Upcoming Events

This free workshop, led by child and family trauma expert Dora Henderson, focuses on integrating Polyvagal Theory with Play Therapy to help children and young people manage trauma and emotional distress. Participants will learn how to create a safe environment for children to explore and regulate their emotions through playful and sensory activities.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding and applying Polyvagal Theory in child-friendly ways
Techniques for improving emotional regulation and managing overwhelming emotions
Use of "interoception puppets" for self-discovery and empowerment
Practical tools and strategies for combining Polyvagal Theory with Play Therapy
Interactive and experiential learning sessions

Polyvagal Theory and play therapy for children

Reserve your free spot today and gain valuable insights into helping children heal from trauma through the synergistic use of Polyvagal Theory and Play Therapy.

POLYVAGAL & PLAY THERAPY

Take the course now!

Learn how to seamlessly integrate Polyvagal Theory into play therapy, allowing you to work with children experiencing strong emotions and trauma. Discover practical techniques for calming the nervous system and helping children explore their emotions.
Gain access to a therapeutic toolbox filled with diverse techniques, such as nature-based play, animal imagery, movement, and puppets. These tools empower you to engage with children at their level, enabling them to become "body detectives" and fostering emotional regulation and self-awareness.
Create a culturally inclusive play therapy environment by utilizing diverse fabrics, materials, and metaphors that represent all children. Attune with children's nervous systems to build rapid trust and co-regulation, making your therapy space a safe and judgment-free zone for kids to express themselves and heal.

Past events

2024 Neuroscience of Play Therapy Summit

February 16 - 18, 2024

Participants gained insights into the practical applications of the Polyvagal Theory through an experiential training session led by Dr. Stephen Porges.
Attendees were immersed in experiential training sessions, such as "Ception Superheros" and "Regulate, Relate & Reason with the Sea and Sand," which provided hands-on experiences in regulating the developing nervous system.
We covered diverse techniques and interventions, including mindfulness and release in play therapy by the sea, fostering a holistic approach to therapeutic practice.

WEST REGIONAL WORKSHOP

November 10, 2023

Explored whole-body playful learning to help children understand their bodies and regulate their nervous systems through embodiment play, sensory exploration, and movement.
Delved into the therapeutic power of play, aligning it with the Polyvagal theory for emotional regulation and creating a sense of safety for children.
Addressed diversity, equity, and inclusion in play therapy, focusing on neuroception for safety in traumatized children. Explored the concept of "Ceptions" for nervous system exploration.
Equipped participants with over 10 play therapy techniques to aid children in regulation, stress reduction, and improved social interactions.
Provided insights into various play therapy approaches, including bottom-up, top-down, and Autonomic Nervous System strategies, for a well-rounded understanding.

Pop-In and Play: Supervisor Training

November 4, 2023

We explored the integration of Polyvagal theory into the play therapy supervisor's role, offering new perspectives and tools for supervision.
Discovered the power of play in shifting nervous system states, benefiting both supervisors and supervisees.
Learned to embrace creativity through the creation of images and symbols, enriching supervisory practices with Polyvagal-informed strategies.

Inside-out & bottom-up, play therapy & emdr
...the polyvagal way!

April 20, 2023

Explore the exciting world of integrating EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) with Play Therapy and Polyvagal Theory. It's all about making therapy more diverse and inclusive.
A deep dive into the fundamentals of EMDR and the latest in neuroscience, including concepts like Neuroception, Proprioception, Equilibrioception.
We covered practical play therapy techniques with a Polyvagal twist, highlighting the importance of creating a safe space when working with children who've experienced trauma.

Play therapy summit

May 10-11, 2023

We gathered for an inspiring summit that brought together passionate individuals dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of young clients through play therapy. The focus was on innovation and creative interventions that could transform the way we support and engage with young clients.

One of the highlights of this event was the opportunity to earn Continuing Education (CE) hours. Participants had the chance to enrich their knowledge and gain valuable professional development credits.

Play Therapy Symposium 2023

February 6-10 , 2023

This year, the symposium featured an incredible lineup of expert guests who shared a wealth of integrative and innovative therapeutic approaches for children at different developmental stages.
Among the standout sessions was my presentation, "Polyvagal Play Therapy Supervision." In this session, I had the pleasure of discussing the Polyvagal Theory and its clinical applications.
It was a fantastic week of learning, inspiration, and the latest in child therapy, allowing participants to enhance their skills and connect with fellow child therapists from around the world.

The Neuroscience of Play Therapy Summit at the Beach

February 18-19, 2022

A two-day experiential event designed to equip professionals with innovative interventions for child therapy work and explore the fascinating world of neuroscience in play therapy.
Attendees learned from renowned experts in the field while participating in sessions that delved into somatic work, expressive arts, and the application of Polyvagal Theory in play therapy.

During our playful pop-up sessions, I demonstrated how children can engage in the healing process from the "bottom up." By using puppets as a means of playful projection, children are provided with a safe space to explore and heal, reducing trauma-related stress responses.
I believe in the power of creative self-expression to transform the way we approach child therapy and Play Therapy techniques. I'm thrilled that I was able to share my passion for somatic work and its incredible potential for helping children navigate their autonomic nervous system.

PLAY THERAPY CONFERENCE. Little Rock Arkansas

2021