evidence-based treatments for trauma utilizing play therapy
- Participate in experiential activities that utilize hands-on learning approaches and techniques
- Identify valuable internet resources to guide trauma therapy practice
Day Two – June 14, 2008
Play-Based Interventions for
Traumatized Children and Their Parents
How can you work with caregivers to the greatest benefit for your clients? This presentation will introduce over 20 practical, play-based approaches to assist therapists in dyadic or family sessions that include the parental figures of young trauma survivors. We will review research-based approaches that are commonly cited in the child/adolescent play therapy and trauma therapy fields. The presentation will also include tips to respond to common issues in trauma treatment with children and adolescents, including ambivalent or disbelieving caretakers, parents who minimize the impact of the traumatic event or the importance of play therapy, multigenerational transmission of trauma, and cultural or religious variations in familial reactions to childhood trauma. In addition to the evidence-based treatments that will be provided, the presenter will also emphasize her own play-based treatment model, parent-child posttraumatic dyadic therapy.
Objectives
Participants will be able to:
- Cite at least four helpful tips to respond to caregivers of traumatized children and adolescents
- Identify specific techniques to address adult disbelief, ambivalence, and minimize the impact of trauma on the youngster
- Describe caregiver components of evidence-based treatments for traumatized children
- Describe the use of a play-based model of parent-child therapy specifically designed to enhance posttraumatic parenting
