A Playful Approach to Treating Trauma in the Playroom
Presented by: Kelly O’Donnell, LCSW, RPT™
This training introduces play therapy as a developmentally appropriate and neurobiologically informed approach to treating trauma in the playroom. Participants will explore how trauma affects the brain and body and how play therapy supports healing and regulation. The course emphasizes creating safety, attunement, and emotional regulation through play-based relationships. Through case examples and practical strategies, learners will identify trauma responses in play therapy and apply interventions that build resilience. This training is designed for mental health professionals seeking to strengthen their trauma-informed play therapy skills.
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
- Apply assessment skills through the lens of play therapy to describe how trauma impacts the brain and body in both children and adults.
- Recite the various stages of trauma treatment and be able to identify one play therapy technique for each stage.
- Identify 3 play therapy techniques to help with regulation of emotions and treatment of trauma.
Level of training: Foundational | Play Therapy Skills and Methods, Play Therapy Special Topics
This training is approved by APT Approved Provider 97-035 for 3 Contact CE hours.
Limited seating available.
Location: NACA Office, 1500 E. Cedar #26, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
About our presenter: Kelly O’Donnell, LCSW, RPT™ was born and raised in Arizona and moved to Flagstaff to earn her bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Thankfully, she was able to stay in Flagstaff while obtaining her MSW from the University of New England in 2014. Throughout her many years in Social Work, she has experienced a variety of settings including: hospice, vocational rehabilitation, victim advocacy, elder rights, and Developmental Disabilities. She received her independent clinical licensure, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), in Arizona in 2019 through the Board of Behavioral Health. She is also a Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT™), which she received in 2022. She has worked for many years with children, families, and individuals to help them heal, grow, and become their best selves.
AZAPT Members $50; Guests $60
To guarantee your spot, payment must be received. If payment is not received at least one week before the training date, your registration will be cancelled.
AZAPT is approved by the Association for Play Therapy to offer continuing education specific to Play Therapy. APT Approved Provider 97-035. AZAPT maintains responsibility for the program. Registrants understand and agree that any photograph, video or audio recording of themselves may be used to further promote AZAPT.
Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be requested in writing and received no later than April 24, 2025. Cancellations are subject to a $20 processing fee. Substitutions (someone else attending) or transfer of registration to another training date may be requested. No refunds after April 24, 2026.
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