Dr. Bernstein explores the therapeutic power and complexity of non-directive play therapy with adolescents. Drawing from vivid clinical vignettes and psychoanalytic theory, he examines how activities that may appear unproductive — such as games, humor, or even sleep — can become profound vehicles for emotional regulation and relational growth when held within a responsive therapeutic frame. Through concepts such as Winnicott’s holding environment, Bion’s containment, and contemporary relational ideas about enactment and therapist subjectivity, his talk highlights how play helps both adolescent and therapist to tolerate uncertainty, engage symbolically, and rediscover spontaneity in the therapeutic process.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Benjamin Bernstein, PhD, is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Fairfield County, Connecticut, as well as the adolescent psychologist at Silver Hill Hospital and founder of Redwood Psychology Group, which specializes in depth-oriented therapy for adolescents, families, and parents. His work integrates psychoanalytic and relational approaches with a focus on play, mentalization, and the therapist’s use of self. Dr. Bernstein writes and teaches on adolescent development, therapeutic play, family therapy and the psychology of sports fandom. His work has been published by the American Psychological Association and his writing has appeared in publications including The New York Times, The New Yorker, Time, Axios and Psychology Today.