It’s Not Sibling Rivalry: Recognizing and Responding to Sibling Abuse

Sibling conflict is common, but play therapists may encounter sibling dynamics that involve significant differences in power, coercion, fear, freedom, harm, and safety. This interactive three-hour play therapy training examines sibling abuse within the context of domestic and family violence and explores how these dynamics may present in the play therapy setting. Through an unfolding family case, discussion, and experiential activities, participants will learn to differentiate developmentally expected sibling conflict and aggression from patterns that may indicate abuse; recognize physical, emotional, sexual, relational, and resource-based forms of sibling harm; and consider how domestic violence may influence sibling roles, power differences, and safety. Participants will apply a sibling-focused safety framework to play therapy assessment and clinical decision-making while considering appropriate supervision, separation, support, consultation, and referral. Particular attention will be given to the use of Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) with children affected by sibling and family violence, including how the therapeutic powers of play support communication, emotional expression, self-direction, and relationship development. Participants will also practice distinguishing observable play content and themes from clinical interpretation and disclosure when responding to possible safety concerns in play therapy.