Creating Safe Spaces: Navigating Sexualized Play and Supporting Disclosure in Play Therapy

This immersive workshop delves into the intricacies of using play therapy techniques to address child sexual abuse (CSA) and sexualized play behaviors in children. Participants will engage in experiential learning activities, case studies, and discussions to deepen their understanding of how play therapy can serve as a powerful tool in supporting child victims and survivors of sexual abuse. Through a trauma-informed lens, attendees will explore various play therapy modalities and interventions tailored to the unique needs of children affected by CSA and sexualized play. Participants will also delve into developing strategies for responding to disclosures, and implementing self-care practices to mitigate therapist vicarious trauma.

This workshop is designed for mental health professionals, counselors, and therapists seeking to enhance their skills in understanding and utilizing play as a therapeutic tool. Education hours are available for those who are working towards their Registered Play Therapist credential.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• Define child sexual abuse and its impact of sexual abuse on children's emotional, cognitive, and behavioral development.
• Learn and practice identifying play themes that may indicate sexualized play.
• Develop and practice play therapy skills for responding to disclosures of abuse and supporting child victims.
• Explore evidence-based play therapy interventions for addressing trauma symptoms and promoting healing.
• Discuss techniques for psychoeducation and empowerment of child victims and their caregivers.
• Identify signs of vicarious trauma and burnout in play therapy practice.
• Develop personalized self-care plans and strategies to mitigate the effects of vicarious trauma.

Briana Halse, LPC (MN), LPC-MH (SD), RPT-S, Director of Clinical Services and Registered Play Therapist with the Compass Center, Sioux Falls, SD, will lead this important and engaging learning event.

Briana Halse is a registered play therapist who has focused her work on supporting children and families who have been impactied by domestic violence, sexual violence, and other family-related traumas.  Briana is the Director of Clinical Services at the Compass Center in Sioux Falls, SD, the only rape-crisis center in South Dakota, offering support to primary and secondary survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and human trafficking.

Briana earned her Masters of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Sioux Falls Seminary. Prior to joining the Compass Center team in 2018, Briana provided therapy services as a clinical therapist at a psychiatric residential treatment facility for adolescents in South Dakota.