Developmental Play Therapy

Child-parent interactions are rich in sensory stimulation and essential in social-emotional development. Neurobiological research shows that these interactions are critical for the development of the central nervous system and brain. They promote sensory integration and self-regulation of affect and behavior and facilitate healing from earlier neglect and trauma. Developmental Play Therapy theory and application methods are taught that provide children with developmental experiences essential to physical and social-emotional growth and secure attachment in the child-parent relationship. Guided Interaction, a play therapy model to instruct parents in the process, will be introduced, and methods to assist parents in shifting parenting responses and developing nurturing skills will be taught.