In addition to tapping into traumatic memories, posttraumatic play allows sensory memories to be restructured and regulated in ways that may facilitate somatic and physiological reorganization and regulation. Trauma creates pathways that keep the brain in a constant state of hyperarousal and the body in a state of dysregulation (van der Kolk, 2015). Posttraumatic play therapy may counteract neural hyperarousal and support the creation of new,


healthy neural connections.


Additionally, for the body, posttraumatic play may provide a reparative, self-regulatory experience. These areas of physiological soothing and self-regulation can co-occur alongside trauma narration to rework traumatized pathways.


Summary and Conclusions     can occur anywhere, at any time. The results can be devastating and longstanding and may adversely impact multiple domains of functioning. For that reason, clinical intervention must be as effective as possible. Subsequently, it is essential for play therapists to remain abreast of            practices accordingly. Evidence-based research suggests that selecting and matching interventions to meet core, trauma-focused treatment targets helps reduce posttraumatic symptoms and distress (Fitzgerald & Berliner, 2018). Additionally, neurosciences researchers support the use of expressive interventions to retrieve and reprocess traumatic memories and facilitate self-regulation. These underpinnings provide foundations from which directive and posttraumatic play therapy can be integrated for comprehensive trauma treatment. Certainly, this is an area that warrants further examination before solid conclusions can be made.


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ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Sueann Kenney-Noziska, MSW, LCSW, RPT-S, specializes in using play therapy with abused and traumatized children, adolescents, and families. She is an instructor, guest lecturer, internationally recognized speaker, and author. sueannchildtherapy@gmail.com


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