UIC Jane Addams College of Social Work Training Institute Partnership with FamPac Wellness Center
Play Therapy Series Workshop #2
The Power of Play: Using Play Therapy to Heal Childhood Trauma
Presenter: Michelle-Ann Rhoden Neita, PhD, LCSW, RPT ™
Dr. Rhoden Neita has extensive practice experience working with children, youth, and families exposed to violence and/or dealing with childhood trauma. She has conducted state and federally funded research projects on trauma-informed care and strengths-based interventions supporting helping professionals and youth exposed to violence. Her research has been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences. Currently, Dr. Rhoden-Neita is the Clinical Operations Director for a nonprofit mental health clinic, leads a group mental health practice, and mentors students in a doctoral social work program. She has been an LCSW for over 17 years and a Registered Play Therapist for over 11 years. She is a trained trauma psychotherapist and grief counselor, and passionate about promoting wellness as an everyday lifestyle.
Date/Time: Friday, April 24, 2026, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Location: UIC Jane Addams College of Social Work, 4th floor, 1040 W. Harrison St, Chicago, IL, 60607
Registration fee: $145 (includes continental breakfast and lunch; Training participants will earn 6 CEUs/PDHs and 6 contact CE credits specific to APT play therapy credentialing).
Description: Childhood trauma disrupts development and a child’s sense of safety. Grounded in attachment theory, neurobiology of trauma, and phase-oriented trauma treatment, this experiential workshop will provide child-focused practitioners with trauma-informed play therapy strategies that promote regulation, resilience, and relational repair. Through case studies and hands-on activities, participants will learn the impact of trauma on the developing brain and how to immediately integrate play therapy into clinical practice to address childhood trauma.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
1. Explain how interpersonal trauma impacts brain development, attachment, and play.
2. Identify common trauma responses used as adaptive survival strategies in children.
3. Identify trauma-related themes in children's play.
4. Integrate the six core principles of trauma-informed care with the therapeutic powers of play.
5. Identify three evidence-based play therapy interventions used to address childhood trauma.
6. Apply trauma-informed play therapy interventions for children exposed to trauma.
7. Collaborate with caregivers and teachers when conducting trauma-responsive play therapy.
FamPac Wellness is an APT Approved Provider 25-796 and maintains responsibility for this training. Play therapy credits: 1 hour for theory, 1 hour for cultural and social diversity; 3 hours for skills and methods; and 1 hour for special population.
Cancellation/refund requests must be submitted in writing within 15 days of the training date.
For any questions or concerns, please contact us at JACSWSSWP@LISTSERV.UIC.EDU