Using Neuroscience and the Polyvagal Theory

 to Create Safety and Connection

in Play Therapy and Playroom 

(Skills & Methods)

Live Webinar

Description:

This training explores how neuroscience and Polyvagal Theory inform therapeutic practices that foster safety, regulation, and relational connection—particularly in trauma-informed work. Participants will learn how the brain and autonomic nervous system respond to threat, and how therapeutic attunement, play, and co-regulation can support clients in moving from survival states to states of safety and social engagement.

Rooted in Dr. Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory, the training outlines the three primary states of the autonomic nervous system—ventral vagal (safety and connection), sympathetic (mobilization), and dorsal vagal (immobilized)—and their relevance in clinical settings. Through practical tools and expressive interventions, participants will gain strategies for creating a neurobiologically-informed environment where clients, especially children and adolescents, can feel seen, soothed, and secure.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the core principles of Polyvagal Theory and their relevance to play therapy with children and adolescents.
• Identify the three primary states of the autonomic nervous system (ventral vagal, sympathetic, dorsal vagal) and how these states influence behavior and emotional regulation in the playroom.
• Explain the neurobiological foundations of safety, connection, and regulation in the context of trauma-informed play therapy.
• Demonstrate at least three play-based strategies or expressive interventions that support co-regulation and foster a felt sense of safety.
• Assess cues of dysregulation and safety in children during play therapy using a neuro-informed lens.
• Integrate neuroscience and Polyvagal-informed approaches into treatment planning and therapeutic presence with clients in a play therapy setting.

Presenter:

Julia Knach is currently the owner and founder of My Crossing Paths Counseling Center. Julia was previously the Manager of Clinical Services at Baltimore Child Abuse Center (BCAC) and before that she was the Clinical Supervisor with Family and Children’s Services (FCS), supervising both Baltimore City and County. She works with all populations dealing with trauma and abuse. She is currently an adjunct professor at CCBC, teaching in the human service counseling department. She recently published her first book called Crossing Paths: The Intersection between Trauma and Addictions.

Cancellation Policy:

Written notification of cancellation must be received in our office at least 10 business days prior to a training for a refund. A $25.00 cancellation fee will be deducted from the refund. There will be no refund for cancellation notification less than 10 business days.

CBPS reserves the right to cancel a training due to inclement weather or insufficient enrollment. In the event of such cancellation, you will receive a full refund. 

Cancelling your Zoom meeting registration does not constitute cancellation of your CBPS session registration. Please refer to our cancellation policy in the training announcement, which supersedes all other mentions of options to cancel your registration.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Continuing Education Approval for Licensed Mental Health Counselors/Social Workers/ School Psychologists/MFCCs/Play Therapists/Art Therapists 

SOCIAL WORKERS

Chesapeake Beach Professional Seminars (CBPS) is approved by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners to sponsor Category I continuing education programs. Social Work Boards in most states accept this approval status. 

Chesapeake Beach Professional Seminars (CBPS) is approved by the Washington , D.C. Board of Social Work Examiners.

LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS

Chesapeake Beach Professional Seminars (CBPS) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5763. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CBPS is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. 

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS 

Chesapeake Beach Professional Seminars (CBPS) is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists to offer professional development for school Psychologists, provider #1067. CBPS maintains responsibility for the program. 

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS  

The Maryland and Washington, DC Boards of Psychology Examiners Recognizes national Association of School Psychologist approval status with CBPS and grants CE hours to clinical psychologists in Maryland and Washington, DC.

CBPS is approved for psychologists in NY Provider Number: #PSY-0070.

PLAY THERAPISTS

Chesapeake Professional Seminars (CBPS) is an Association for Play Therapy (APT) approved provider of continuing education, APT Approved Provider #97-034.

ART THERAPISTS

Art Therapists (LCPAT, ATR-BC) may obtain CE Hours based on our NBCC approval status.

NEW YORK PSYCHOLOGIST

CBPS isapproved for psychologists in NY Provider Number: #PSY-0070.