Play Therapy with Children who have been Sexually Traumatized
*CEs from this workshop will count towards your CCPT/CPRT/CCGPT certification renewal.
Children who have experienced sexual trauma do not need “fixing”; they need safe, attuned, and informed adults who understand how sexual trauma and exploitation in childhood shapes behavior, learning, relationships, and emotional regulation.
This workshop is designed for helping professionals working with children and young people who want to deepen their capacity to support sexually traumatized children effectively and compassionately.
Anchored in child-centered play therapy with the overlay of trauma-informed, attachment-based, and neurodevelopmental lens, this workshop explores the nuances of sexual trauma from a child’s perspective and how counselors and play therapists can become consistent sources of regulation, connection, and hope. Participants will examine how sexual trauma impacts the developing brain and nervous system, how it ‘shows up’ in clinical settings and classrooms, and why traditional behavioral approaches often fall short.
Days/Times
Monday, June 22, 2026, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM CT
Objectives:
Name trauma-related behaviors that emerge as adaptive survival responses of children who have been sexually traumatized and/or exploited in and outside of play therapy.
List ways play therapists can create emotional and relational safety with children who struggle with trust.
Recognize what sexual trauma and exploitation look like in the play of play therapy.
Practice responding to challenging sexualized behaviors in play therapy.
Identify ways of establishing professional boundaries while offering authentic connection.
Create ways to sustain themselves as “safe adults” without compassion fatigue.
Meet the Speaker
Jodi Mullen, PhD, LMHC, NCC, RPT-S, CCPT-Master is a professor at SUNY Oswego in the Counseling & Psychological Services Department, where she has been a counselor educator for over 30 years. She is the Director of Integrative Counseling Services, with offices in Central New York. Dr. Mullen is an international speaker, author, credentialed play therapist and play therapy supervisor. Dr. Mullen provides training, consultation, and supervision to professional helpers. She has authored books on play therapy, counseling children and adolescents, grief counseling and parenting. Dr. Mullen was the 2008 recipient of the Key Award for Professional Training & Education through the Association for Play Therapy. She is the proud Momma of Leah & Andrew.