Details: Friday August 13, 2021 from 9am – 12:15pm at UMSL
Session Description: This session will help participants understand the neurobiological impact of trauma on a child’s brain/nervous system and the overt behaviors associated with childhood trauma. The session will use video presentation, lecture and experiential exercises to understand specific emotions and behaviors displayed during play therapy as related to trauma as well as understand the role of play therapy in treating those emotions and behaviors.
Learning Objectives:
After attending this session, participants will be able to:
- Identify the general neurobiology of psychological trauma on the child’s brain
- Explain the role of shame and worthlessness as it relates to trauma in children and how it presents during play therapy
- Identify behaviors in play therapy associated with trauma in children
- Demonstrate the role of play therapy in processing and regulation of trauma emotions and behaviors in children
Instructor: Leslie S. Barry, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S
Leslie S. Barry is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, and Registered Play Therapy-Supervisor, engaged in private practice. Leslie is certified with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as a professional School Counselor (K-12). Leslie has served as a Teen Connect counselor for her alma mater, Hazelwood East High School. Additionally, she has served as a guest speaker for law enforcement officers at the State of Missouri DARE conference. Leslie created a HEROES program which utilizes group play therapy techniques to educate and support children of first responders. Additionally, she is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR).