Rupture between parents or carers and children or adolescents may surface in session through escalation, shutdown, sarcasm, silence, or emotional intensity. These patterns often reflect protective responses rather than intentional harm. Repair attempts can fall short when therapists move toward problem solving before regulation and relational safety are restored.
This 90-minute workshop introduces a structured and developmentally responsive approach to using play to support safety and repair in family relationships. Participants will review observable indicators of activation in both adults and young people and learn how to assess readiness for repair across developmental stages. Differences between working with younger children and adolescents will be addressed, including the importance of autonomy, dignity, and mutual respect.
