Module 2: Child Sexual Abuse through a Developmental Lens for MHPs and PTs
May 6th, 2025
9 AM-4 PM EST
6 CEUS
 
Course Description:
This course provides professional helpers—therapists, social workers, counselors, play therapists, and child advocates—with a comprehensive framework for treating child sexual abuse (CSA) survivors through a developmental perspective. Participants will explore how CSA impacts individuals at different stages of development and how interventions must be tailored to
their cognitive, emotional, and social maturity. The course integrates trauma-informed care, attachment theory, and evidence-based treatment approaches (including play therapy) to enhance clinical effectiveness while promoting resilience and healing. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and experiential exercises, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how CSA affects neurodevelopment, emotional regulation, relational
capacity, and identity formation.
 
The course emphasizes practical skills for assessing and
addressing trauma symptoms in a developmentally appropriate manner, ensuring that interventions are both effective and sensitive to the child’s age and stage of growth.
 
Course Objectives:
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
 
1. Identify how CSA affects brain development, attachment, and emotional
regulation.
2. Differentiate trauma responses based on developmental stage.
3. Recognize signs of sexual abuse and trauma in play therapy and counseling.
4. Identify age-appropriate strategies for addressing abuse and trauma symptoms.
5. Adapt play therapy approaches to be developmentally sensitive.
6. Implement play therapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and expressive
therapies in developmentally appropriate ways.
7. Describe attachment-based interventions to strengthen resilience and relational
healing.
8. Develop culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices.
9. Recognize how cultural factors influence responses to trauma and the healing
process.
10. Modify interventions to align with diverse family and community values.
11. Foster a trauma-sensitive environment that promotes safety and empowerment.
12. Enhance practitioner self-awareness and resilience
13. Identify personal reactions and biases related to CSA cases.
14. Develop strategies for managing secondary traumatic stress and burnout.
15. Cultivate self-care practices to sustain professional effectiveness.
 
This course will be highly interactive, incorporating real-world case studies, authentic learning
exercises, and group discussions to ensure practical application of learning. Participants will
 
leave with concrete strategies to support individuals in their healing journeys while maintaining
their own professional well-being.
 
About the visiting co-presenters:
Dr. Shani Verschleiser, AuD, LCSW, is a trauma therapist, noted author, and speaker devoted to advancing family and child safety. Dr. Shani founded MagenU.org, through which she has educated tens of thousands of individuals on Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) prevention.
Dr. Shani Verschleiser is trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing (SE), EMDR, Breath Work, Brain Spotting and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP). Continuously pursuing knowledge in the field, Shani remains at the forefront of trauma-focused care and child protection, embodying a commitment to making a lasting impact on the well-being of individuals and families
 
Vanessa Kellner is the owner of Wholesome Healing, a private practice specializing in Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), located in Severna Park, MD. She is an author, play therapist and play therapy supervisor, credentialed as a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S) through APT, and certified as a Child-Centered Play Therapist (CCPT) through both the National Institute of Relationship Enhancement (NIRE) and the University of North Texas Center for Play Therapy (UNT).
Vanessa has over 10 years in the field of counseling. She has co-authored a book chapter on how supervisors can recognize and address compassion fatigue in play therapists. She is also a registered yoga teacher, bringing her expertise and experience in yoga, breathwork, and mindfulness to her clinical work.
She is passionate about her roles as a play therapist, supervisor, and practice owner, but most importantly in her role as a mom of 3.
 
Jodi Ann Mullen, PhD LMHC NCC CCPT-S RPT-S is the Director of Integrative Counseling Services, PLLC. in Auburn, Cicero and Oswego, New York. She is associate professor at SUNY Oswego in the Counseling & Psychological Services Department where she is the coordinator of the Graduate Certificate Program in Play Therapy and coordinator of the Mental Health Counseling program. Dr. Mullen is a Credentialed Play Therapist and Play Therapy Supervisor. She has almost thirty years of experience working with children and parents.
 
Workshop Purchase Disclaimer:
 
Thank you for your interest in our workshop! Please note that by purchasing a ticket in advance, you agree to receive communications from Integrative Counseling Services regarding event updates and information.
 
We aim to ensure that all attendees receive timely communication leading up to the workshop. If you have purchased a ticket and have not received an email with event details at least one week before the scheduled date, please contact us at Integrative Counseling Services by calling 315.342.9255.
 
While we strive to deliver all correspondence promptly, please understand that external factors beyond our control may affect email delivery. Integrative Counseling Services shall not be held responsible if you do not receive correspondence and fail to reach out to us within the specified timeframe.
Your satisfaction and seamless experience are our priorities, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter.
 
Continuing Education Units are awarded for each Webinar and Seminar. Association for Play Therapy Approved Provider Number 06-168