Healing Trauma Through Play
Discover the transformative power of play in healing trauma
Discover why play is medicine, not just distraction.
Play isn't frivolous—it's fundamental to healing. When trauma locks us in survival mode, play offers a pathway back to safety, connection, and joy. But for many of us (and the communities we serve), accessing play feels impossible. We've forgotten how, or never learned.
This experiential workshop explores the neuroscience of why play heals: how it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, creates new neural pathways beyond trauma responses, and helps us reconnect with parts of ourselves that trauma taught us to shut down. More importantly, you'll experience it firsthand.
Through carefully designed play activities—from laughter laboratories to embodied games to creative expression—you'll practice meeting your own inner child, discover how play shifts your nervous system in real time, and learn to bring playful practices into your work and life. We'll explore different play modalities (movement, art, storytelling, sensory engagement) and discuss how to adapt these approaches for the diverse communities you serve.
This workshop is both:
- •A personal healing experience (reconnecting with your own capacity for joy and spontaneity)
- •Professional development (understanding how to integrate play into trauma-informed practice)
Participants often report:
- •Feeling lighter and more resourced
- •New tools for regulating their own nervous systems
- •Fresh ideas for bringing play into client work
- •Permission to access joy even while doing heavy work
You'll learn:
- •Nonviolent Communication principles adapted for high-stress work
- •How to recognize and regulate your nervous system during disagreement
- •Techniques for "staying in the river" when conversations activate you
- •Methods for moving from blame to collaborative problem-solving
Who it's for:
Therapists, social workers, educators, parents, community organizers, anyone supporting healing
Key Outcomes
Understand the neuroscience of play and trauma healing
Build a toolkit of play-based interventions
Reconnect with your own capacity for play
Create playful, healing environments for others