Dr. Vander Dussen is a frequent presenter at conferences and workshops across the country. Below you will find a list of frequently requested topics along with brief course descriptions. The list is not exhaustive, but representative of what is most frequently requested.
Play Therapy through a Neurosequential Lens: Applying the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics to Play Therapy Treatment 6 or 12 hour workshop.
Workshop Description: In this workshop participants will be exposed to the application of the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics as developed by the Child Trauma Academy to the conceptualization and application play therapy treatment. Participants will have the opportunity to experience interventions designed to target disorganization and dysregulation in different regions of the brain.
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Developmental & Experiential Play in the Treatment of Childhood Attachment 1 or 2 Day Workshop
Workshop Description: In this workshop participants will be informed about the neurobiology of trauma and its impact on the developing child and the ability to form healthy attachment relationships. Within this context therapeutic approaches that meet the unique developmental and neurological needs of traumatized and attachedment disordered children in play therapy will be introduced.
Neurobiology and Brain Basics for Play Therapists 3 hour or Full Day Workshop
Workshop Description: In this workshop play therapists will come to understand the strengths of the brain and how deeply attachment, trauma, and brain development are intertwined. This in turn will help play therapists in their play therapy assessment, formulation, and treatment. Participants will be exposed to the literature on the neurobiology behind play which will provide a framework for advocating for, and supporting their play therapy practice with parents and other professionals.
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Let Me Hear Your Voice: Play Therapy for Children with Selective Mutism 3 Hour Workshop
Workshop Description: Selective mutism is a debilitating diagnosis that has been poorly understood and under-researched. An overview of the disorder will be presented along with an integrated play therapy approach for treating children diagnosed with selective mutism.
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Sensory Integration, Sensory Processing, and Self Regulation in Play Therapy 2 hour, 3 hour, or 1 Day Workshop
Workshop Description: In this workshop participants will be introduced to the identification of sensory integration dysfunction, sensory processing disorder, and disorders of self regulation in children. Participants will also be exposed to play therapy materials and interventions to utilize in play therapy with children.
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Super Powered Play Therapy: Understanding and Utilizing Super Heroes in Play Therapy 7 Day Workshop
Workshop Description: For over 75 years, superheroes like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman have had a profound impact on popular culture. Regardless of their exposure to comic books, children are readily able to identify these three heroes. Their rich history, laden with therapeutic metaphors, can be utilized to engage children, particularly children suffering from trauma and loss, in the play therapy process. This workshop seeks to familiarize clinicians with their history and facilitate the integration of super hero play into your play therapy practice.
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Neurobiology of Play-Why Play Therapy Matters 2 or 3 Hour Workshop
Workshop Description: Participants will be exposed to the literature on the neurobiology behind play which will provide a framework for advocating for, and supporting their play therapy practice with parents and other professionals.
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Principles of Brain Development: An Overview for Play Therapists 2 or 3 Hour Workshop
Workshop Description: In this workshop play therapists will come to understand the strengths of the brain and how deeply attachment, trauma, and brain development are intertwined. This in turn will help play therapists in their play therapy assessment, formulation, and treatment.
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