Description:  Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns for children. A recent nationwide study found on average, children today are more nervous than children thirty years ago. Upwards 20 percent of children and adolescents suffer from anxiety disorders.  Play therapy has been shown to be very effective with anxiety issues. The curative power of play therapy allows clients to confront worries in a safe and supportive environment.

 In this workshop we will be exploring effective play therapy treatments for anxiety. The workshop will teach typical symptoms of anxiety and explore possible contributing factors.  The training will introduce numerous interventions that can be used in a variety of settings:  individual, family, group or school settings.  Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy methods will be taught to challenge negative thoughts. Interventions will teach coping strategies to decrease anxiety using play therapy. We will address the importance of involving caregivers and methods to include the parents in the therapy.  Interventions will be taught using experiential and interactive methods.    

Objectives:

1.    At the end of the workshop,  participants be able to describe the typical symptoms of anxiety in children and possible contributing factors.

2.    At the end of the workshop,  participants be able to describe theoretical models Play Therapy that are effective with treating anxiety and also, be able to identify appropriate use of the different Play Therapy approaches.

3.    At the end of the workshop,  participants be able to cite over ten specific Play Therapy interventions to address anxiety in children.

4. At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to cite three methods to include parents in the therapeutic process.