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When the Cool & Creative Techniques in Play Therapy Miss the Mark: Innovative Ways to Deepen the Therapy Process
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n the world of play and child therapy, cool and creative techniques often stand at the forefront of therapeutic interventions. These methods, while fascinating and diverse, do not always guarantee success. There are moments when they fall flat, leaving therapists to grapple with the pivotal question: What comes next?
When faced with a child unmoved by the usual razzle-dazzle of creative interventions, the challenge intensifies, revealing an underlying struggle with empathy failure and misattunement. This presentation, led by David Crenshaw and Cherie Spehar, delves into the heart of these challenges. Drawing from their extensive experience (in what for each of us?) respectively, they illuminate the path towards re-engaging children in re-imagined ways.
The crux of our discussion centers on identifying and overcoming the pain points in therapy—moments where conventional methods fail to resonate, signaling a deeper issue revealing messages to us. We explore the nuances of empathy failure, where therapists might miss or misinterpret the emotional cues of children, leading to misattunement and a disruption in the therapeutic connection.
Our focus then shifts to innovative strategies for deepening the therapy process. We unpack the importance of imaginative engagement, both as a tool for entertainment and as a vital bridge to understanding and connecting with a child’s inner world. Through real-life case studies and interactive demonstrations, David and Cherie will share their approach to navigating these complex dynamics, offering participants a framework and a set of practical insights to enhance their therapeutic relationships.
Attendees will leave this session equipped with:
- A deeper understanding of empathy failure and misattunement in child therapy.
- Strategies for recognizing and addressing the root causes of engagement barriers.
- Innovative techniques for deepening the therapeutic process, fostering a stronger connection and understanding between therapist and child.
Join us as we explore the depths beyond traditional play therapy techniques, uncovering the transformative power of empathy and imaginative connection in healing and growth.
David Crenshaw, PhD, ABPP, RPT-S™
David A. Crenshaw, PhD, ABPP, RPT-S™, is Clinical Director of the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie. He is Past-President of the New York Association for Play Therapy, a Board-Certified Clinical Psychologist; a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychology, and a Registered Play Therapy Supervisor. Dr. Crenshaw has taught graduate courses in play therapy at Columbia University and Johns Hopkins University. He was honored with the Excellence in Psychology Award in 2009, and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 by the Hudson Valley Psychological Association. In 2018, he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the NY Association for Play and in 2021 was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the NY Association for Play Therapy. The author/editor/co-editor of 17 books, numerous book chapters, and journal articles on child aggression, play therapy and child trauma, his latest book co-edited with Cathy Malchiodi is What to Do When Children Clam-Up in Psychotherapy and a book co-written with Eliana Gil titled Termination Challenges in Child Psychotherapy.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: David Crenshaw is the founder and director of Rhinebeck Child and Family Center LLC and the clinical director of Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie. He receives royalties as a published author. David Crenshaw receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: David Crenshaw is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Association for Play Therapy, and the New York Association for Play Therapy, Los Angeles County Psychological Association, and the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
Cherie Spehar, LCSW, RPT-S™, ACTP, Smiling Spirit Pathways
Cherie Spehar, LCSW, RPT-S™, ACTP, is a seasoned trauma healing practitioner and educator. Wither over three decades of experience, Cherie Spehar stands at the forefront of holistic therapeutic approaches. As a licensed clinical social worker and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, Cherie blends traditional healing methods with innovative practices like ecotherapy and earth medicine, showcasing her dedication to diverse and integrative healing modalities. At the heart of Cherie’s work is Smiling Spirit Pathways, her private practice, where she creates a nurturing space of understanding and support for both children and adults.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Cherie Spehar maintains a private practice and has employment relationships with The National Institute for Trauma and Loss, UNC School of Social Work, and New Leaf Behavioral Health. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Cherie Spehar is a member of The National Institute for Trauma and Loss, the Association for Play Therapy and the NASW.
