Eligible for APT and NBCC credit only.

This workshop will focus on assessing and treating children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder using play therapy techniques that target the symptoms of Autism. The new DSM-5 criteria for diagnosis of ASD will also be reviewed and discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the new DSM-5 criteria for diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder and its implications for play therapists who assess and treat children on the spectrum
• Identify and use at least 5 play therapy techniques that can be used to assess the presence of Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Identify and use at least 10 play therapy techniques that can be used to treat the symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Identify and use at least 1 play therapy assessment technique and 1 treatment technique to use for children with Theory of Mind difficulties
• Modify play therapy techniques and the play therapy environment to accommodate the special needs of children on the Autism Spectrum

Play Therapy Primary Areas:

• Special Topics

Eligible for APT and NBCC credit only.

Are you ready to try a directive play therapy approach in school that addresses teachers' classroom concerns? This lively presentation will have you ready and excited to practice Adlerian play therapy. You will learn the basics while you practice.

Learning Objectives:

• List three principles of Adlerian Theory
• Utilize at least three Adlerian Play Therapy activities in a school setting
• List at least three components of the play therapist's role in Adlerian Play Therapy

Play Therapy Primary Areas:

• Seminal / Historically Significant Theories
• Skills and Methods

Eligible for APT and NBCC credit only.

During this collaborative workshop 'play' as a healing voice for traumatized children around the world will be highlighted. Play therapy models and associated research will observe new directions for play therapy within Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

• Seminal / Historically Significant Theories
• Skills and Methods
• Special Topics

Eligible for APT and NBCC credit only.

Learn prescriptive and play-based attachment techniques for struggling students in elementary to middle school. Explore engaging strategies to treat common situational, behavioral, social-emotional referrals in the school setting. Transform play therapy techniques to address individual, small groups and classroom needs.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss what it means to use a "prescriptive" approach to play therapy
• List specific play therapy techniques to address common behavioral concerns in a school setting; including impulsivity, relationships and self-concept
• Identify challenges specific utilizing play therapy in the school setting and ways to address stakeholder concerns
• Compile experiential play therapy techniques for individuals & classrooms, that address academic and behavioral concerns

Play Therapy Primary Areas:

• Special Topics

Eligible for APT and NBCC credit only.

Participants will learn the unique needs of children with Sensory Processing Disorder during the play therapy process. Play therapists will learn what SPD is, and how it impacts the play therapist's conceptualization and treatment goals in play therapy.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain what SPD is
• List characteristics and symptoms that a child with SPD may exhibit
• Identify unique needs in play therapy that a child with SPD may have
• Identify unique needs a parent or family member of a child diagnosed with SPD may have
• Identify appropriate play therapy counseling goals for a child with SPD

Play Therapy Primary Areas:

• Skills and Methods
• Special Topics