Trauma Stories from a child's perspective

As professionals who work with children, trauma informed training helps us understand the physical and psychological impact of trauma on children’s behaviour. But how is trauma viewed from the child’s perspective?

Using children’s stories from Play Therapy, we will use a new self-reflective tool R.O.A.R © to explore the impact of hearing traumatic stories on a professional and personal level.

This innovative, interactive workshop aims to transform how you think about trauma by

• Recognising triggered emotions
• Observing the physical sensation
• Accepting not avoiding how it feels and generating an alternative way to
• Respond and support children you are working with.

Participants will be involved in reflective group discussions guided by a Play Therapist think about what might be happening for each child in our stories.

There will be a range of experiential activities to help explore the unconscious response to trauma stories and the impact this may have on decisions made to support or calm a dysregulated child.

Learning outcomes

1. Expanding participants' understanding of children's lived experience of trauma.

2. Exploring the physiological and emotional response to hearing children’ stories.

3. Recognising the different responses that may shape our interaction with children and inform what type of support they may need.

No previous experience of Play Therapy is necessarybut a willingness and enthusiasm to be playful and thoughtful will be very welcome.

Lunch will be provided on the day.

With Kids, in collaboration with Queen Margaret University deliver a part-time BAPT accredited Masters in Play Therapy course which is eligible for SAAS funding for the September 2025 intake. If interested contact With Kids or email [email protected]

Host or Publisher With Kids