The Power of Play: Supporting Healthy Child Development and Use as a Therapeutic Intervention
Description
This session describes different types of play and how it supports child development, as well as how it can foster secure attachment. Play as a therapeutic intervention and how it supports the processing and healing of trauma for young children is explained.
This session covers:
- Different types of play and how play supports child development
- How to effectively engage in play in a manner that supports secure attachment.
- 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 children and their caregivers.
Previously recorded on October 28, 2025.
Continuing Education Credits or Certificate of Completion
Speaker(s)
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).