activity in the amygdala, where the brain processes the debilitating emotion of fear. The mental benefits of meditation, it would seem, if regularly practiced, can be long lasting and cost effective. In conclusion, play therapists, like other mental health


professionals, have very stressful lives. However, play therapists experience not only the typical stresses inherent in the mental health profession but often face additional stressors that are unique to their specialty. Through meditation, play therapists can alleviate stress and increase their feelings of self-esteem. Like any skill, the practice of meditation takes time and effort to achieve proficiency. With patience and perseverance, you too can engage in a practice that can effectively help increase your personal and professional health.


References Benefits of Meditation. (2009). Meditation benefits are determined by technique and devotion to practice. Retrieved from http://www.benefitsofmeditation.org


Christopher, J. C., Christopher, S. E., Duncan, T., & Schure, M. (2006). Teaching self-care through mindfulness practices: The application of yoga, meditation, and qigong to counselor training. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 46(4), 494-509. doi:10.1177/0022167806290215


Charoensukmonkol, P. (2013). The contributions of mindfulness meditation on burnout, coping strategy, and job satisfaction: Evidence from Thailand, Journal of Management & Organization,


19(5), 544-558. doi:10.1017/jmo.2014.8


Davidson, R. J., Kabat-Zinn, J., Schumacher, J., Rosenkranz, M., Muller, D., Santorelli, S. F., . . . Sheridan, J. F. (January 01, 2003). Alterations in brain and immune function produced by mindfulness meditation. Psychosomatic Medicine, 65(4), 564-570. doi:10.1097/01. PSY.0000077505.67574.E3


Young, M. E., DeLorenzi, L. A., & Cunningham, L. (October 01, 2011). Using meditation in addiction counseling. Journal of Addictions & Offender Counseling, 32, 58-71. doi:10.1002/j.2161-1874.2011. tb00207.x


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Ryan Liberati, Ph.D., PSC, LPC, ACS, Counselor Education, Department of Professional Counseling, Webster University. Dr. Liberati is an assistant professor of counseling at Webster University. He is an independently licensed in Illinois and Missouri, as well as a certified school counselor in Missouri and Louisiana. ryanliberati24@webster.edu


Eliana Gil


STARBRIGHT TRAINING INSTITUTE for child & family play therapy


UPCOMING 2016 STI WORKSHOPS September 9-10: Group Play Therapy Approaches to Trauma & Chronic Stress Jennifer Shaw, Psy.D.


September 23-24: Relationship-Based Intervention Including Play Therapy Techniques for Autism Jodi Cobb, Ph.D., LMFT


October 10: Basic Principles of Family Therapy for Play Therapists Malvolia Gregory, MFT


October 21-22: Decreasing Childhood Anxiety with Play Therapy & CBT Andrea Driggs McLead, LCSW, RPT-S


November 11-12: Extended Play-Based Developmental Assessment Myriam Goldin, LCSW, RPT-S


December 4-6: Sand Therapy Integrated with Play Therapy: Theory And Application Eliana Gil, Ph.D.


Info at www.starbrighttraininginstitute.com


STI is approved by the Association for Play Therapy to offer continuing education specific to play therapy. APT Approved Provider 96-029. STI maintains responsibility for the program.


8 PLAYTHERAPY | September 2016 | www.a4pt.org


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