Big Behaviors in Small Containers: 131 Trauma-Informed Play Therapy Interventions for Disorders of Dysregulation

When it comes to working with dysregulated children, sometimes the biggest behaviors come in the smallest containers.From tantrums and defiance to self-injury and withdrawal, even the most skilled professionals find themselves focused on extinguishing the troubling behavior rather than stepping back to ask: What is the underlying emotional need?In Big Behaviors in Small Containers, you’ll find 131 practical, fun, and ready-to-use play therapy interventions that shift the paradigm around problematic behaviors to allow for therapeutic growth and healing. Based on TraumaPlay®, a treatment approach that prioritizes attachment, co-regulation, and the science of the stress response system, the interventions inside will help kids:Develop a sense of safety and securityExpand their window of toleranceCope adaptively with anger, anxiety, and other strong emotionsEnhance their emotional literacyStrengthen social skills and self-esteemChallenge and overcome unhelpful thoughtsDevelop a coherent narrative around trauma and other difficult experiencesAnd more!Whether you’re a therapist, teacher, doctor, caregiver, or trusted grown-up in a child’s life, the tools inside will allow you to become the co-regulating, nurturing, and consistent presence that your “small container” needs to remain grounded in the face of stress, big feelings, and difficult situations. Read more