Play Therapy Conference

The University of Arkansas Office of Play Therapy Research & Training Presents

Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse
on Development, Behavior and Internal Working Models

12th Annual Play Therapy Conference

Presented by Eliana Gil, Ph.D., RPT-S, ATR

Waldrip Hall, Don Tyson Center for Agricultural Sciences

1371 W. Altheimer Drive, Fayetteville

8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday-Saturday, June 19-20, 2026

12 Contact CEUs Available (APT Approved Provider #15-403)

Registration and Fee

  • Professionals
    • $265 — Early bird rate, by March 27, 2026
    • $285 — Regular rate, after March 27, 2026
    • Please register online
  • Students
    • $150 — Rate for students in mental health fields — including counseling, psychology and social work — with verification of full-time student status though stating their university email and university affiliation during registration
    • Please register online

Please email organizers to arrange special accommodations.

Cancellations — A refund for the full amount less a $15 administrative fee will be given for cancellations made at least two weeks prior to the event. No refunds will be given for cancellations made two weeks or less prior to the event. To cancel your registration and request a refund, please email eh056@uark.edu.

Presenter — Eliana Gil, Ph.D., RPT-S, ATR

Eliana GilDr. Eliana Gil is a founding partner of the Gil Institute for Trauma Recovery and Education and a nationally recognized expert in play therapy, trauma and child sexual abuse treatment. She is an internationally known author, clinician and trainer in expressive and trauma-informed therapies.

Day 1 — Working with Sexually Abused Children and Their Families

Day 2 — Working with Children with Sexual Behavior Problems and Posttraumatic Play in Children

Abstract

This workshop explores the impact of childhood sexual abuse on children’s development, behavior and internal working models, including sexual behavior problems and posttraumatic play. Participants will learn to apply core play therapy principles, assessment approaches and expressive interventions when working with traumatized children and their families. The presentation will highlight the characteristics, the benefits, and clinical use of posttraumatic play as a client-directed process that supports trauma processing, control and mastery. Evidence-informed play therapy interventions will be presented, including integrative play therapy and CBT-based strategies, boundary-focused models, and considerations for individual and group treatment. Emphasis will be placed on caregiver involvement, safety and supervision practices, and strategies for addressing stuck or maladaptive play.

Objectives

  1. Identify the developmental, emotional and behavioral impacts of sexual abuse in children, including internal working models, posttraumatic play and sexual behavior problems
  2. Apply core play therapy principles and assessment tools when working with sexually abused children and children with sexual behavior problems
  3. Recognize and utilize posttraumatic play in treatment, including its characteristics, benefits, documentation of progress and interventions for stuck play
  4. Implement evidence-informed play therapy interventions, including integrative play therapy and CBT-based strategies, boundary-focused models, and safety and supervision practices
  5. Engage caregivers in the treatment process, including supporting posttraumatic play, trauma processing and treatment goals

For more information, please contact
Kristi L. Perryman, Ph.D., LPC-S (AR, MO), RPT-S
Associate Professor, Counselor Education and Supervision
klperry@uark.edu
Counselor Education and Supervision Program
Department of Counseling, Leadership, and Research Methods
College of Education and Health Professions
University of Arkansas

Offered are up to 12 Contact CEUs (continuing education units). Play therapy credit is only awarded to mental health professionals. The U of A Counselor Education and Supervision Program is an Approved Provider of the Assocation for Play Therapy (APT) No. 15-403.