Full Course Description

EMDR & Play Therapy: A Multimodal Approach for Children

EMDR therapy is a powerful evidence-based approach for children. However, the use of EMDR therapy procedural steps require that we make them developmentally appropriate for children. This session will address the integration between EMDR therapy and play in the sand tray. Sandtray based EMDR therapy is grounded on Gomez’ Multimodal approach to EMDR therapy where movement, dance, play therapy, Sandtray, expressive arts, parts work, polyvagal focused strategies, and parent child interventions, among others are masterfully integrated into the eight phases of EMDR therapy. The work to understand and create the union between EMDR, play therapy and Sandtray therapy is the product of 20 years of dedication and work. This session will provide an overview of initial phases of treatment as well as the various levels of distance offered by Sandtray work within EMDR therapy structure.

Program Information

Objectives

Demonstrate the three levels of distance offered by Sandtray work within EMDR therapy.
Determine play therapy and Sandtray strategies during initial phases of EMDR treatment to stabilize and build capacities.
Design Sandtray and play therapy strategies during processing phases of EMDR therapy to work with blocked processing.
Evaluate and describe the multimodal approach to EMDR therapy with children and their parents where EMDR-Sandtray play therapy is rooted and founded.

Outline

3 Levels of Distance Using EMDR Therapy and Sandtray
Strategies for Initial and Processing Phases of EMDR Treatment
Extensive Lens to View Client’s Clinical Landscape
Treatment Planning Specific Activities
- Play, Movement, Expressive Arts and Polyvagal

Target Audience

Counselors
Marriage and Family Therapists
Mental Health Clinicians
Play Therapists
Psychologists
Psychiatrists
School Counselors
Social Workers

Copyright : 05/11/2022

Creating Diversity in the Practice of Play Therapy: More Than Color, More Than Gender

Conventional thinking around culture and diversity often focuses on aspects like skin color and sexual identity, excluding aspects of formed social, cultural, and diverse groups - faith-based practices, music, the arts, values and belief systems that also deserve critical thought. Gaining knowledge of the meanings of both culture and diversity will show that culture involves all ways of life and beliefs and is created by groups of varied individuals sharing similar beliefs and community structures. These community structures encompass the true meaning of culture and the practice of cultural humility.

In this recording, watch Carmen and Marshall as they show you how to build diversity by looking deeper than skin color and sexual identity within the play therapy setting. They’ll share skills for applying cultural humility to overcome barriers preventing the development of the therapeutic relationship with the child and family based on the therapist's own worldview and level of cultural competence.

Increasing skills around cultural humility allows children and families to deepen their engagement with the therapist which deepens the healing process within the therapeutic setting. And, when you gain knowledge of the importance of practicing cultural humility in the playroom - you assure a level of therapeutic safety for all children and families!

Program Information

Objectives

Build competency of cultural humility to improve treatment outcomes within the play therapy setting.
Apply cultural humility practices within the playroom to increase engagement with diverse children and families.
Demonstrate skills to overcome cultural barriers and belief systems to improve treatment with diverse children and families.

Outline

Looking Beyond Skin Color and Sexuality with a Focus on Culture
- Bringing cultural humility in the play therapy room
- Role of the clinician within the therapeutic system
Shame Shields and Vulnerability
- Address cultural shame in kids within therapeutic setting
- Therapist vulnerability parts when working with culturally diverse populations
Integrating Culturally Diverse Practices in the Playroom
- Creating a cultural and diverse responsive playroom
- Utilizing diverse interventions within the playroom

Target Audience

Counselors
Marriage and Family Therapists
Mental Health Clinicians
Play Therapists
Psychologists
Psychiatrists
School Counselors
Social Workers

Copyright : 05/11/2022

Pathways to Attachment Security in Play Therapy

Secure attachment in early life is the gold standard for buffering a person against adversity throughout life. One of the appealing qualities of play is that it enhances relationship building between the child and therapist.

In this recording, watch David Crenshaw, PhD, as he shares the dos and don’ts of the therapist role, developed over the past 30 years in practice, and the tools needed to tackle them.

Do’s

Build a secure frame for the therapeutic relationship and setting
Pay attention to the "little things"
Establish boundaries and place emphasis on safety with the child in play therapy
Demonstrate consistency, reliability, and commitment
Have the difficult conversations around boundaries and fantasies about rescuing, idealized parents, and adoption
Pay close attention to timing and pacing
And more!

Don'ts

Do not expect or demand trust
Don't avoid difficult conversations around boundaries and "good parents" and adoption fantasies
Don't seek validation for doing "good therapy"
Do not keep therapy moving at all times
Don't aggressively confront resistance in all of its forms
Don't keep therapy brief to please the managed care companies

Program Information

Objectives

Formulate at least three indicators of growth in attachment security within play therapy as it relates to the therapeutic relationship.
Determine at least two often overlooked indicators of growth in attachment security in play therapy to improve clinical outcomes.
Propose at least three objectives of the “difficult conversation” with the child regarding limitations and boundaries in the therapeutic relationship with the play therapist.

Outline

Difficult Conversations in Play Therapy
Declarations of Trust in Play Therapy
Achievement of Ambivalence in Play Therapy
“Moments of Meeting” in Play Therapy
“Significant Events" in Play Therapy

Target Audience

Counselors
Marriage and Family Therapists
Mental Health Clinicians
Play Therapists
Psychologists
Psychiatrists
School Counselors
Social Workers

Copyright : 05/11/2022

Creative Interventions for Engaging Resistant Children in Play Therapy: "I Don't Want to Talk About it"

The challenge of working with children can be further compounded by their fear of entering therapy, their lack of control over the decision to attend therapy, their feeling of being scapegoated for family problems, their lack of motivation for treatment, and their developmental capacity which can make it difficult for them to respond to traditional talk-therapy.

Liana Lowenstein has helped thousands of therapists around the world learn how to connect with children in person and online. The first step in working with hard to engage clients is understanding the reasons underlying their resistance, and the second step involves engaging children in the therapeutic process.

View Liana Lowenstein, internationally recognized author and presenter, as she outlines various factors that underlie therapeutic resistance and shares interventions to engage children in therapy and maximize potential for change. Emphasis will be on innovative play therapy techniques including therapeutic games, art, and stories!

Program Information

Objectives

Determine the factors underlying therapeutic resistance.
Implement creative play therapy interventions to facilitate rapport-building.
Develop play therapy techniques with clients who are reluctant to verbally articulate their thoughts and feelings.

Outline

Underlying Causes of Therapeutic Resistance
- Child characteristics and behaviors
- Family characteristics and behaviors
- Therapist characteristics and behaviors
Practical Strategies to Engage Resistant Children in Therapy
- Rapport building strategies
- Techniques for children unable or reluctant to verbalize their thoughts and feelings
- Motivate children to manage anger
Appropriate Ways to Respond to Hard-to-Engage Children
- Empathic responses
- Normalizing responses
- Responses that facilitate sense of control

Target Audience

Counselors
Marriage and Family Therapists
Mental Health Clinicians
Play Therapists
Psychologists
Psychiatrists
School Counselors
Social Workers

Copyright : 05/11/2022

Applying Polyvagal Theory to Your Play Therapy Practice for Safety, Connection & Healing

The brain-body connection inherent in trauma is often challenging for us as adults…and applying this knowledge can be overwhelming, especially in a child-friendly way! How can we as therapists more effectively help children and families find their way back to safety, connection, and healing…decreasing acting-out behaviors and withdrawal, while increasing social engagement?

In this session, Jackie Flynn, expert in child and family trauma, will dive into the creative integration and application of Play Therapy and the Polyvagal Theory. You’ll learn practical, robust, evidence-based play therapy interventions while exploring the neuroscience of communication, emotional wellness, and social relationships.

Through an integrative framework, this recording will show you:

Foundational concepts of Polyvagal theory and best practices when integrating the neuroscience of Play Therapy
Trauma's role in the etiology of childhood dysregulation…and the importance of neurobiology in creating a felt sense of safety
The unique ways the autonomic nervous system impacts children's capacity to manage stress, express themselves, regulate emotional states, and navigate relationships
How the Therapeutic Powers of Play create a deeper knowledge of the brain-body connection
You’ll gain ready-to-use Play Therapy techniques and explore the power of practical and playful applications of the Polyvagal Theory!

Program Information

Objectives

Analyze the neuroscience of emotions, communication, and the social engagement system, successfully integrating them with play therapy and the therapeutic powers of play.
Apply 5 or more play therapy techniques as they relate to perception, interoception, and neuroception.
Investigate the functions of the three states of the Autonomic Nervous System, formulating how understanding neurobiology is necessary for the treatment of children with complex trauma histories.
Demonstrate 5 or more play therapy techniques to increase children's capacity to manage stress, express themselves, regulate emotional states, and navigate relationships.

Outline

Polyvagal Theory & Neuroscience of Developmental Trauma

Foundational Concepts of Polyvagal Theory
Neuroscience of emotions, communication, and the social engagement system
Perception, interoception, and neuroception
Impact of trauma and its role in the etiology in childhood dysregulation
Stress response patterns as survival strategies
The three states of the Autonomic Nervous System and its impact on a child's capacity to
- Manage stress
- Express themselves
- Regulate emotional states
- Navigate relationships

Harnessing the Power of Play Therapy

Foundational Concepts of Play Therapy
Neuroscience of Play and best practices when integrating Polyvagal Theory
The importance of neurobiology in creating a felt sense of safety
The Therapeutic Powers of Play
- Fostering emotional wellness
- Facilitate communication
- Enhance social relationships
- Increase personal strengths
The brain-body connection through the Therapeutic Powers of Play

Integrating & Applying Polyvagal Play Therapy

Play therapy strategies, skills, and modalities for the practical application of Polyvagal theory
- Autonomic Nervous System Mapping
- Rigidity – Chaos Continuum
- Accessing the social engagement system in aggressive situations
- Increasing attunement via Mirroring Game, Mimes, Ball Toss, and more!
- Widen the window of tolerance between parent and child through peek-a-boo, hide-and-seek, and more!
- Strengthen connection and dual awareness with nature play therapy, movement, and more!
- Co-regulate and increase the positive effects of social engagement through expressive arts and more!

Target Audience

Counselors
Marriage and Family Therapists
Mental Health Clinicians
Play Therapists
Psychologists
Psychiatrists
School Counselors
Social Workers

Copyright : 05/11/2022

Tele-Play the Preschool Way! Interactive Play Therapy Interventions for Engaging Young Children

In this recording, view Preschool Play Therapist, Amy Nelson, as she reveals a detailed blueprint for designing effective tele-play sessions with children 3 to 5 years old through the interactive powers of the green screen.

Formulate a structure that enhances engagement and encourages participation
Learn new tricks to get unstuck and into momentum when working with very young children
Avoid tech resistance and overwhelm with this simplified step-by-step process

Program Information

Objectives

Formulate and design developmentally appropriate telehealth play therapy sessions.
Apply simple and effective green screen strategies to improve client engagement in telehealth play therapy sessions.
Modify and adapt session structure as it relates to clients' needs and clinical outcomes.

Outline

The Preschool Brain

Review the science behind social-emotional development in children 3-5 years old
Identify the three tenets of developmentally appropriate practice
Value of directive play strategies with young children

Designing Your Telehealth Session

How to utilize the ‘regulation rollercoaster’ to structure your telehealth sessions
Strategies to support young children focusing, making smooth transitions, making choices, and practicing self-regulation skills during telehealth sessions

Secrets of the Green Screen

Demonstrations and resources for using the green screen including a step-by-step guide for getting started

Tips and Tricks

Analyze strategies for responding to resistance

Target Audience

Counselors
Marriage and Family Therapists
Mental Health Clinicians
Play Therapists
Psychologists
Psychiatrists
School Counselors
Social Workers

Copyright : 05/12/2022

The Power of Play: Promoting an IntraConnected Relational Experience of Self

In this recording, the science of the experience of self, identity and belonging will be explored. This session will examine the extremes of the independent and interdependent self-constructions and how our modern society pushes for the view of a solo-self to the detriment of social justice and environmental protection.

Play therapy offers a unique opportunity to expand the lens of identity to view a broader belonging and integrated self as Me plus We as an intraconnected MWe.

Program Information

Objectives

Choose two dominant forms of self-construal to improve client level of functioning.
Determine three developmental processes at work in the construction of self and their treatment implications.
Assess the neural networks of sensation and self-construction in the brain to inform clinical treatment interventions.

Outline

Overview of self, identity, and belonging
Three aspects of self-experience:
- Subjectivity, perspective, agency
Role of identity in the experience of self
Belonging and well-being
How experience shapes self, identity, and belonging
Role of culture and attachment in the development of self-construal
Integrating self, identity, and belonging as MWe

Target Audience

Counselors
Marriage and Family Therapists
Mental Health Clinicians
Play Therapists
Psychologists
Psychiatrists
School Counselors
Social Workers

Copyright : 05/12/2022

Superheroes and Video Games: Creating Epic Adventures in Child & Adolescent Therapy

Video games can transport us to worlds beyond our imagination. A board game can send us on an epic adventure and fulfilling side quests, while the origin stories found within a comic book can offer a powerful analogy to frame our own experiences. Integrating a client’s interests in play therapy can nurture rapport building, encourage creativity, and can provide a safe distance to process emotions and gain perspective. Geek Therapy is an affinity-based model of therapeutic intervention and communication based on the theory that the best way to understand each other, and ourselves, is through the media we care about. This recording will define and explore the Geek Therapy model created by Josué Cardona and provide case studies with directive and non-directive play therapy interventions presented by Registered Play Therapist Sophia Ansari, to bridge theory with practice. Geeking out is highly encouraged!

Program Information

Objectives

Apply the three components of the Geek Therapy model to improve case conceptualization.
Integrate client interests and affinities in play therapy to encourage rapport building, social connection, and exploration.
Practice play therapy interventions using the Geek Therapy mindset and explore related resources in your play therapy practice to improve clinical outcomes.

Outline

Incorporate your Client’s Interests
- Video games, comic books, anime, and MORE into therapy
Therapeutic Power of Storytelling
- Help clients discover they are the heroes of their own stories
Explore the Dynamic and Engaging World of Video Games
Minecraft and other Video Games are the New Virtual Sandtray

Target Audience

Counselors
Marriage and Family Therapists
Mental Health Clinicians
Play Therapists
Psychologists
Psychiatrists
School Counselors
Social Workers

Copyright : 05/12/2022

Sand Therapy: A Powerful Tool to Create Safety and Healing for Trauma, Anxiety & More

Sand therapy is a powerful neurobiological approach to treating children, teens and families with trauma, anxiety, and attachment issues.
In this 90-minute recording, you will learn why sand therapies are so effective and the neuroscience behind them. Get a tour of the sandtray playroom, view a video sandtray demonstration, learn creative techniques and gain the basics that will keep you wanting more.

Integration of neurobiological trauma and sandtray
Expressive tool to deepen healing providing a safe psychological distance from the clients' problems
Directive and nondirective methods and case studies will be addressed to demonstrate the power of sand therapies in a therapeutic setting
Integrated within different theoretical models

Program Information

Objectives

Demonstrate the therapeutic value of sandtray play therapy to improve client engagement.
Demonstrate safe and effective outlets to help clients heal trauma, reduce anxiety, improve relationships, and gain resilience.
Demonstrate how to integrate sand therapy into your practice with children, and adolescents to offer safe psychological distance to deepen healing.

Outline

Intro and History to Sand Therapy
- Difference between sandtray and sandplay
- Different theoretical approaches to sand therapy
Benefits of Incorporating into your Practice, Agency, or School Setting
- Deep healing and transformation
- Offers whole-brain integration
- Quiets mind and body
- Full sensory experience
Neurobiology of Sand Therapy
- Expressive tools to deepen healing and provide safe psychological distance from client challenges
- Therapeutic powers of play in the sand
- Client-centered /nondirective sand therapy
- Directive sand therapy
Video of sand therapy with teen
Case study for family and individual sand therapy

Target Audience

Counselors
Marriage and Family Therapists
Mental Health Clinicians
Play Therapists
Psychologists
Psychiatrists
School Counselors
Social Workers

Copyright : 05/12/2022

Virtual Sandtray: Remaining Connected Through a Powerful Projective Intervention

Digital natives have been flooding your caseload with interests and ideas that might leave you wondering about how to engage clients. Speaking the client’s language has always been a top priority for therapists and shifting with our client’s needs and culture is of utmost importance. Add in the complexities of COVID, and we have fertile ground to explore interventions which meet client needs in a multitude of ways. Respecting the client’s culture and language, while nurturing a relationship which provides the neuroception of safety, allows the client to create and express emotions and experiences within.

View Dr. Jessica Stone, a psychologist and 30-year play therapy veteran, for a fun-filled presentation! This timely course is for professionals who would like to explore the therapeutic use of the virtual sandtray. Along with identifying the therapeutic components, you will learn basic use information as well as a live virtual sandtray demonstration. Benefits of virtual sandtray therapy includes easy clean up, portable, in-person and so much more!

With the virtual sandtray, the possibilities are virtually endless!

Program Information

Objectives

Determine at least two environments in which the virtual sand tray can be used in play therapy.
Apply simple yet effective ways virtual sand tray therapy can be used in a clinical play therapy setting to inform treatment outcomes.
Articulate methods by which the virtual sand tray can be used to review past client tray work to improve client level of functioning.

Outline

Intro to sand therapies
History of virtual sandtray
Speaking the client’s language
Discussion of virtual sand tray therapy use
- Benefits of virtual sandtray
Live demonstration
Techniques and environments
- Underworld Technique
- EMDR integration
- Education, medical, crisis
Future
Case Discussion

Target Audience

Play Therapists

Copyright : 05/12/2022

Creating a Safe Haven for Families in the Playroom to Rest, Refuel and Replenish

Helping families learn how to repair, restore, and create secure attachment happens as they come into the play therapy room for the first time. Parents often feel stretched to the breaking point by their child’s emotional and behavioral distress. Rather than treating family therapy through an adult lens, learn to harness the power of play to help children (and their parents) process difficult experiences and teach families to bond in healthy ways. This recording offers a new understanding, developed through the lens of attachment theory, of how families can repair deep emotional wounds through the power of play. You’ll discover:

New and innovative play therapy techniques you can put into practice immediately
Hands-on experiential activities, and expressive arts interventions for families designed to help repair attachment wounds
How to successfully invite and engage parents into the play therapy process
How to help families understand attachment styles and what it means to bond in healthy vs. maladaptive ways

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate the four key concepts of attachment theory and how these concepts apply to play therapy.
Analyze attachment theory as it applies to play therapy to provide integrated therapeutic treatment.
Practice 2 attachment centered play therapy interventions to increase the family’s self-esteem and resiliency.

Outline

Advancing Family Treatment with Play Therapy

4 key concepts of attachment
Blending attachment theory with play therapy
Attachment patterns across the lifespan and impact on parent/child relationship
Risks and limitations

Invite Parents to Play

Engagement strategies to strengthen parent/child relationship
- Build rappaport and make room for parents in the playroom
  - Sand tray, genograms, play-based treatment planning
- Establish boundaries and set expectations
- Encourage participation

Attachment Centered Play Therapy Strategies

Treatment of relational trauma – Attachment, wounding, and ruptures
- Parent/child relationship cycle
- Generational attachment patterns
  - Catch me if you can
  - Two hands

Target Audience

Counselors
Marriage and Family Therapists
Mental Health Clinicians
Play Therapists
Psychologists
Psychiatrists
School Counselors
Social Workers

Copyright : 05/13/2022

Affirming Play Therapy Approaches - The Agent of Change for Neurodivergent Kids

Neurodivergent children (autistic, ADHD, learning differences, sensory differences) represent a unique and large part of the population of children that participate in therapy, yet their needs are often misunderstood and neglected, not reaching their needed therapy goals.

Dr. Robert Jason Grant, creator of AutPlay Therapy, will share his 20+ years of experience in the field to explain the concepts of neurodiversity, ableism, neurodivergence, and how to be neurodiversity affirming. Many therapists often unintentionally implement interventions and techniques which can be harmful for neurodivergent children. Dr. Grant will share how to provide affirming approaches which give the child a voice, value the self of the child, empower the child, use play preferences as the agent of change, and address therapy needs and goals.

Your ability to recognize affirming vs. harmful interventions highlights the difference between effective vs. problematic play therapy work with neurodivergent children. This recorded session will provide you with the application of affirming play therapy processes to help neurodivergent clients grow and heal in their mental health goals while empowering the therapist to feel confident in their service to this most vulnerable population.

Program Information

Objectives

Analyze the concepts of neurodiversity, neurodivergence, and neurodiversity affirming application regarding practical use in play therapy sessions.
Support how play therapy theories and approaches can be implemented to be neurodiversity affirming and address clinical outcomes.
Demonstrate at least 5 play therapy interventions that would exemplify neurodiversity affirming principles.

Outline

Neurodiversity
- A paradigm and movement
- Variations and differences in neurotypes
- The neurodivergent client
Neurodiversity Affirming
- Ableist vs affirming play therapist
- Affirming play therapy theories and play techniques
- Strength-based approaches
Affirming Play Therapy
- Needs, healing, and growth outcomes
- Doing no harm

Target Audience

Counselors
Marriage and Family Therapists
Mental Health Clinicians
Play Therapists
Psychologists
Psychiatrists
School Counselors
Social Workers

Copyright : 05/13/2022

Big Behaviors in Small Containers: Trauma Informed Play Therapy Interventions for Dysregulation

When it comes to working with children, sometimes the biggest behaviors come in the smallest containers. Sometimes these behaviors are externalizing (screaming, crying, hitting) and sometimes these are internalizing (anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation). So often, the focus of treatment in these instances becomes about extinguishing the behavior without understanding what is driving it in the first place. Whether the end result involves a child shutting down or shouting out, it is critical that helping professionals be able to answer this key question: What is the need underlying the behavior?

This recording will offer more than a dozen practical, fun, and immediately useful play therapy interventions that engage the family in setting treatment goals, augmenting adaptive coping, enhancing the healthy attachment between parent and child while helping them shift paradigms around problematic child behaviors. Powerful exploration of the stress response system helps clients increase anger management skills, expand emotional literacy, practice pro-social skills with family and friends, address their difficult thoughts, and increase coherence in their trauma narratives.

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate disorders of dysregulation through the lens of bottom-up brain development and through a trauma-informed lens.
Extrapolate polyvagal theory to children and families through play therapy interventions.
Execute a play therapy intervention that can be used to target movement in each of ten separate areas of dysregulation.

Outline

Translating disorders of dysregulation into treatment goals
Understanding the neurobiology of play, the neurobiology of trauma, and the power of one to heal the other
Play therapy metaphors for working with our stress response systems
A Dozen Powerful Play Therapy Interventions for Enhancing Regulation, Strengthening Attachment, and Telling the Trauma Story

Target Audience

Counselors
Marriage and Family Therapists
Mental Health Clinicians
Play Therapists
Psychologists
Psychiatrists
School Counselors
Social Workers

Copyright : 05/13/2022

Playful Parts: The Intersection of Play Therapy and Internal Family Systems

While navigating the world children are exposed to experiences such as abuse, neglect, racial trauma, mass shootings, health pandemics, and natural disasters.

With a lack of emotional literacy, emotional awareness, and coping skills children run the risk of not fully being able to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and needs. This causes their traumatic experiences to have a greater impact on their internal system and causes parts to hold pain, shame, fear, and trauma.

Imagine having the skills to address the impact of a child’s traumatic experiences, by increasing emotional awareness and decreasing reactive behaviors.

With the combination of the non-phase treatment approach of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, and Play Therapy, children will now have the opportunity to learn the various parts that make them who they are, express the feelings and beliefs of their parts, gain knowledge that others have parts as well - in a creative way.

Carmen will teach us the therapeutic powers of play to facilitate communication, foster emotional wellness, enhance social relationships and increase personal strengths utilizing the steps of the Internal Family Systems therapy.

This product is not endorsed by, sponsored by, or affiliated with the IFS Institute and does not qualify for IFS Institute credits or certification.

Program Information

Objectives

Determine the core concepts of the Internal Family System model and Therapeutic Powers of Play Therapy.
Assess the challenges with children and families in relation to Internal Family Systems work within the Play Therapy setting.
Develop the knowledge of a child’s protective system to decrease reactive behaviors.
Apply the Internal Family System model to demonstrate Play Therapy and Expressive Art interventions within the therapeutic setting.

Outline

The Therapeutic Power of Play Meets Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Why the IFS model lends itself seamlessly to play therapy
How the core components of play therapy correlate with the 8 C’s of Self-leadership
The benefits of merging IFS with play: emotional literacy, communication, social relationships, and more

Integrating IFS and Play Therapy

Creative mapping to teach children about their internal world: self, protectors, and exiles
Exploring parts with external representation in play
Differentiating between managers and firefighters
The 6 F’s of IFS: find, focus on, flesh out, feel toward, become friends with, and find the fear of the part

Target Audience

Psychologists
Social Workers
Counselors
Marriage & Family Therapists
Speech-Language Pathologists
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
School Administrators
Teachers/School-Based Personnel

Copyright : 08/05/2021

LEGO®-Based Play Therapy Techniques: Unlocking Creativity to Strengthen Relationships, Encourage Flexible Thinking, and Promote Problem Solving

LEGO® models and structures have become well-recognized not only as toy models but also as art forms that can be used in therapy. By unlocking the inner architect who craves creativity, flexibility, and transformation, LEGO® (and similar building bricks) can be used as a therapeutic tool in play therapy and counseling to help strengthen relationships, provide sensory stimulation, improve social skills, and build resilience. This workshop will explore the therapeutic power of LEGO® in play therapy and counseling for working with children, adolescents, and adults.

You’ll gain an understanding of how to incorporate LEGO® into directive and non-directive play therapy interventions to engage clients, improve communication, problem-solving skills, conflict resolution skills, and increase self-esteem and well-being

Course Content Disclosure: LEGO® is a registered trademark of The LEGO Group. PESI, Inc. and speakers, Sophia Ansari, LPCC and Josué Cardona, MS, received no compensation from The LEGO Group for this seminar. Other building block systems may be used.

Program Information

Objectives

Appraise the history, research, and rationale of incorporating LEGO® in play therapy and counseling.
Utilize five play therapy interventions with individuals, groups, and families.
Differentiate when to utilize directive versus non-directive LEGO® based interventions.

Outline

LEGO®101: The (Literal) Building Blocks of Play
History and empirical rationale of LEGO® based play therapy
What makes building with bricks a therapeutic task?
Who may benefit from LEGO® based play therapy?

Let’s Build! Creative LEGO® Based Play Therapy Interventions
Individual and group interventions for children and adolescents
Directive and non-directive interventions to improve:

Communication
Engagement
Problem solving
Social skills
Flexible thinking
Conflict resolution
And more!

Families who build together, stay together – how to use LEGO® with families

Target Audience

Counselors
Social Workers
Psychologists
Marriage and Family Therapists
Educators
School Psychologists
School Counselors
School Social Workers
Educational Paraprofessionals
School Administrators
Speech-Language Pathologists
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Nurses
Case Managers
Other Helping Professionals Who Work with Children

Telehealth Meets Play: Treating Children and Adolescents in a Virtual Setting

You have the clinical skill set to work with children and adolescents in your office. But are you confident in how you can translate those skills to a virtual setting?

Packed with over creative interventions and insights, this 3-hour recording is sure to leave you inspired and full of ideas for your next tele-session, including how you can:

Set up a space that is welcoming and therapeutic (yes, even for virtual offices!)
Engage and connect with all kids, including those who are non-verbal and/or hesitant
Cultivate the neurological benefits of attunement, co-regulation, and trust
Troubleshoot common barriers to effective treatment
Creatively include caregivers to extend support between sessions
And more!

Don’t miss this must-watch recording for anyone working with children and adolescents – purchase today!

Program Information

Objectives

Determine the benefits of providing play therapy on a digital platform.
Apply directive and non-directive play therapy interventions to use in telehealth therapy sessions with children and adolescents.
Develop interventions for challenging clinical scenarios in telehealth, including resistance and crisis intervention.

Outline

Optimizing Your Telehealth Sessions from the Start

Setting up your space (and why it matters)

Preparation for virtual sessions

Games that require little-to-no material
Planning ahead for connectivity disruption
Boundaries and child-centered limit setting

How to structure a teletherapy session

Adjusting expectations and outcome

Creative Teleplay Interventions for your Virtual Toolbox

Demonstrations and resources, including:

Movement and regulation
Creative and expressive arts
Interactive choice boards, like PPT
Sandtray
Games, LEGO®, and other play techniques
Child Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT)
Mindfulness techniques
And more!

Troubleshooting Common Scenarios

What to do when: Resistance, hyperactivity, limit testing, crisis intervention, and more

Teleplay with non-verbal children

Clinician self-care (screen time is exhausting!)

Target Audience

Counselors
Social Workers
Marriage and Family Therapists
Psychologists(For CE Credit)
Psychotherapists
Therapists
Addiction Counselors
Case Managers
Nurses

The Ethics of Touch in Child Psychotherapy & Play Therapy

There are policies and actions that you can put into practice now to protect yourself.

What if that simple caring hug you gave a child in a therapy session somehow triggered a report to your licensing board?
Do you know what to do when a child hits you during a session?
What about when a child tries to touch you inappropriately?

Dr. Janet Courtney in this engaging webcast explores these ethical considerations of touch including current research, cultural concerns, and the importance of touch to human development. Come away with over 20+ clinical and ethical best practice guidelines! Case examples are highlighted to demonstrate in-the-moment interventions with client populations (infants to teenagers) dealing with issues related to attachment, autism, ADHD, Sensory processing disorder, and physical and sexual abuse.

Get a sneak peek of the seminar:

Visit the PESI blog to learn the 10 types of touch identified by Dr. Janet Courtney that can happen during therapy if deemed developmentally appropriate.

Program Information

Target Audience

Addiction Counselors, Counselors, Teachers/Educators, Marriage & Family Therapists, Nurses, Psychologists, Social Workers, Speech-Language Pathologists, and other Mental Health Professionals

Objectives

State 10 different types of touch that can occur in a therapy session.
Demonstrate four ways to evaluate for a child’s psychosocial experiences related to touch.
Describe how to apply 5 therapeutic interventions to handle in-the-moment ethical dilemmas in a play therapy session.

Outline

The Ethics of Touch in Context

Clinical concerns of touch in child psychotherapy and play therapy
No touch policies-more harm than good?
Types of touch: greeting, accidental, task-oriented, attentional, and more

Assessment for Psychosocial Experiences of Touch

4 Child Drawing Assessments
Rating scale questionnaires
- Parent’s perceptions of child’s touch experiences
- Teacher Touch Observation Rating Scale for child

Interventions and Case Examples: Ethical dilemmas of Touch- Responses, Interventions and Boundary Setting

Risk/benefit decision making
Child hits/slaps therapist
Inappropriate touching of therapist
Child asks to be touched inappropriately
Child asks for appropriate touch
Specific populations
- Infants-behavioral cue indications
- Teenagers
- Attachment Disorders
- Autism/Sensory Processing Disorders
- Sexually traumatized children
10+ Recommendations for working with abused children
Engaging parents in problem touch occurrences

20+ Top Ethical Touch Best Practice Guidelines

Practitioner Touch Awareness Questionnaire
Informed Consent-for therapy approaches that use touch
Informed Consent-Mandated Reporter of all forms of abuse
Unethical Forms of Touch
And many more…

Attachment Begins in Utero: There’s No Such Thing as a Blank Slate

New discoveries in neuroscience have shown us just how impactful in utero experiences and the first few years of life are to one’s emotional and social developmental trajectory.

The role of early life attachment relationships for optimal brain development, self-regulation, and addressing developmental trauma, impresses why infant mental health is so crucial for a lifetime of healthy interpersonal relationships.

Join Janet A. Courtney, PhD, LCSW, Founder of FirstPlay Therapy®, an Infant Mental Health & Developmental Play Therapy model to discover new innovations in the infant-parent attachment relationship. New breakthroughs in the neurobiology of touch, will show you how crucial touch is to the attachment relationship. Touch and attachment literally go “hand-in-hand”!

You’ll be introduced to an embodied infant play therapy model of FirstPlay Therapy® to promote nurturing touch to enhance and repair the attachment relationship, increase neuroception of safety, decrease anxious states, and foster co-regulation, and promote attunement to infant cues and body language.

Program Information

Objectives

Determine two (2) ways that the neurobiology of touch supports a secure parent-infant attachment relationship.
Demonstrate 3 ways to enhance secure attachments in parent-infant relationships for (or to) - outcome.
Evaluate two ways that FirstPlay Therapy Infant Play Therapy promotes the infant-parent attachment relationship.
Distinguish two differences between pre-symbolic play and symbolic play.

Outline

Infant Mental Health and Infant Play Therapy

Demystifying infant mental health
Busting the misconception that infants don’t experience trauma
Culturally sensitive - the Therapeutic Powers of Play

Increase a Neuroception of Safety

The parent/infant relationship is everything
Understanding an infant’s window of tolerance
Supporting co-regulation
Attunement to infant cues and body language

FirstPlay Infant Play Therapy

Ages birth to 36 months
Developmental Play Therapy for nurturing gentle touch
Therapeutic storytelling to facilitate a cue-based attuned reciprocal relationship

Target Audience

Infant mental health specialists
Occupational Therapists
Play therapists
Family therapists
Psychologists
Social workers
School counselors
Other mental health and professionals that work with the infants, young children and families

Nature Therapy for Kids: A Multisensory Approach to Better Mental Health

In a climate that values curricula that is fast-paced, highly scheduled, and “teaches to the test” — providing children time to connect with nature and engage in self-reflection continues to be sacrificed.

Our bodies are naturally attuned to connect biochemically with natural settings, and nature-based therapy helps bring the body and mind back to its more optimal state...and does so in a fun, accessible, and novel manner that children welcome and enjoy!

Join Dr. Cheryl Fisher to examine the whole-body, whole-brain benefits found in nature-based activities. It offers a multisensory approach to bringing mindfulness, green space, and biodiversity into your clinical or academic setting.

Learn how engaging in nature can counter the negative effects of a skim, scan, scroll world and promote a calm and alert state. Windows optional!

Program Information

Objectives

Design the multisensory approach for overall wellness.
Determine the role of vestibular and kinesthetic development in behavioral and mental health.
Create 3 ways being in nature promotes a mindful presence.
Apply 2 nature-based activities to promote sensory integration.
Determine at least three ethical considerations for integrating nature-informed therapies into clinical practice.

Outline

Multisensory Approach to Mental Health
Promote vestibular and kinesthetic development

Nature - A Multisensory Experience (Whole Brain/Whole Body)
Reduce anxiety, sensory disorganization and tactile defensiveness
Increase attention and a calm state

Cognitive Development and Emotional Regulation
Improve sensory integration and focused attention
Enhance emotional states, promote confidence & creativity
Increased emotional intelligence and empathy
Improve posture, strength, endurance, balance, body awareness, immune system, and sleep

Bring the Outdoors In
Create natural lighting, integrate natural elements
Animal assisted therapy
Tools for teaching mindfulness

Venture Outside
Promote listening, focused attention, cooperative interaction, problem solving, creativity

Inclusion
Plan and create green and blue space areas inclusive to ableness, cultural diversity, accessibility

Additional Nature-Informed Tools
Ethical Considerations

Target Audience

Psychologists
Social Workers
Counselors
Marriage & Family Therapists
Speech-Language Pathologists
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
School Administrators
Teachers/School-Based Personnel