When working with therapists who are learning to incorporate neurobiology into their approaches, I often get asked for book suggestions and ideas for their playroom.  I’ve compiled a list of items as resources.

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Click on the words below for the links

Clinical books

Being a Brain-Wise Therapist: A Practical Guide to Interpersonal Neurobiology The Brain-Savvy Therapist’s Workbook

Neurobiology Essentials for Clinicians: What Every Therapist Needs to Know (Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology)

Pocket Guide to Interpersonal Neurobiology: An Integrative Handbook of the Mind

The Pocket Guide to the Polyvagal Theory: The Transformative Power of Feeling Safe

Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve: Self-Help Exercises for Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Autism

The Neurobiology of Attachment-Focused Therapy: Enhancing Connection & Trust in the Treatment of Children & Adolescents

Play therapy specific books

The Interpersonal Neurobiology of Play: Brain-Building Interventions for Emotional Well-Being

Lisa Dion- Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach for Integrating Intensity

Books to use with clients

Toby the Tiger Tamer

Casey’s Greatness Wings: Teaching Mindfulness, Connection & Courage to Children

Listening to My Body

A Handful of Quiet

Sitting like a Frog

Mindful Kids: 50 Activites for Calm, Focus, and Peace

Just Breathe: Meditation, Mindfulness, Movement, and More

Hand model of the brain to be used with psycho-education and/or 3d brain model

Yoga interventions

(called playful body movement exercises or sensory based body movement)

Yoga bug (book)

Yoga Pretzels

Breathing exercises

Pinwheels

]Dragon for Dragon Breath

Movement activities

Teeter popper

Sensory body sock

Balance board

Hopscotch rings or Hopscotch mat

Hopper ball

Stepping blocks

Stepping stones

Walking blocks

Music strategies

Guitar

Bongo drums

Egg shakers

Musical instrument set

Mindfulness/focus/dual attention therapeutic toys

Flow ringFlow ring (3 pack), or Color flow ring

Topple rocks

Squishy balls

Let’s Go Fishing game

Sunk!

Bounce off

neurobiology play therapy

Sensory methods

Bop bag Brandy’s Bag of Air

Kinetic sand

Water beads

Sootheeze weighted lap animal

Sensory foam paint