Somatic Experiential Play Therapy
A Nervous System–Informed Approach to Treat Childhood Dysregulation, Disconnection, and Trauma
- Author:
- Melissa Wetterlund, MA, LP, LMFT, RPT-S™ | Sara Werner, MA, LP, LPC, RPT-S™, SEP
- Copyright:
-
2027
- Publication Date:
- Feb 02, 2027
- Publisher:
- PESI Publishing
- Product Code:
- PUB180815
- ISBN10:
- 1683739752
- ISBN13:
- 9781683739753
- Format:
- Paperback
- Number of Pages:
- 248
- Media Type:
- Book
Description
The missing piece of the play therapy landscape: nervous system engagement.
When children have experienced trauma, their play tells the story. However, many therapists feel unsure how to respond when that play becomes dysregulated, disorganized, or shut down. Somatic Experiential Play Therapy (SEPT) offers a way forward.
Instead of focusing solely on play themes or behavioral interpretations, SEPT places nervous system regulation at the core of the therapy process—helping kids discharge unresolved and unhelpful patterns of fight, flight, or freeze from the body.
Through its child-led, stage-based approach, you’ll discover how to:
- Track a child’s somatic cues and metaphorical play themes in real time
- Respond to signs of nervous system distress (e.g., shutdown, hyperactivity, disconnection)
- Adjust the intensity of the play to balance nervous system activation and regulation
- Engage parents in the play therapy process
- Act as a co-regulator by staying grounded in your own body
With SEPT, you can help kids confront painful experiences in a manageable, contained way—one playful interaction at a time.
Credit
Author
Melissa Wetterlund, MA, LP, LMFT, RPT-S™ Related seminars and products
Melissa Wetterlund, MA, LP, LMFT, RPT-S™, is a licensed psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, registered play therapist-supervisor and co-creator of the Somatic Experiential Play Therapy model.
She brings more than two decades of clinical experience to her work as a therapist, trainer, and consultant and is the co-owner of Watershed Psychological Services in Minnesota, where she provides individual and family therapy, clinical supervision, and advanced training for professionals.
Deeply inspired by the work of Dr. Peter Levine and Dr. Byron Norton, Melissa and Sara Werner developed the Somatic Experiential Play Therapy model that blends character-based, interactive play with somatic tracking to support nervous system regulation and unlock deep emotional healing in children and families.
Melissa developed the play therapy certificate and teaches at Bethel University and also teaches play therapy coursework at Crown College. She regularly presents keynotes, in-depth trainings, and clinical consultations across the country. Whether she’s in the therapy room or the training room, her mission is the same: to help kids and clinicians access powerful, embodied tools for healing through play.
Learn more at www.melissawetterlund.com.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Melissa Wetterlund maintains a private practice, is the co-founder of Emodied Play, and has an employment relationship with Bethel University. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Melissa Wetterlund has no relevant non-financial relationships.
Sara Werner, MA, LP, LPC, RPT-S™, SEP Related seminars and products
Sara Werner, MA, LP, LPC, RPT-S™, SEP, is a licensed psychologist in Minnesota and a licensed professional counselor in both Texas and Minnesota. She is also a Registered Play Therapist–Supervisor™ and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner with more than 30 years of experience working with children and adults impacted by trauma. She is a co-creator of the SEPT model, and her clinical work, teachings, and trainings focus on SEPT and supporting nervous system regulation through integrative somatic and play-based approaches.
Sara has taught play therapy courses at several universities and contributed to the development of a university-based play therapy certificate program. She regularly presents and provides professional trainings on SEPT, nervous system regulation and trauma, and somatic strategies for parents and children. She is deeply committed to mentoring and equipping the next generation of play therapists through consultation and clinical supervision. Sara was also the founder and first president of the Minnesota Association for Play Therapy and currently presides as the chair of the Central Hill Country chapter of the Texas Association for Play Therapy.
Sara currently resides in Texas, where she enjoys reading, painting, volunteering with children at her local church, spending time with her daughters, and taking walks in the sunshine with her grandpuppy, Dream.
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