Eligible for APT and NBCC credit only.

Preadolescence is a difficult developmental stage that can negatively affect the parent-child relationship. This interactive workshop provides play therapists who are knowledgeable about Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) with developmentally responsive CPRT adaptations for working with parents of pre-adolescents.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the developmental needs of pre-adolescents and the necessary adaptations to CPRT
• Identify the problems that arise in the parent-child dyad during pre-adolescents in order to adapt CPRT to the unique needs of this population
• Demonstrate specific adaptations, such as developmentally appropriate play-based activities that parents can do at home as a substitute for the weekly play therapy sessions
• Describe the importance of relationship-based play therapy interventions during this developmental stage

Play Therapy Primary Areas:

• Seminal / Historically Significant Theories
• Skills and Methods

Eligible for APT and NBCC credit only.

The effect of early trauma, brain development and long term physical and mental health outcomes will be addressed. The implications for interventions in the medical, mental health system, and play therapy setting will be explored.

Play Therapy Primary Areas:

• Special Topics

Eligible for APT and NBCC credit only.

In this workshop participants will be introduced to the identification of sensory integration dysfunction and disorders of self regulation in children. Participants will also be exposed to play therapy materials and interventions to utilize in play therapy with children.

Learning Objectives:

• List symptoms of sensory integration dysfunction and disorders of self regulation in children
• Conceptualize those symptoms of sensory integration dysfunction into sensory profiles and disorders of self regulation in order to design play therapy interventions that are sensitive each client's unique needs
• Utilize at least six different play therapy intervention techniques, tools, and intervention strategies designed to promote self regulation in their clients

Play Therapy Primary Areas:

• Special Topics

Eligible for APT and NBCC credit only.

This experiential workshop shows when play therapy is useful as an adjunct to typical adult talk therapy. When adults get stuck, play therapy can get them moving again. Interventions will be demonstrated for individuals, couples and families.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify signs that their adult clients may be "stuck" in therapy
• Describe a theoretical basis for couples counseling that is familiar with, and dovetails with, an underlying "given" in play therapy
• Discuss the benefits of play therapy as adults
• Select play therapy techniques to introduce to their adult clients
• Describe play therapy techniques for adults with a variety of presenting problems

Play Therapy Primary Areas:

• Special Topics

Eligible for APT and NBCC credit only.

No matter the play therapy modality, if there is a beginning there's an ending. This workshop focuses on preparing for and bringing closure to the play therapy relationship so clinician and client are ready, willing, and able to say goodbye.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe 3 different types of endings (terminations)
• Explain how to mindfully plan for successful closure with play therapy clients
• List techniques in order to bring closure to the play therapy relationship
• Identify the factors to consider when bringing the play therapy relationship to a close

Play Therapy Primary Areas:

• Skills and Methods
• Special Topics

Eligible for APT and NBCC credit only.

The new DSM V is a monumental undertaking, affecting play therapists in clinical practice. The workshop will review changes in DSM V including: classification systems, organization of trauma disorders, diagnosis and treatment planning with children.

Learning Objectives:

• Summarize the new DSM V organizational structure 2
• Understand the new diagnostic system for children and adolescents
• Understand the proposed trauma disorders 4
• Examine the expanded approach to self-injurious behavior

Play Therapy Primary Areas:

• Special Topics

Eligible for APT and NBCC credit only.

Through the lens of attachment theory, participants will learn how to help modern family systems that have been traumatized through divorce, abuse, trauma and neglect using new and creative family play therapy techniques.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe how attachment theory applies to play therapy and to view family systems through the lens of attachment
• Conceptualize attachment patterns that impact modern parent-child relationships
• Demonstrate skills in becoming more competent and confident in engaging parents in family play therapy
• Identify effective evidence-based play therapy techniques that can be used immediately with their client populations

Play Therapy Primary Areas:

• Special Topics

Eligible for APT and NBCC credit only.

There is more than one way to "do" play therapy - so come and explore different perspectives, strategies and processes while using the same prop! This workshop will help clinicians identify their theoretical approach and find their therapeutic voice.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe several creative play therapy strategies to use with clients
• Describe how a play therapist applies theory in "real life" situations with clients
• Cite specific play therapy theories and their main premises
• Discuss which theory fits their current practice
• Identify the benefit of knowing several theoretical models

Play Therapy Primary Areas:

• Skills and Methods
• Special Topics

Eligible for APT and NBCC credit only.

This presentation will review how change in play therapy can be observed using single moments within the process of sessions. Common elements that have been qualitatively identified will be described, applications to research, and an understanding change will be presented.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the concept of pivotal moments of change
• Describe common elements that make up such moments
• Identify how such moments can lead to change in future play therapy sessions
• Discuss how identified single moments can facilitate documenting change in play therapy

Eligible for APT and NBCC credit only.

This workshop will provide play therapists with an understanding of neurobiology and psychopharmacology in children and adolescents. It will also provide ways to utilize play therapy to meet the unique needs of medicated children and adolescents in play therapy.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe basic neurobiology, neurotransmitters, and brain functioning
• Identify different medications and their mechanisms of action
• Explain the interaction of neurobiology, medications, and play therapy
• Describe how beneficial effects of medications may facilitate play therapy
• Describe play therapy techniques to compensate for the side effects of medications
• Design an individualized play therapy plan for each medicated child or adolescent

Play Therapy Primary Areas:

• Special Topics