Integrating the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics in Play Therapy

Kim Vander Dussen

Psy.D., RPT-S

Thursday, June 25, 2026

9:00AM - 4:30PM (EST)

(APT Contact CE Hours)

Session Description

The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics was developed by Bruce Perry and the Neurosequential Network in order to provide a neurobiologically and developmentally informed approach to conceptualization and treatment planning for traumatized children. Although originally conceptualized to help this population, it works well with children across the diagnostic spectrum. The model recognizes that trauma and other developmental experiences are fundamentally dysregulating and disorganizing to the developing brain. As a result matching interventions to brain disorganization and dysregulation has had a profound impact on treatment outcomes. This has been a huge boon to the play therapy community as play therapy approaches and interventions are so heavily based on sensory experiences, relational approaches, and synchrony which is consistent with experiences that the brain finds regulating and organizing. Specific brain regions have been broadly identified to be responsible for particular areas of functioning. For example, dysregulation in the limbic system has been closely tied to difficulties with emotion regulation, reactivity to anger and fear cues, and also pleasure, reward, and learning.

Dysregulation in specific brain regions is particularly responsive to modification utilizing the pleasure and reward system; activated by experiences that are playful, fun, highly relational, and multisensory. Play therapy approaches that involve sensory-based play experiences, including models such as Theraplay, art, movement, and engaging the senses are well suited to making a profound impact on improving self-regulation. Through these highly relational experiences, children experience co-regulation with clinicians and their caregivers in a way that promotes wellness and improves their quality of life.

Primary Area: Play Therapy Skills and Methods/Play Therapy Special Topics

Play Therapy Competencies Addressed: Competency 2 (Clinical Play Therapy Skills)

Theoretical Basis: Attachment

In-Person Workshop Scheduled:

9:00-10:30 am Session

10:30-10:45 am BREAK

10:45-12:15 pm Session

12:15-1:15 pm LUNCH BREAK

1:15-2:45 pm Session

2:45-3:00 pm BREAK

3:00-4:30 pm Session

Learning Objectives

1. In this workshop participants will be able to describe the sequence of engagement described by Dr. Bruce Perry and the relationship this has to play therapy treatment planning.

2. In this workshop participants will be able to describe how the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics supports play therapy treatment.

3. In this workshop participants will be able to identify at least 2 specific play therapy techniques for each dysregulated region of the brain described.

4. In this workshop participants will be able to experience how playful multisensory play activities promote self-regulation.

5. In this workshop participants will be able to describe how co-regulation facilitates the development of self-regulation.

6. In this workshop participants will be able to describe basic regions of the brain and how their functions manifest in symptoms and behavior in children in play therapy treatment.

Brief Bio

Dr. Vander Dussen is a Full Professor at the Chicago School in Anaheim She is the coordinator of the Child and Adolescent Psychology Major Area of Study in the Clinical Psy.D. Program and teaches various child and adolescent courses. She is also a Licensed Psychologist in private practice in Placentia, Orange County, California who specializes in the treatment of children and their families. She holds certificates in Infant and Toddler Mental Health and Play Therapy. Dr. Vander Dussen is a Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor and is certified in EMDR, the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, and the Circle of Security Parenting Program She is a member of the Board of Directors for the Association for Play Therapy serving in 2024 as chair. Dr. Vander Dussen’s area of expertise includes the treatment of trauma, attachment, and the mental health needs of neurodivergent youth. She is an international speaker presenting various child and adolescent topics.

Questions?

Please contact the Office of School and Community Partnerships at oscp-coed@charlotte.edu if you have any questions.