I Want to See You Be Brave: Play Therapy and Selective Mutism

Course overview

This training equips clinicians with effective play therapy techniques for children with selective mutism. Participants will learn to build trust, reduce anxiety, and encourage verbal expression through play, creating a safe, supportive environment where children can gradually overcome communication barriers and engage in meaningful therapeutic work. Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will be able to identify play therapy-based assessment skills to accurately assess for SM (including identifying common misdiagnoses, common comorbid disorders, and issues related to language and communication diversity), inform treatment, and tailor treatment. 2. Upon completion, participants will be able to identify the 4 stages of the avoidance cycle and ways to utilize the powers of play to address each. 3. Participants will be able to identify the four stages of the communication bridge and at least one play therapy intervention for each stage.