Connecting relationships through play.
play therapy FOR CLIENTS
Because children are better at expressing emotions through their actions, the distinct advantage of play therapy is that children express their ideas and feelings through creativity and hands-on innovation. Research shows that our brains develop and get connected from the bottom up, so we begin with body movement and sensory experiences and allow children to make a natural progression to complex thinking, emotional awareness, and mature communication. In play therapy, children can share their life stories, form new connections and build confidence around previous challenges that have been difficult, uncomfortable, worrisome, confusing, or chaotic. A creatively attuned play therapist responds skillfully and effectively to clarify their needs, help them express their emotions, find new solutions, practice new skills, and rewire healthy brain connections in a way that feels most natural, comfortable, and yes, even fun and enjoyable to children!"
play therapy training & supervision for Professionals
Thank you for learning more about our Play Strong Institute (PSI)! Run by Managing Director and Head of Faculty, Georgie Wisen-Vicent, our Institute is dedicated to promoting best practices in Child-Centered Play Therapy training with a focus on the brain and relationships for graduate students, pre-licensed and licensed professionals in counseling, psychology, social work, family therapy, and integrative mental health. PSI always incorporates the latest research on the developing mind, brain, and relationships, working from a neurobiology framework in play therapy to better understand the needs of children who experience stress, anxiety, and trauma and help develop stronger emotional resilience.
More About the Play Strong Institute & Offerings for Professionals
Opened in September 2018, the Play Strong Institute offers continuing education and training to a new generation of play therapists; seeks to advance study and research in play therapy and neuroscience; and, is devoted to enriching the lives of children and families through counseling that is highly integrated with the science of interpersonal neurobiology, trauma-informed care, play and the expressive arts.
One thing that makes our program truly unique is that we've boiled down all the latest insights from the fields of attachment, trauma, and neuroscience to bring you a fully-integrated, cutting-edge set of tools to advance your clinical work with kids, teens, and families. You'll learn how to think about neurodevelopment and weave in the adaptive, interdisciplinary perspectives we're known for at the Center for Connection. We also teach you how to connect with and support parents with reflection and calm neuroception, so that whole families can move from survive to thrive. Visit the Play Strong Institute website by clicking here or keep reading!
Best Value, Most Comprehensive Play Therapy Certificate Available Online
Professionals are loving our online Child-Centered Play Therapy Certificate with Neurorelational Emphasis and here’s why:
Participants can earn up 150 CEs
Become a Registered Play Therapist (APT Approved CE Provider #16-456)
World Class Faculty Experts in Neurorelational Child and Family Psychotherapy
Learn at Your Own Pace
Gain Neuroscience-Based Tools to Optimize Therapy Interventions
In an effort to increase access to play therapy, we're offering an additional $100 off our low-cost training. Use the link below
Participants will receive a full certification in our unique, brain-based approach to child psychotherapy. Learn the same successful techniques we've used for years at The Center for Connection, and level up your work in schools, community agencies, nonprofits, and private practice. You'll gain unlimited access to 150 hours of training, lectures, and live demos with our amazing faculty, and network with a vibrant community using the therapeutic powers of play! Learn more here.
Play Con 2023!
This year we are thrilled to offer our first Play Therapy Conference - Play Therapy, Interpersonal Neurobiology, and Neurodiversity: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Treatment with the Brain in Mind, scheduled for May 6 -7, 2023, with options for in-person and online learning.
