Exploring the Intersection of Neurobiology and Child-Centered Play Therapy

Description: This play therapy training draws from contemporary neurobiological frameworks and understanding that highlight how early experiences particularly relational, patterned, and repetitive experiences, shape brain development and nervous system organization (e.g., Dr. Bruce Perry and Dr. Daniel Siegal) (Gaskill & Brown, 2025; Perry, 2006; Perry & Hambrick, 2008). Within this neurobiological framework, one principal remains central: relationships organize the brain and healing occurs most effectively within the context of safe, attuned, and consistent relational experiences (Gaskill & Perry, 2014; Perry, 2009). Similar to Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), this neurobiological perspective offers an understanding that healing occurs most effectively within the context of safe, attuned, and consistent relationships.

This training explores the intersection of neurobiology and CCPT, emphasizing the therapeutic relationship as the core intervention in play therapy. Grounded in humanistic theory and the principles of CCPT, participants will examine how relational safety, attunement, and consistency within the play therapy relationship support regulation, integration, and growth in the child’s nervous system.

At Integrated Play Connections, we hold the therapeutic relationship as central, both within the playroom and across the child’s external relationships. Drawing from multiple neurobiological perspectives, this training invites play therapists to use neurobiology as a lens rather than a technique. Participants will explore how neurobiological concepts show up in play, behavior, and the therapeutic process, while remaining firmly rooted in child-led, relationship-centered play therapy practice.

Following the training, participants will be able to:

1. Describe key neurobiological concepts from evidence-based frameworks and their relevance to Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) practice. 
2. Identify how stress, trauma, and relational experiences may impact brain development and how these impacts may emerge through play behaviors and relational patterns in the play therapy room.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of how CCPT principles and the therapeutic relationship support regulation and integration within the child’s nervous system.
4. Apply a neurobiological lens to play therapy case conceptualization while maintaining fidelity to CCPT values and child-led practice.
5. Process through case conceptualization discussions to integrate neurobiological understanding with CCPT principles

This training meets the standards for an APT contact training and participants will be credited (4.5) Contact CEs following the completion of a feedback survey

Cancellation Policy: All training purchases are final. Integrated Play Connections does not provide a 100% refund. However, if canceled at least 72 hours before the event, you may receive 50% of the non-refundable amount in the form of a discount to put towards a future Integrated Play training.

Integrated Play Connections Therapy Center, PLLC is approved by the Association for Play Therapy to offer continuing education specific to play therapy. APT Approved Provider 24-746 Integrated Play Connections Therapy Center, PLLC. maintains responsibility for the program.

*By registering for this event, you are agreeing to be added to our marketing list for emails about future trainings and events. You may unsubscribe at anytime.

Samantha Long, PhD., LPC, RPT, NCC

Samantha is a faculty professor at Johns Hopkins University and co-owner of Integrated Play Connections Therapy Center. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia, a Registered Play Therapist (RPT), and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Since 2018, she has specialized in working with children impacted by trauma, adversity, and stress, with particular experience supporting families navigating separation or divorce.

Samantha cares deeply about supporting children’s mental health through approaches that are humanistic, attachment-focused, trauma-informed, and culturally attuned. She is dedicated to equipping counselors and play therapists with developmentally sensitive, evidence-based practices that foster healing, resilience, and healthy relationships for children and their families.

Michelle Walker, LCSW, RPT-S holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Millersville University of Pennsylvania (2011) and a Master’s in Social Work with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health and subconcentration in Military Social Work and Veterans Affairs from the University of Southern California (2014). She is a Registered Play Therapy Supervisor awarded by the Association for Play Therapy. Her clinical work is rooted in humanistic theory, with a focus on early childhood and elementary-aged children (ages 0–12). She specializes in Child-Centered Play Therapy and Child-Parent Relationship Therapy, providing developmentally appropriate interventions that honor each child’s innate capacity for growth and healing. She believes that, within a safe and supportive therapeutic environment and through a genuine therapeutic relationship, children are naturally inclined toward positive self-direction. Her approach supports increased self-concept, emotional awareness, regulation, and expressive emotional vocabulary. She has worked with the military population throughout the As Co-Owner of Integrated Play Connections Therapy Center, Michelle provides supervision and training for those working towards their Registered Play Therapy credential.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Integrated Play Connections Therapy Center, PLLC.