Wroxton Testimonials

I was both surprised and honored to be invited to attend the Eight Annual Wroxton England Study Group last June.  This heritage “castle” is the “abroad” learning site of Fairleigh Dickinson University.  The organizer of this Play Therapy Study Group is world known psychologist, author, editor, founder and President Emeritus of the Association for Play Therapy (APT) Dr. Charles Schaefer.

It was very daunting to be included among Play Therapists who not only have provided ongoing service to children within  many contexts but also individuals that  have  shared their talents and expertise to support and train new members of our field (such as myself) by publishing their ideas, research and stories. Honored doesn’t seem to encapsulate how receiving an invitation to such an opportunity has impacted me. Since this first experience there has not been a day where some aspect of presentations didn’t “show” up personally or professionally.

Ana Sutton, the Study Group Administrative Coordinator, shared information with attendees that included the anticipated costs of lodging and meals, information about scheduled entertainment, the transportation detail, as well as the collecting of fees, for almost ten months via e-mail. One can only imagine how much time it takes to organize such a venture. Yet, even with this detailed information, it is difficult to gain an understanding of this experience until one is truly “there”.
 
 The Nana’s staff puts together a comprehensive study manual, given to all participants upon arrival, including all power points and notes that are utilized at each presentation. These presentations may address interventions, research, programs or trends in our field. It also includes the names of all participants and contact information, so people stay in touch through out the year. Every afternoon, break out sessions are scheduled, to discuss a topic already assigned, where small groups meet and share ideas prior to returning to the main group where all information is discussed and summarized. Some of these topics eventually become new books on Play Therapy.

Presentations were varied and each presenter was a delight to watch. International colleagues noted that slower presentations assisted them with translating from English into their first language. Who is presenting and what the topic is to be addressed becomes shared upon arrival. However, each presentation was fascinating, personalized and thought provoking. For example, a presentation on Nana’s Children (an agency that provides school based play therapy in Arizona) illustrated how necessary and important play therapy can be for a child who lacks the stability and safety of a home.  This program is providing internship placements for fledging Play Therapists. They are also completing research on their work which we all know is necessary so that the world knows that the modalities of play can and do change lives.

Also, everyone is welcome to ask questions during presentations and there is ample time during tea break to further process what has been discussed.
Wroxton Abbey has a computer lab, gym, libraries, student rooms as well as many common areas.  One can feel the energy of generations just by standing in the Great Hall. The Buttery (originally the coach house), is now converted into a building that houses the dining facility, more rooms for participants, a pub, and the “Presentation Room”.  The grounds consist of five hundred spectacular acres, with lakes and waterfalls, utilized sometimes in break out discussion groups, or morning and evening walks as well as croquet matches!.

I have attended many conferences and training programs in our field but never a study group and never a study group made up of international colleagues. The scheduled presentations and discussion groups were informative but were also enhanced by the skill sharing of those present. Ann Cattanach from Europe read her recently published children’s book Malpas. (This book had its roots from an earlier Wroxton study group). Ann also directed a one act drama involving many Wroxton participants. I left the library to check email and upon my return a dramatic story with characters, costumes and a setting had already been created to be delivered the next day prior to the annual medieval ball. It is a cherished memory.
If you should be fortunate enough to receive an invitation to the Study Group, bring a passion for play therapy and a desire to learn as much as you can, it is an experience one can’t never forget!
 
Theresa Fraser,  Eastern Canadian Delegate

theresafraser@rogers.com