Rooted in Presence: Self of the Play Therapist through Sandtray, Nature, Animals, and Touch
Self-care through exploration of touch, llamas, BIG pigs, and nature? If your answer is, “yes please!” then this course is for you! This experiential play therapy training explores the integration of self of the therapist with the healing elements of sandtray, animals, nature, and therapeutic touch in clinical practice.
Participants will examine how their personal history with touch, attunement, and use of self influence the therapeutic relationship, particularly when engaging in play therapy.
Drawing on principles from sandtray therapy, animal-assisted interactions, and nature-informed practice, this course highlights how nonverbal communication, embodiment, and the natural world can deepen connection and support regulation, attachment, and meaning-making. Special attention is given to the intentional and ethical use of touch in play therapy, including considerations of safety, consent, and healing properties.
Through reflective exercises and experiential activities, clinicians will deepen their awareness of how their presence, boundaries, and sensory engagement shape the therapeutic process. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of the impact that touch has had on their lives and how the use of touch, or lack thereof, impacts their play therapy practice.
Participants will examine how their personal history with touch, attunement, and use of self influence the therapeutic relationship, particularly when engaging in play therapy.
Drawing on principles from sandtray therapy, animal-assisted interactions, and nature-informed practice, this course highlights how nonverbal communication, embodiment, and the natural world can deepen connection and support regulation, attachment, and meaning-making. Special attention is given to the intentional and ethical use of touch in play therapy, including considerations of safety, consent, and healing properties.
Through reflective exercises and experiential activities, clinicians will deepen their awareness of how their presence, boundaries, and sensory engagement shape the therapeutic process. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of the impact that touch has had on their lives and how the use of touch, or lack thereof, impacts their play therapy practice.