The Secrets of Screens and Their Impact on Children In Play Therapy – For Professionals

The Secrets of Screens and Their Impact on Children In Play Therapy 

This training includes the video training, powerpoint, screen tip handouts, quiz, evaluation, and CEU certificate.

Why are They So Addicting and What are the Psychological Costs?

Secrets of the Screen is an intriguing, informational training that gives the history of development of electronic devices and screens, the average use of these devices, and the impact on individuals and relationships. The training explains how video games, social media, and other forms of technology are intentionally designed to trigger the reward centers in our brains making it very challenging to break away from them, even when we know we need to.  The extensive psychological and behavioral symptoms from the use of devices and screens will be presented, as well as physical effects of using screens on our central nervous system, brain, and body. The influence of screens on our body manifests itself in our behaviors and our thoughts.  Screen management solutions, ground rules for technology, and steps to break technology habits will be given for implementing at home and in the classroom.

Learning Objectives:

• Recall the history of electronic devices and screens to share with parents of children in play therapy
• Analyze the amount of time spent on devices and screens with parents of children in play therapy
• Identify the impact of devices and screens on relationships with parents of children in play therapy
• Explain how video games are designed to trigger reward centers in the brain to use with parents of children in play therapy
• Describe the psychological, behavioral, and physical impact of devices and screens to share with parents of children in play therapy
• List screen management solutions, ground rules for technology, and steps to break technology habits to share with parents of children in play therapy

Jaime Colatriano is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist at the Center for Counseling and Family Relationships.  In her many positions working with children, she has noticed the differences in children, who spend excessive amounts of time on screens (tv, video games, tablets, phones), and those who receive minimum amounts of time. Jaime decided to make this an area of study to grow professionally. She was so surprised by the research she is passionate about making others aware of the effects of screen time. Jaime has always been interested in computers and technology and began teaching herself how to type in elementary school. By high school, she began competing in a variety of computer competitions throughout her sophomore, junior, and senior years at state and national levels.  As much as she loved technology, Jaime always preferred jobs where she could connect with the people around her. She decided to obtain her Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Counseling in 2004.  After graduation, Jaime worked for an Early Childhood Intervention Program for 5 years working with infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities.  During her time with ECI, she utilized her computer skills serving as the point person between her department and the IT department. Jaime helped develop the applications ECI would need in order to move to a more electronic based system as she began working towards her Master’s degree in counseling.