Online Course: The Power of Metaphor- Interpretation and Support of Symbolic Play Themes

Eligible for up to 2 APT Approved Non-Contact CEUS

Course Description

One of the foundational assumptions of Somatic Experiential Play Therapy is that play has meaning beyond what it may appear. This training will dive into the most common play themes seen in the playroom with the goal of equipping you to better understand the meaning of play. We will discuss how to see, interpret and respond to metaphor in a way that invites the child deeper into the play in order to mobilize their story.

In addition, we will tackle the metaphor behind one of the most dreaded parts of the playroom- board games. Many play therapists struggle to use board games in any way other than skill building. This training will equip you to see that board games are filled with metaphor, and when we can see this we open a whole new world of responses. This allows the child to process difficult themes in a more contained manner without backing off from their pain completely.

    • You will learn how to identify common themes in child-led, symbolic play

    • You will learn how to attach meaning to these common themes, which will frame how you respond to them in play

    • You will learn how to see board games in a new light, allowing you to respond thematically instead of from a skills based perspective

    • You will feel more strategic and purposeful in responding to play, understanding the reasons for the types of responses you choose

    • You will learn to take into account the somatic state of the child in choosing how to respond to the play

    • Power of Metaphor Presentation Slides (PDF)

    • Common Play Based Metaphors Infographic (PDF)

    • Board Games Themes and Metaphors (PDF)

  • 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

  • "I really appreciate how you better defined for me the requirements regarding parent consent, how to better document so the child's privacy is protected, and also how to handle the process of practical/mandated reporting while attempting to protect the relationship."

    Session Attendee

  • "I thought the course was fantastic and so informative. Loved the scenarios. I would take this course if it was even longer than 3 hours."

    Session Attendee

  • "I loved this course. I wish I had this course prior to working with kids."

    Session Attendee

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

    Session Attendee

  • "Hands down, the best ethics training I’ve ever attended. Thanks Missy!"

    Session Attende

  • "This was such an amazing training."

    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.