Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Using Play Techniques

Integrating Play Therapy into the TF-CBT Framework 

This workshop will provide participants with an overview of TF-CBT, an evidence-based model for the treatment of trauma, with integration of Play Therapy techniques into each component.

Objectives:

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based treatment designed to assist children, adolescents, and their families overcome the negative impact of trauma and traumatic stress.

This evidence-based model has been proven effective for treatment of diverse, multiple, or complex trauma with fourteen randomized controlled studies spanning across multiple continents. 

This workshop will...

1. Discuss the nature of trauma and its impact on children.  
2. Discuss the power of play and its usefulness as a vehicle of healing.
3. Introduce the basic TF-CBT model and the PRACTICE components.  
4. Discuss and illustrate Play Therapy interventions to support each TF-CBT PRACTICE component.  

Participants will learn:

How trauma affects children and the use of play as a vehicle for healing.  The presenters will introduce the basic components of the TF-CBT model. The presenters will also discuss and illustrate various Play Therapy activities to use when using each of TF-CBT’s PRACTICE components, using an experiential approach to learning. 

About the Presenters

Clarissa, LMHC, Registered Play Therapist

Clarissa DeWitt is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, Infant Mental Health Specialist level 3, and Accredited Circle of Security therapist who has worked with children and families since 2006, after graduating from Nova Southeastern University with a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling. She serves as Clinical Director for the Child First program at the Center for Child Counseling.  She has training in a wide variety of best practice and evidence-based treatment models including Play Therapy, Filial Therapy, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR. In addition to specialized training through the Harris Institute at Florida State University in Infant Mental Health, Clarissa is also an accredited Triple P parenting provider, with many years of experience facilitating parenting groups.

Clarissa is passionate about her work with children and has experienced much success in helping children and their families gain a better quality of life. She is trained in both non-directive and directive Play Therapy approaches. She is a member of the American Mental Health Counselor's Association and the Association for Play Therapy, where she is currently co-chair of the Palm Beach/Martin County chapter. Clarissa is also the co-chair for the Palm Beach County chapter of the Florida Association for Infant Mental Health.

Nida Simsek, LMHC, NCC, Senior Clinician with Child First Program

Nida Simsek is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and National Certified Counselor who has worked with children and families since 2010. Her primary focus has been with the 0-5 population. Nida received her Master’s of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling at Nova Southeastern University and has training in Child-Centered Play therapy, Group Play Therapy, Infant Mental Health, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, EMDR, and Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Nida is passionate about working with young children and families who have experienced trauma - helping them heal from these experiences. She provides individual, group, dyadic and family therapy and currently focuses on providing Child-Parent Psychotherapy to children and parents who suffer from PTSD and Attachment Disorders. Nida is a member of Association for Play Therapy and Florida Association for Infant Mental Health. 

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