Online Course: Introduction to Somatic Experiential Play Therapy

Eligible for up to 6 APT Approved Non-Contact CEUs

Course Description

This course will give you a foundational introduction to the Somatic Experiential Play Therapy modality created by Melissa Wetterlund and Sara Werner. 

Somatic Experiential Play Therapy is a modality that grounds in somatic, metaphorical play.  This course lays the groundwork to begin tracking the physiology of children during play by highlighting the principles of neuroscience and fight, flight, freeze, and collapse.  It also dives into the concept of metaphorical play including  how to begin to interpret the symbolism behind many common themes of play.

You will gain an understanding of what children's physiology is communicating during play and ways to respond to and support their nervous systems in the resolution of trauma.

    • The basic theory that drives Somatic Experiential Play Therapy

    • Basic principles of neuroscience that underpin Somatic Tracking in the playroom

    • Basic understanding of the autonomic nervous system and how it responds to trauma

    • 5 specific types of responses in order to either invite activation or regulation throughout the different stages of SEPT

    • How to read the nervous system in children in order to better decide how to reflect and respond in the playroom

    • How to watch for and respond to both the need for regulation and activation in order to best keep children within the window of tolerance on the playroom

    • How to mobilize effective fight or flight in the playroom in to lead to discharge and healing of stuck trauma energy

    • How to recognize and support freeze, collapse and dissociation as it shows up in play

    • How to interpret common metaphorical themes in the playroom

    • How to play in a way that invites the child to lead, but also supports their nervous system in a strategic way that doesn’t inhibit their play drive but instead invites them into a deeper, more regulated state

    • A handful of directive activities to stimulate either activation or regulation in a stuck nervous system

      • PDF of all presentation slides

      • Downloadable Play Therapy Case Note

      • Downloadable Common Play Based Metaphors Infographic

      • Downloadable What is Play Therapy Handout

      • Downloadable List of Playroom Toys

      • Downloadable List of Playroom Toys for Telehealth, In-Home, or School Based Play Therapy

      • Link to Feedback Evaluation and Quiz for Certificate of Completion (CEUs)

  • Upon completion of this course you will be able to complete the official Feedback Evaluation and Quiz for Certificate of Completion (CEUs).

The videos and course content below will become accessible after you make your purchase.

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Meet Your Trainers

Melissa Wetterlund and Sara Werner are the founders of Somatic Experiential Play Therapy (SEPT). They provide trainings about SEPT and more across the nation and are also available for private consulting and customized trainings and seminars.

MISSY

SARA

  • "I loved everything about it and would love to learn even more! Missy and Sara were phenomenal presenters and made this important topic interesting and engaging!"

    Session Attendee

  • "I loved how relevant the presentation was to my work, the knowledge and responsiveness of the presenters, and the opportunities for engagement throughout the presentation."

    Session Attendee

  • "Best I’ve been to in awhile! Great content, engaging presentation."

    Session Attendee

  • "It was very engaging and interactive and gave applicable skills I can use immediately."

    Session Attendee

  • "I LOVED this training!"

    Session Attendee