This workshop will introduce participants to Complex Developmental Trauma and how this differs from trauma alone.  We will begin by discussing what is healthy attachment and what happens emotionally, physically, and neurologically to cause the child to learn not to trust and how that creates a strong need to control in every aspect of their life.  Presenter will offer techniques on how to approach families raising kids from hard places.  This will include extensive time learning how to use play therapy techniques with children and their families to move away from rejection and toward connection.

Learning Objectives:
1. Attendees will be able to define what Developmental Trauma is and how it is different from trauma alone.
2. Attendees will explore and use play therapy techniques to promote trust and attachment between parents and their children.
3. Attendees will gain understanding of the importance of partnering with parents. Attendees will learn playful and clever ways to offer systemic approaches by using hierarchy in the promotion and process of healing.


About the Presenter, Dr. Laura Langston:

Dr. Laura Langston is a licensed marriage and family therapist.  She owns a private practice in Middletown, CT.  The focus of her work is on adoption, attachment and early life trauma.  She received her PhD from the University of Louisiana, and her Master’s degree from Central Connecticut State University.  She is a Clinical Fellow of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy.  She is also a Registered Play Therapist - Supervisor through the Association for Play Therapy.  Her approach to treatment uses the family system combined with play, movement and sensorimotor psychotherapy, in order to promote attachment and healing.

Additionally, Dr. Langston is an adjunct professor in master’s degree program at Central Connecticut State University..  

Since 1982, Dr. Langston has raised five children - three biologically, including a set of twins, and two that grew in her heart; one was fostered then adopted, and the other is her bonus daughter.  Dr. Langston draws upon the stories and experiences she’s had while parenting and in her work with children and families.  Originally from San Diego, over the past 30 years, Dr. Langston has had the great privilege to have worked with more than 15,000 children on both coasts.