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Engaging the Resistant Child in Play Therapy

Every play therapist encounters the child who says “no”—no to coming into the playroom, no to an activity, no to talking, or no to engaging with what seems to be at the heart of the therapy. It can be tempting to see these moments as resistance that needs to be overcome. But what if the “no” is actually telling us something important?

1 CE Credit Hour, NBCC Content Area: Counseling Theory/Practice and the Counseling Relationship CE Credit Hours

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Engaging the Resistant Child in Play Therapy

Engaging the Resistant Child in Play Therapy

In this 1-hour home study course, you’ll explore resistance through a Synergetic Play Therapy lens, moving beyond the idea that a child’s refusal is simply oppositional or avoidant behavior. Together, we’ll examine emotional avoidance and flooding, consider the many possibilities underneath a child’s resistant behavior, and explore how our own responses can influence the therapeutic process.

You’ll learn to become more curious about what the child’s nervous system may be communicating through their words, actions, and refusal—and how to use that information to meet the child where they are rather than pushing them toward where we think they need to go. Through this lens, even a child’s “no” can become an invitation into deeper connection and therapeutic work.

Because sometimes, engaging the resistant child isn’t about finding the right way to get them to say “yes.” It’s about understanding what their “no” is trying to tell us.

Presenter

Lisa Dion

Lisa Dion, LPC, RPT-S, is an international teacher, creator of Synergetic Play Therapy, founder and President of the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute.

Why Add SPT to Your Practice?

  • “I personally took a lot out of this [program], not all of it was new, but what was new was extremely useful and impactful. What wasn’t new was an excellent reminder to go back to my roots of attachment and emotional work when working with children just like I have worked with youth and adults over the years but in a slightly different context. My entire team has felt the positive impact of this training on our work and we are very happy that we all did it at the same time. We will be able to continue to practice it together and that is very exciting.”

    Mike Smith

  • “This experience has been validating to my entire human experience, and offered a clear framework to better connect with myself, client, and world! I know this was only the tip of the iceberg into integrating these powerful concepts, and I’m so hooked, I’ve already signed up for certification to continue my journey!”

    Jessie Brockmeier

  • “It’s been over 2 years since I took the Synergetic Play Therapy [program]. One of the best choices I’ve ever made. The magnitude of deeply attuning with our clients…and ourselves…is immeasurable!”

    Jackie Flynn
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Cost

$35 USD

Bundle this course with any 3 1-hour courses and save. Get all the details here: Buy a Bundle of 4 and Save!

About

A 1-hour home study course that helps therapists better understand resistance (with a little persistence!)

Home Study Course
  • Examine emotional avoidance and flooding as components of resistant behaviors
  • List other possibilities for what could be going on with the child when resistance shows up in the session
  • Examine how to engage the resistant child in play therapy

 

You will have access to this course for 365 days from the date of purchase. Access to this course and its content will expire at that time.

 

Lisa Dion, LPC, RPT-S

 

Synergetic Play Therapy Institute has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7450. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Synergetic Play Therapy Institute is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Synergetic Play Therapy Institute is also an Approved Provider for the following associations:
*Australian Play Therapists Association (APTA) Approved Provider
*British Columbia Play Therapy Association (BCPTA) Approved Provider 23-01

Continuing education credit hours may be awarded to graduate-level counselors or students enrolled in a graduate-level mental health program. If you do not qualify for continuing education credit hours and would like to receive a certificate of completion for this program, please contact the Institute directly.

Fees are non-refundable, but are transferable to other courses. You will not receive CE credit hours for this course should you choose to transfer your enrollment to another course. Please contact the Institute should you have any questions or concerns.

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