Online Course: Introduction to Somatic Experiential Play Therapy

A boy in a play therapy session.

Eligible for up to 6 APT Approved Non-Contact CEUs

Course Description

This course will give you a foundational introduction to the Somatic Experiential Play Therapy modality co-created by Melissa Wetterlund and Sara Werner. This course gives you access to both creators teaching their modality together!

Somatic Experiential Play Therapy is a modality that grounds in somatic, metaphorical play.  This course lays the groundwork to begin tracking the physiology of children during play by highlighting the principles of neuroscience and fight, flight, freeze, and collapse.  It also dives into the concept of metaphorical play including  how to begin to interpret the symbolism behind many common themes of play.

You will gain an understanding of what children's physiology is communicating during play and ways to respond to and support their nervous systems in the resolution of trauma.

    • The basic theory that drives Somatic Experiential Play Therapy

    • Basic principles of neuroscience that underpin Somatic Tracking in the playroom

    • Basic understanding of the autonomic nervous system and how it responds to trauma

    • 5 specific types of responses in order to either invite activation or regulation throughout the different stages of SEPT

    • How to read the nervous system in children in order to better decide how to reflect and respond in the playroom

    • How to watch for and respond to both the need for regulation and activation in order to best keep children within the window of tolerance on the playroom

    • How to mobilize effective fight or flight in the playroom in to lead to discharge and healing of stuck trauma energy

    • How to recognize and support freeze, collapse and dissociation as it shows up in play

    • How to interpret common metaphorical themes in the playroom

    • How to play in a way that invites the child to lead, but also supports their nervous system in a strategic way that doesn’t inhibit their play drive but instead invites them into a deeper, more regulated state

    • A handful of directive activities to stimulate either activation or regulation in a stuck nervous system

    • PDF of all presentation slides

    • Downloadable Play Therapy Case Note

    • Downloadable Common Play Based Metaphors Infographic

    • Downloadable What is Play Therapy Handout

    • Downloadable List of Playroom Toys

    • Downloadable List of Playroom Toys for Telehealth, In-Home, or School Based Play Therapy

    • Link to Feedback Evaluation and Quiz for Certificate of Completion (CEUs)

  • Upon completion of this course you will be able to complete the official Feedback Evaluation and Quiz for Certificate of Completion (CEUs).

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Reviews from Attendees

  • "Knowledge of the presenters was phenomenal. They really knew how to conduct effective play therapy sessions!"

    Session Attendee

  • "I thought the presenters were amazing."

    Session Attendee

  • "The expertise of the presenters was amazing. I aspire to be them!"

    Session Attendee

  • "This was the best CEU I've completed in my 7 years of professional career. I appreciate gaining knowledge that I can actually apply and put to use!"

    Session Attendee

  • "I loved the examples and videos in this course. The presenters were awesome and engaging."

    Session Attendee

  • "Melissa and Sara were very knowledgeable regarding the subject matter. Examples, videos, and participants were very involved in this learning experience."

    Session Attendee

  • "I loved the energy and knowledge of the presenters. Definitely kept the webinar interesting."

    Session Attendee

  • "I loved the presentation structure, sharing the science and knowledge, and actually showing examples of real therapist practice showing the science and knowledge."

    Session Attendee

  • "Presenters were knowledgeable, engaging and shared so much useful information in many different ways!"

    Session Attendee

  • "Lots of useful information. Great organization, clear, and helpful information and presentation."

    Session Attendee

  • "When asked what was the best part of the course: Well, this is very obvious. All of it!"

    Session Attendee

Meet Your Instructor

Melissa Wetterlund, MA, LP, LMFT, RPR-S is the co-creator of the Somatic Experiential Play Therapy model, owner of Watershed Psychological Services, and adjunct faculty in numerous graduate counseling programs. 

Melissa has been providing trainings around the country and has a passion for helping develop enthusiastic, confident, and competent clinicians and supervisors who truly understand what motivates their behaviors and the behaviors of others.  Her greatest excitement is providing mental health professionals and agencies the full support they need to ensure clients have the best possible therapeutic experience in their journeys towards health.

In addition to training clinicians, Melissa offers consultation services to both agencies and individuals to help grow private practices and play therapy programs.