"In Here, You Can Do and Say Almost Anything" - Limit Setting in the Child-Centered Playroom

The playroom is designed to be a world where the child is in charge of their own experience. But what happens when the paint hits the walls, or a toy is aimed at your head? Total permission can feel overwhelming for a child without the safety of structure. This 3-hour workshop explores the art of therapeutic limit-setting - the "walls" that actually allow for deeper freedom. We will move beyond simple "rules" to explore ways of setting boundaries that preserves the child’s dignity and keeps the therapeutic relationship intact. In this training, you will learn to: +Balance radical acceptance with the clinical necessity of physical and emotional safety. +Master the ACT Model: Acknowledge the feeling, Communicate the limit, and Target the alternative. +Navigate Aggression: Practical strategies for when a child tests the boundaries of the room. +Maintain the "Nondirective" Spirit: How to set necessary limits without becoming a disciplinarian. +Manage Your Response: Identifying your own internal triggers when a child pushes against the limits. Whether you are a seasoned play therapist or new to the sandtray, this session provides the tools to ensure your playroom remains a safe, predictable space for healing.