Sara Werner
Email: saw63533@bethel.edu
Job Titles
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Adjunct Instructor, LP, RPT-S
Counseling Psychology (M.A.) , Graduate School
Highlight
Child Directed/Experiential Play Therapy, EMDR (Level II), Somatic Experiencing Pracitioner, specialize in trauma and PTSD, emotional/behavioral issues with children, parent education, emotion regulation skills, and play therapy training of other professionals. Co-Developed Somatic Experiential Play therapy with Melissa Wetterlund, MA, LP, LMFT, RPT-S
Started at Bethel
2010
Education
- Concordia College, Moorhear, MN - B.A. in Psychology and Religion, 1987
- St. Mary's University - M.A. in Counseling Psychology, 1995
Biography
I have had over 22 years of experience in the counseling field working with adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families. An emphasis of my training has been on facilitating recovery from emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, as well as from other traumatic events. I also provide faith based counseling for those who desire to approach the counseling experience from this perspective. Historically, I was involved in Youth Ministry for 5 years before receiving my Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology. My specialities inclue working with trauma with all ages, including foundational trainings from Child Directed/Experiential Play Therapy and Somatic Experiencing. I'm also the founder and first President of the Minnesota Association for Play Therapy. I enjoy public speaking and providing trainings to help equip therapists and future therapists in gaining specific skills in working with children and adults.
Courses Taught
Expressive Therapies for Children and Adolescents: Art, Music, Play and Drama
Certificates and Licenses
Licensed Psychologist (Master's Level)
Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner
Professional Organizations, Committees, and Boards
Minnesota Association for Play Therapy, Founder and First President
Somatic Experiencing Practioner: Co-coordinator for Minnesota trainings in 2011-2014, Lead Assistant 2015-2016 for MN trainings
Hobbies and Interests
Spending time with my family and our dog Coco
Reading
Attending Dance competitions to watch my daughter dance!
Areas of expertise
Child Directed/Experiential Play Therapy, EMDR (Level II), Somatic Experiencing, trauma and PTSD, emotional/behavioral issues with children, parent education, emotion regulation skills, and play therapy training of other professionals.