Focused on training therapists in trauma recovery, education and play therapy for children.
Starbright Training Institute in Northern Virginia runs relevant, practical and integrated training programs related to play therapy and childhood trauma.
Play Therapy
Expressive therapies allow children and adults to broaden their communication by externalizing worries and concerns through symbols and metaphors. The use of expressive approaches in therapy encourage the release of creative, resilient energy in clients, which can be a powerful agent for insight and change. When families in pain begin to play together, perceptions of each other are changed, communication is accomplished in less direct ways, and individuals experience a decrease in resistance. Through laughter and play, endorphins are released and feelings of wellbeing emerge.
More About Our Training Programs
"The child's work is to gain the courage to go back to the frightening thoughts and images of the trauma and explore them in a safer environment when there is a better sense of control. The child must then gain the skills necessary to cope with what may be seen as a frightening world in which to grow up as a healthier adult."
-Karp & Butler, 1996
About Myriam Goldin, Director of Starbright Institute
Myriam L. Goldin is a Virginia Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S) with almost 20 years of clinical experience in the Northern Virginia area. It is with deep gratitude and joy that she begins her new role as the Director of the Starbright Training Institute, LLC. The founding director of Starbright Training Institute, Dr. Eliana Gil, will continue to steer and give counsel to the institute in her new role as Senior Consultant.
The clinical collaboration between Myriam and Eliana began over 15 years ago, when Myriam joined a consultation group that Eliana offered for bicultural therapists. Their partnership grew to include clinical work at Child help Children’s Center of Virginia, and co-founding of Gil Institute for Trauma Recovery & Education (GITRE), a group private practice in Fairfax, Virginia.
Myriam leverages her clinical experiences to educate others about trauma and resilience. She had taught for several years as an adjunct professor at the VCU Master’s School of Social Work. Myriam has also offered small-scale and large-scale trainings on trauma-focused integrated play therapy treatment, and the effects of trauma on learning and attachment. She has supported the professional growth of clinicians attending Starbright Institute for years and plans to continue with this rewarding task. As she begins her role as Director, Myriam is excited to deepen her commitment to training, education, and the clinical teachings of Dr. Gil.
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