The Importance of Therapeutic Play
Presenter
Haroula Ntalla, Early Intervention Specialist, Seleni Institute
Session / Time
- Breakout Session I
- Thursday, April 26, 10:45 a.m. - noon
- Bedford Room
Description
Differences in Play Between Typically Developing Children and Children with Developmental Delays
In this workshop participants will explore the similarities and differences in play between typically developing children and children with special needs. They will gain a deep understanding of the importance of play as a way of “communicating” with children with developmental delays through clinical interpretation.
In addition, they will gain knowledge on how to use play as a therapeutic intervention in conflict resolution and how to engage parents in simple everyday activities with their children so that they will be able to help them understand the world around them as well as process their everyday emotions.
Goals / Content / Intentionality
- Learn play techniques to understand the inner world of children with developmental delays
- Understand play as a way of communicating with non-verbal /preverbal children
- Use play as a therapeutic mean to help children with developmental delays
- Use symbolic play to help children with resolution of inner conflict and processing of emotions
- Engage parents in play activities that promote development
Haroula Ntalla, Haroula Ntalla M.S.Ed./LP, Brooklyn College
Presenter Bio
Haroula Ntalla, Early Intervention Specialist, Seleni Institute
Clinical Director at the Seleni Institute — a global nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the emotional health of individuals and families during the family building years. Mrs. Ntalla is a graduate of the adult psychoanalysis LP Program and an advanced candidate at the Training Institute of the Contemporary Freudian Society of New York. As a psychoanalyst, she brings an expertise in infant-family mental health and development, depression, anxiety, loss and grief.
Mrs. Ntalla has worked with women, men and their families and specializes on dyadic work, child and adult attachment disorders, couple’s therapy, and early trauma. She also treats patients with a wide range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, addictions, and psychosomatic disorders. She has been a clinical education professor at Brooklyn College’s Early Childhood and Art Education Department for 12 years and worked in the Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education fields for over 15 years.
