Day 1 of this workshop will help clinicians integrate EMDR into the play therapy setting for young children and understand how to provide a play therapy environment which includes all the phases of EMDR — including how to allow for the emergence of post-traumatic play. We will explore examples of how to bridge between the metaphor of the child’s play and our assessment of attachment wounds and traumatic memory targets for EMDR. Participants will be able to practice the use of full body play to accomplish therapeutic goals and view clips of play therapy sessions which include the integration of EMDR elements. In Day 2 of this intensive workshop, we examine the idea of active play as the preferred avenue to access and reprocess with EMDR the implicit memories involved so often in complex trauma in children. Finally, we will apply structural dissociation theory through the use of Gestalt play therapy approaches and expressive therapy interventions with dolls and the sand tray to prepare and support highly dissociative children in EMDR reprocessing. Prior completion of basic EMDR training is required.

Presenters: Annie Monaco & Ann Beckley-Forest