Friday, August 14th, 2026
9am-12:15pm
Location: The Moose Lodge in Fairfax, 3529 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
Playful, Not Childish: Integrating Play Therapy in Tween and Teen Groups
Presenter: Jenni Showalter, LCSW, RPT-S
Year-At-A-Glance
The Play Cafe – Monthly Lunch and Learn
September 9th, 12-1 PM,EST
This virtual, one-hour lunch and learn session will be held monthly. Earn one Play Therapy CE while discussing various aspects of play therapy, including techniques, theories, and the process of becoming a Registered Play Therapist (RPT). This is also a great opportunity to network with fellow and aspiring play therapists. Register for this month’s session using the link below!
September TOPIC: Back to School: Play Therapy Strategies for School Anxiety and School Refusal
School anxiety and school refusal are increasingly common concerns that can significantly impact a child’s emotional well-being, academic success, and family functioning. Participants will explore the emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and relational factors that contribute to school refusal while learning practical play therapy interventions that help children identify anxious thoughts, build coping skills, increase emotional regulation, and develop confidence in returning to school.
Training Objectives
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Discuss developmental considerations and the underlying factors contributing to school anxiety and school refusal through a play therapy framework.
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Demonstrate at least five play therapy interventions that help children recognize anxious thoughts, develop coping skills, increase emotional regulation, and build confidence.
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Apply play therapy techniques to develop developmentally appropriate treatment plans that support successful school re-entry, reduce avoidance behaviors, and increase school attendance.
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Describe play therapy strategies that help parents reinforce coping skills, reduce accommodation of anxiety, and effectively support their child’s successful school re-entry.
Led by Sheri Mitschelen, LCSW, RPT-S
CE’S: 1 hour for APT, NBC, ASWB
Cost $10.00
Location: Virtual Event-The Play Cafe- Monthly Lunch and Learn
Upcoming Training Sessions