Play Therapy Workshop: Body Centered Play Therapy with Traumatized Clients

Friday, April 4, 2025
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
South Central Service Cooperative

Workshop Overview: 

In this interactive in-person workshop, we will explore ways to incorporate body-­centered techniques, such as yoga, movement, body scans, parasympathetic nervous system soothing, and sensorimotor drawing, with traumatized clients in play therapy. Much of the current research investigating therapeutic work with traumatized clients suggests that some of the most effective therapy tools are body-­centered techniques such as yoga, meditation, movement, body scans, and work with the para­sympathetic nervous system. Researchers have noted that the body stores trauma in a variety of different ways which makes it particularly important to help traumatized clients become more aware of and more able to work with their bodies, in addition to the familiar play therapy goals of working with emotions, cognitions, and behaviors. Using a combination of Adlerian conceptualization and strategies and body-­centered Gestalt therapy techniques, we will explore how trauma affects clients across the lifespan and how you can integrate body-centered intervention strategies, and expressive arts techniques into your play therapy practice. The workshop is designed to equip you with body-­centered play therapy techniques that, without physically touching clients, you can use for assessment and intervention with clients who have experienced trauma.  
Cost:  $149.00
  • Includes breakfast and lunch
 
Location: South Central Service Cooperative (SCSC)
 
Total of 6 CEUs approved by the following:
  • APT Approved Provider
  • NBCC
  • MN Board of Social Work
  • MN Board of Behavioral Health
  • MN Board of Marriage and Family Therapy

Presenter Information: 


Nikole Pauli, LMHC, NCC, RPT-S, C-AdPT
 
Nikki was trained by the Dr. Terry Kottman, creator of Adlerian Play Therapy. In addition to teaching for LEAPT (League of Extraordinary Adlerian Play Therapists), Nikki runs a successful private practice in her college turned home town of Cedar Falls, IA. She is passionate about walking alongside adults, children, families, and couples. In addition to counseling, Nikki serves as a high school youth director at Orchard Hill Church. As a former collegiate and professional track and field athlete, Nikki now uses that passion to coach high school hurdlers and teach classes at Ninja U, a ninja obstacle gym she co-owns with her husband, Jacob. 
 
Outside of serving those in her community, Nikki enjoys spending time with her husband and their four children. You can find them enjoying the outdoors as often as possible or cuddled up reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Series of Unfortunate Events.

Nikki finds joy in time spent laughing with her people, dirtying her hands gardening, getting in a good workout, and enjoying good food. 

Register Here

Registration Questions:  Email workforce@mnsu.edu or call 507-389-1094
Training Questions:  Email tracie.self@mnsu.edu

Contact

Center for Workforce Professional Education
workforce@mnsu.edu

Department

Center for Workforce Professional Education

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Mankato, MN 56001
1-800-722-0544

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