Course Description

Francine Shapiro called EMDR the therapy that “plays well with others” and the AIP model invites innovation and integration in our quest to make the benefits of EMDR available to clients of all ages and developmental levels, neurodiversity and background. This presentation aims to offer a rationale, basic framework and specific examples of using play therapy techniques to support EMDR therapy with children throughout the preparation and processing phases to make the benefits of EMDR therapy possible with children who may be avoidant or too young to grasp elements of the standard protocol. We will also reflect on challenges with maintaining model fidelity when providing consultation to integrative child clinicians, and the presenters will draw upon our own experiences as consultants and consultee to add depth to this conversation and raise different perspectives.

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will be able to describe 2 examples of integrating play therapy strategies within the preparation phase of EMDR.
2. Participants will be able to describe 3 examples of bridging from play therapy activities to EMDR processing.
3. Participants will be able to apply a case consultation checklist designed to assist play therapy-trained EMDR clinicians with EMDR fidelity and flexibility.

Presenter(s)

Ann Beckley-Forest, LCSW, RPT-S

Ann Beckley-Forest, LCSW, RPT-S, has a private practice in Buffalo, New York specializing in attachment and child trauma, and she also works with adult survivors. She is a Registered Play Therapist and supervisor and Approved Provider of play therapy continuing education, an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant, and a faculty member of the Child Trauma Institute, in addition to serving as the training chair for the EMDRIA Special Interest Group for children and adolescents. She has given trainings around the US and Asia. Her primary interest is in the intersection of play therapy and EMDR and has previously published on this topic.

Annie Monaco, LCSW, RPT

Annie Monaco, LCSW, RPT, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Registered Play Therapist, and a faculty member of both the Child Trauma Institute and of University at Buffalo School of Social Work. Annie travels throughout the US and internationally providing trauma-informed trainings and agency and therapist consultation. She is a trainer of EMDR, Progressive Counting, and Attachment & Dissociation, and is the Chair of the EMDRIA Child and Adolescent Special Interest Group. She has extensive training in complex trauma, family therapy, play therapy, and restorative justice, and over 25 years’ experience in serving children, teens, families, and adults.

Renata Huewitt, LPC

Renata Huewitt, LPC, RPT is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist (RPT) in a private practice in Roanoke, Virginia. She is EMDR certified, an EMDR consultant-in-training (CIT), and a Virginia Board of Counseling approved Clinical Supervisor for licensure. She specializes in using creative play therapy strategies with children, adolescents, and adults when addressing complex trauma, anxiety, depression, attachment, and other mental health issues. She is also a SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) Provider and certified AutPlay Therapist.