A day with Graham Music: Playfulness in psychotherapy and life

This interactive online training will link the science behind play, looking at neurobiology and attachment theory, with classical therapeutic ideas, such as those of Winnicott.

Graham will explore the origins of playfulness from infancy onwards, the importance of secure attachment, empathy and emotional regulation as central to safeness and playfulness. We will look at potential barriers to this, including the effects of stress, trauma and insecure attachment relationships. 

Together we will think about how playfulness can be used as a therapeutic strategy and some challenges of working with people who struggle to play. We will make links to the autonomic nervous system and theories of trauma and think about the therapeutic challenges of working with dampened down 'flat' clients as well as hyperactivated ones.

There will be opportunities for discussing cases and the day will utilise breakout rooms for smaller group work and discussions. Plenty of breaks and interaction will help prevent screen fatigue and ensure an engaging, interactive and informative workshop.

About Graham Music

Graham Music has been working with adults, adolescents and children for over 30 years. He is currently an adult psychotherapist in private practice and a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist at the Tavistock and Portman Clinics where he has worked for over a decade. He was, until recently, Associate Clinical Director at the Tavistock, responsible for a range of clinical services.

He has a particular interest in linking cutting edge developmental findings with therapeutic practice, which will be demonstrated throughout the day.

He is a prolific writer on attachment and trauma and also teaches, lectures and supervises on a range of trainings both in Britain and abroad.