Office of Play Therapy Research and Training Hosts 12th Annual Conference

Over 100 play therapy practitioners from across the country recently gathered for the College of Education and Health Professions' 12th Annual Play Therapy Conference.

This year's presenter was Eliana Gil, a founding partner of the Gil Institute for Trauma Recovery and Education and a nationally recognized expert in play therapy, trauma and child sexual abuse treatment.

Gil's two-day workshop explored the impact of childhood sexual abuse on child development, behavior and internal working models. Kristi Perryman, professor of counselor education and director of the Office of Play Therapy Research and Training, said this year's topic was important because of the high rates of child abuse in Arkansas.

"We rank 43rd in children's welfare and ninth highest in reported sexual abuse," Perryman said. "Therapists in our state have primarily been trained to work with adults, and the specific training for working with childhood sexual abuse is rare. Dr. Gil did an excellent job of removing the shame and stigma related to the topic and teaching ways to work with this vulnerable population in ways that are empathic, warm and accepting."

Throughout the two-day conference, Gil led attendees through a range of topics, including the impact of abuse on child development, treatment principles that utilize play therapy, posttraumatic play and more. She stressed that one of the most important ways to help children is to surround them with a strong support network.

"You have to look for who's out there, who's an ally, who's an advocate…" Gil said. "Look for the allies because if you can find them, you're way ahead of the game."

Students studying to become counselors and future play therapists attend the conference each year at a discounted rate. This gives them access to the latest in play therapy training and research, as well as opportunities to network with practitioners in the field.

Current doctoral student Payton Turk attended the conference this year and said learning from Gil was a one-of-a-kind experience.

"This topic is so heavy yet so incredibly important for training competent, humble and sensitive play therapists who can work with children who are both the most vulnerable and the most in need," she said. "While there were over 100 counselors in attendance this year, the impact felt within the community will be vastly larger."

Twelve years in, Perryman and the Office of Play Therapy Research and Training hope the conference's impact is felt for years to come. 

"I'm so grateful for the opportunity to provide these trainings in our state, and I'm so proud of the reputation our play therapy program and the conference have grown throughout the years," she said.

In the fall, the office plans to expand its training offerings with a virtual play therapy conference focused on best practices for parent consultations.

Presenter Ahou Line, an expert in working with parents in play therapy, will lead the day-long conference on Nov. 14. Those interested in learning more can visit the Office of Play Therapy Research and Training's website or email klperry@uark.edu.