Integrating a variety of creative and expressive techniques, this training will show participants how to support both child and adult play therapy clients in developing affect competence through experiential, hands-on activities. Affect competence refers to the ability to recognize, express, and regulate emotions effectively—an essential foundation for personal growth, resilience, and neural integration. 

Participants will engage in expressive activities such as sandtray play, collage, drawing, movement, writing, poetry, simple costume play, and the use of modeling materials. These multisensory experiences activate multiple neural pathways and offer opportunities to deepen emotional awareness. By engaging in these creative processes, clinicians will learn practical ways to enhance attunement, support polyvagal safety, and expand clients’ capacity to meet life’s challenges with authenticity, clarity, and confidence.