Healing Through Play
Dates: February 5, 2025
Meets: W from 9:00 AM to 3:45 PM
Location: GRAND RAPIDS - L. William Seidman Center Room 1008B
COURSE: $50.00
There are still openings remaining at this time.
Course Description
Healing Through Play is led by Founder/Executive Director of THE PLAYGROUNDgr, Jacqueline Scherer, LMSW, RMT™. Healing Through Play is a hands on training that provides research around the impact play has on the brain. During this training, we will explore hypo and hyper play, and look at play through the brain stem, midbrain, limbic and cortex. Through THE PLAYGROUNDgr, we use hands on tools to support ongoing use of play, through a therapeutic lens. Strategies learned offer support in all community spaces including: community centers, schools, therapeutic spaces and homes. Members of the community who have expressed a benefit to attending and participating include: direct care staff, teachers, foster care workers, therapists, social workers, recreational therapists, youth support staff, foster parents and many more.
Course Level: Beginner
Objectives:
- Identify four ways that the brain is stimulated by play.
- Understand types of play that support brain development and healing.
- Identify five hands on strategies to take back to our community.
- Explore 5 tools to support brain development and healing.
- Explore bibliotherapy and the use of a children’s book to support play therapy strategies.
- Understand midbrain and limbic based play, in support of body regulation.
Instructor
Jacqueline Scherer, LMSW, RPT™
Jacqueline Scherer, LMSW, RPT™ is a seasoned professional with over twenty-three years of experience working with children, youth and families.
Jacqueline is both a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Registered Play Therapist ™. As a foster parent for over thirteen years, and a mother to three children, Jacqueline has demonstrated her commitment to promoting healing through play, both in her home and community. Jacqueline has led various initiatives such as Stand Up For Kids Olympia, WA Chapter and Co-pioneering the first THP+ Program in San Diego, CA.
She has also contributed significantly to the field by piloting a traumatic grief curriculum for children, advocating for educational rights, and serving as a crisis clinician for children in Kent County. Jacqueline's dedication extends beyond direct practice as she actively engages in teaching and speaking engagements, sharing her expertise in grief, trauma, and play with clinicians, teachers, and community members.
Her recent endeavor, THE PLAYGROUNDgr Podcast, further amplifies her mission by inviting local experts to share their insights on healing through play. Jacqueline's passion for play therapy and play-based strategies led her to create THE PLAYGROUNDgr, driven by the belief that everyone deserves access to the healing power of play.
Through her ongoing leadership roles, such as Vice Chair of the Michigan Association of Play Therapy and her leadership role as Chair of the Midtown Neighborhood Association, Jacqueline continues to advocate for safe and accessible play and play therapy services for all.
Location
L. William Seidman Center Charles W. Loosemore Forum Room 1008 50 Front Avenue SW Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504
Special Accommodations
Please contact our office regarding any accommodations you may need prior to attending our program(s). We will work with you to ensure your needs are met. You may email us at learn@gvsu.edu, or call us at (616) 331-7180.
To view our policies, please visit: www.gvsu.edu/learn/policies
Grand Valley State University School of Social Work, an accredited social work education program, is authorized by Administrative Rule 338.2963 to award Michigan social work continuing education contact hours.
| Fee: | $50.00 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 6.00 |
| CEUs: | 6.00 |
GRAND RAPIDS - L. William Seidman Center Room 1008B
50 Front Ave, Grand Rapids, 49504