The Maryland/DC Association for Play Therapy Presents:  Kids Yoga Play Therapy Fusion  

Presenter: Niki Picogna, LCPC, RPT-S

After completing her Masters from the Johns Hopkins University, NIki has spent the past 8 years specializing in the emotional and behavioral needs of children, adolescents, young adults, and their families. She has worked in a number of clinical settings including clinic, school-based, hospital, in-home, intensive outpatient, and private practice settings as a therapist, supervisor, and program manager.  With private offices in both Baltimore and in Kensington, Niki's practice is home to a diverse caseload of clients and clinical supervisees. After completing a Yoga Fit ® Kids training several years ago, she has enjoyed integrating play and yoga in her individual, group, and family sessions and has seen successful outcomes with trauma, grief, and attachment issues, as well as numerous other emotional, social, and physical problems. She has presented on this topic to mental health professionals,  paraprofessionals, and students  both nationally and internationally. She finds it vital that her clients understand how positive energy, mindful awareness, and the mind/body/spirit conenction can empower them and enhance their quality of life.  

Workshop Overview:  This experential workshop will examine yoga as an effective means to bring balance, strength, flexibility, well-being, and mental clarity to the mind/body/soul. Effective and playful breathing techniques will be examined as well as kid friendly and multi-cultural postures and guided imageries.  Descriptions of mental health diagnoses that benefit from yoga practices and the scientific support behind them will be examined. Videotaped demonstrations and actual practice of kids yoga sessions will accentuate the learning experience of this workshop.  Participants should be prepared to interactively engage, to relax, and get physical throughout this creative play therapy training! Dress comfortably and don't forget your mat! This workshop is limited to 15 participants.

Learning Objectives: 

Following the training, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the therapeutic value and benefits of yoga as a supplemental modality in play therapy

 2. Specify the creative yoga techniques needed to support children with emotional and behavioral health needs

 3. Demonstrate and practice actual postures, play therapy games, relaxation, and breathing used in kids yoga classes

 4. Incorporate yoga into everyday practice with children and teens.

 

CONTINUING EDUCATION: 6 CE hours for $75

This activity is being co-sponsored by IDEALS/National Institute of Relationship Enhancement (NIRE) and the MD/DC Association for Play Therapy. IDEALS/The National Institute of Relationship Enhancement® (NIRE) is approved by the American Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. NIRE maintains responsibility for the program and its content. NIRE has been approved by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners to sponsor Category I continuing education programs. IDEALS/NIRE is approved by the Association for Play Therapy to offer continuing education specific to play therapy. APT Approved Provider # 95-009. IDEALS/NIRE maintains responsibility for this program. The National Institute of Relationship Enhancement® (NIRE) has been approved as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5560. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. NIRE is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.