Research in neuroscience and interpersonal neurobiology sheds light on the need for therapists and parents to act as the child’s external regulator during states of dysregulation. When activated, children need to borrow the therapist’s and the parent’s regulatory capacity as they work through their challenging thoughts, feelings and sensations. Without the ability of the therapist or the parent to become the external regulator for the intensity that arises for the child, both the child and the adult are at risk for emotional flooding and high levels of dysregulation in their own nervous systems. Over time, this can significantly impact a therapist’s and parent’s ability to stay attuned and present to the child. In this discussion, from a Synergetic Play Therapy lens, Lisa will discuss what it means and what it takes to become a child’s external regulator.

Lisa will be presenting this webinar as part of a three-part series moderated by Liana Lowenstein which includes a mix of theory and innovative child and play therapy techniques to address challenging clinical issues.