EXTERNAL The Power of Play: Supporting Healthy Child Development

Presented by Nebraska Resource Project for Vulnerable Young Children

The Power of Play: Supporting Healthy Child Development and Use as a Therapeutic Intervention

Information will be shared describing different types of play and how it supports child development, as well as how it can foster secure attachment. Play as a therapeutic intervention will also be explained and how it supports the processing and healing of trauma for young children.

In this session, participants will learn:

1. Different types of play and how play supports child development.
2. How to effectively engage in play in a manner that supports secure attachment.
3. How play is utilized in therapy to support processing and healing of trauma and the importance of trusted caregivers in the healing process.

This event is directed toward professionals who work with young children, as well as Foster Parents, Adoptive Parents, and Biological Parents.

Speaker: Briana Woodside, LIMHP, LCSW, Mental Health Therapist, Midwest Encouragement and Counseling Center

Briana Woodside is a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Briana joined MECC with 15 years of experience working with children and families, specifically in the field of adoption. Through this work she supported all members of the adoption constellation in navigating their roles and understanding and honoring the child’s perspective and experience. Briana has received certification in TAC (Training for Adoption Competency) and enjoys working with birth parents, adoptive parents and adopted persons. Briana is trained in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), CPP (Child Parent Psychotherapy), PCIT (Parent Child Interaction Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing),and is a trained facilitator of COSP (Circle of Security of Parenting).

Briana has a passion for the work she engages in with children and families in the therapeutic setting, and she is equally passionate about supporting knowledge growth through presentations to educators, caregivers, and other community partners to further strengthen the support network available to children and families in Kearney and the surrounding areas.